The moment you pull a tray of warm, golden-brown cranberry orange scones from the oven, the aroma takes over your kitchen like a cozy hug. With hints of tart cranberries and zesty oranges mingling in the air, it’s as if all your senses are having a party. blondies with cranberries Each bite promises a flaky texture that crumbles just right, balancing sweetness with a delightful citrus twist. perfect pairing with scones These scones are perfect for brunch on lazy Sunday mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.
I remember the first time I baked cranberry orange scones; my kitchen transformed into a scene from a baking show. My friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting those buttery delights. When they finally took their first bites, their eyes lit up like they’d just discovered treasure. savory cranberry chicken salad The joy these scones bring is truly unmatched – they might even turn a gloomy day into sunshine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry orange scones are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Their bright flavors and stunning appearance will impress anyone at your breakfast table
- You can enjoy them fresh or freeze batches for later use, ensuring you always have this delightful treat on hand
- They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even as part of a festive brunch spread
My family couldn’t stop raving about how these scones became the star of our Sunday brunch.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking Powder: This is key to fluffy scones; double-check its freshness for optimal rise.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tartness of cranberries; adjust based on preference.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for flakiness; cut it into small cubes before mixing.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried work well; opt for unsweetened dried cranberries for less sugar.
- Orange Zest: This brightens up the dough; make sure to grate only the outer layer of the peel.
- Milk or Cream: Adds moisture; use whole milk for richness or light cream for extra indulgence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. pumpkin spice snickerdoodles.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: gather your ingredients and tools so you’re ready to roll.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your dough. This ensures an even bake and perfectly golden tops.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be light and airy.
Add Butter and Combine: Toss in cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Remember, keep it cold to maintain flakiness.
Add Cranberries and Zest: Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest. Avoid over-mixing – we want those juicy bits throughout without turning them into mush!
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk or cream gradually while stirring until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape and Cut Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter for classic shapes.
Bake Those Scones!: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before indulging!
Enjoy these delightful cranberry orange scones warm out of the oven or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container! For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake recipe.
You Must Know
- These cranberry orange scones are a delightful combination of tart and sweet, perfect for breakfast or tea time
- Their light, flaky texture will have everyone coming back for seconds
- Don’t forget to serve them warm with a pat of butter for that extra deliciousness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then add cold butter until crumbly. Finally, stir in cranberries and orange zest before shaping scones.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also glaze the scones with an orange icing for a sweet finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter to achieve that flaky texture; it makes all the difference in the world
- Don’t overmix the dough; your scones will thank you with their lightness
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully
The first time I baked these cranberry orange scones, they disappeared faster than I could say “breakfast.” My friends couldn’t get enough, and I was left wondering if I’d ever see them again!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry orange scones?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture beforehand.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Scones should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch when fully baked.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough overnight and bake fresh scones in the morning.
Cranberry Orange Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 scones 1x
Description
Cranberry orange scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zest of fresh oranges. This easy recipe yields flaky, buttery scones perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon tea. The warm aroma wafting through your kitchen will invite everyone to the table, making these scones a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store for later indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or unsweetened dried)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest gently.
- Gradually stir in milk until just combined; dough should be slightly sticky.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
