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Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors. Perfect for a quick breakfast or cozy afternoon snack, these scones combine fresh orange zest and dried cranberries for a vibrant, delicious treat that’s easy to make and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest until evenly combined.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, quickly work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining, which helps create flaky layers.
  3. Fold in Cranberries and Wet Ingredients: Gently stir in the dried cranberries. In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
  4. Shape and Cut: Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out. Pat it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the disk into 8 wedges or use a round biscuit cutter for individual scones.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, brush the tops with a beaten egg to achieve a shiny golden crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

  • Keep ingredients cold to ensure flaky layers.
  • Do not overmix the dough to maintain tender scones.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
  • Pat dough evenly for uniform baking.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry scones, orange scones, breakfast scones, quick scones, flaky scones, fruity scones, morning treat, snack