Cranberry Orange Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 3/4 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the perfect cranberry orange scone, you need a few key items. The main base starts with all-purpose flour. This gives your scones a nice structure. The sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder makes them rise, while salt enhances the flavor. Using cold, cubed unsalted butter is vital. This keeps your scones flaky. Dried cranberries bring tartness and a chewy texture. The orange zest adds a bright flavor, making each bite fresh. The liquid mix of heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract binds everything together. When you combine these items, your dough becomes rich and flavorful. - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons orange juice A glaze can elevate your scones. Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice. This sweet topping adds a zesty finish. It is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt 3. Add the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour. Aim for a texture like coarse crumbs. 4. Stir in: - 3/4 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange Mix until they are evenly spread in the dough. 5. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pour this mix into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. It’s fine if some dry spots remain. 6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just enough to form a ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. 7. Cut the dough into wedges like a pizza or use a round cutter for individual scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. 8. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be lightly golden on top. 9. If you want a glaze, whisk together: - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth. 10. Let the scones cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the top before serving. To get the best scone texture, don't overmix the dough. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. It is okay if the dough has some dry spots. Overmixing makes scones tough. Use cold butter for a flaky texture. Cold butter creates pockets of steam that make the scones rise well. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices can give your scones a warm, inviting taste. You can also decide between fresh or dried cranberries. Fresh cranberries offer a tart bite, while dried cranberries add sweetness. Both options work well; just pick what you like best. For a lovely presentation, serve the scones warm on a decorative plate. Drizzle some extra glaze over the top for shine. You can also place fresh cranberries around the scones for color. This makes your plate look bright and festive. A good look makes everyone want to try them! {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry orange scones even better! Consider adding nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Try using dark or white chocolate for a richer taste. Another option is to experiment with different citrus zests. Besides orange, you might try lemon or lime. Each brings its own zing to the scone, making it unique. Mix and match flavors to find your favorite combination! If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Many blends work well for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. You can also check for certified gluten-free products. For a vegan alternative, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream. You can swap the egg for a flaxseed egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to the mix. Make your scones fit the season! For holidays, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also decorate them with festive colors. Incorporate seasonal fruits too. In spring, try adding fresh blueberries or strawberries. In fall, you can use apples or pears for a cozy touch. Each season offers a chance to create something new and delicious. To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft and tasty for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a container. This way, they can last up to a week. Freezing scones is a great option too. Start by letting them cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, take a scone out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-baked taste and texture. To make gluten-free cranberry orange scones, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that have a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. Brands like Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur Flour offer great options. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. You might also want to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This will keep your scones light and fluffy. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries instead of dried. Fresh cranberries are tart, so adjust the sugar in your recipe to balance the flavors. I recommend adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to your dough. You may also want to chop the fresh cranberries into smaller pieces. This helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the scone. You can tell the scones are done when they turn lightly golden on top. Another sign is when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The ideal internal temperature for scones is about 190°F (88°C). Make sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. This will help you avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry scones. Cranberry orange scones are simple to make with easy steps. You mix dry and wet ingredients, shape the dough, and bake until golden. Remember not to overmix for the best texture. Try nuts or spices for extra flavor. Store them at room temp or freeze for later. You can make these scones gluten-free or vegan too. With these tips and variations, you can enjoy these scones any time. Enjoy your baking adventure!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Bliss Orange Scones with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, these scones combine the tartness of dried cranberries with zesty orange for a refreshing twist. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create flaky, golden scones topped with a sweet glaze. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a touch of bliss to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

3/4 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glaze

Optional: 2 tablespoons orange juice for glaze

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are some dry spots.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.

Cut the dough into wedges (like a pizza) or use a round cutter to create individual scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.

While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze (optional) by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.

Let the scones cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm on a decorative plate, accompanied by a small dish of additional orange glaze and some fresh cranberries for a pop of color.