Introduction:
Imagine the cozy morning light streaming through your window as you savor the aroma of Cranberry Orange Scones baking in the oven. This recipe melds the tangy essence of cranberries with the vibrant kick of fresh orange zest, tucked into rich, flaky scones. Whether you’re settling into a slow morning or hosting a friendly tea gathering, these scones are sure to enchant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fruit-Filled Flavor: The zest of orange and tart cranberries create a lively taste sensation.
- Irresistible Texture: These scones boast a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy heart.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these scones take just about 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus a bit more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Detailed Instructions:
- Oven Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ready a baking sheet with parchment or a light greasing.
- Dry Mix: In a sizable bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Butter Incorporation: Distribute the butter pieces into the dry mix, using a pastry blender or your fingers, until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add Flavors: Stir the dried cranberries and orange zest into the mix.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla together.
- Dough Formation: Carefully fold the wet mixture into the dry, stirring just enough to come together into a rough dough.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough gently and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Slice the dough into wedges or rounds and arrange them on your baking sheet.
- Top Off: Brush the scone tops with a bit more cream to achieve a golden hue.
- Baking Time: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones turn golden brown. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cooling: Allow the scones to cool briefly on the pan, then move to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, maybe with some clotted cream, jam, or butter.
Storage Options:
- At Room Temperature: Keep the scones in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: They can stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.
- For Freezing: First freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Warm them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Follow this straightforward guide to create and relish these charming Cranberry Orange Scones!
