There's nothing like the sweet and tangy combo of cranberry and orange in baked goods. In this post, I'll guide you through making delicious Cranberry Orange Scones that are both flavorful and easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have warm, tasty scones ready in no time. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh orange zest adds a delightful brightness that complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These scones are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea, making them a great addition to any gathering.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up quickly and impress their guests.
- Delicious Glaze: The sweet orange glaze drizzled on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finish to your scones.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, zest of 1/2 orange
Gather all these ingredients to make your scones. The dry ingredients form the base of your dough. Flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and soda help the scones rise. Salt balances the flavors.
Next, the wet ingredients bring moisture and richness. Cold butter makes the scones flaky. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the dough. The egg binds everything together, and vanilla adds a warm flavor.
For flavor, dried cranberries add a sweet and tart bite. The orange zest brightens the scones and gives them a fresh, fruity aroma. The glaze, made with powdered sugar and orange juice, adds a perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delight.
With these ingredients, you will create scones that are both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy the process and the delightful smells in your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add chilled, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use your fingers to press the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Stir in dried cranberries and orange zest evenly.
Mixing Wet Ingredients and Forming Scones
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir just until combined; a few lumps are fine.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.
Baking
- Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Scones
To make the best scones, start with cold butter. Cold butter gives scones a light and flaky texture. When you mix it into the flour, it should look like coarse crumbs. Be gentle when mixing the dough. Don't over-mix; stop just when the dough comes together. A few lumps are okay. Over-mixing makes the scones tough, and we want them soft.
Glazing Tips
After baking, let your scones cool a bit before glazing. This helps the glaze stick better. To make the glaze perfect, you can adjust the thickness. If it’s too thick, add more orange juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. A good glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scones warm for the best taste. They pair well with tea or coffee. You can also add a bit of butter on top for extra flavor. Enjoy them as part of breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Butter: Make sure your butter is very cold before adding it to the flour mixture. This helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries if available, and ensure your baking powder is not expired.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to your glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Variations
Dietary Alternatives
If you need to make gluten-free scones, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good mix of starches and proteins. This will help the scones rise well and stay soft. Add a bit of xanthan gum if your mix does not have it.
For a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk, like almond or soy milk, instead of buttermilk. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of ground seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Flavor Additions
You can switch up the flavors by adding different fruits. Blueberries and raspberries work great in this recipe. Just fold them into the dough like you do with cranberries.
If you love crunch, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. Chocolate chips also make a tasty addition. They add sweetness that pairs well with tart cranberries.
Seasonal Twists
You can adapt these scones for the seasons too. In the fall, add pumpkin puree and spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. For winter holidays, try using peppermint extract in the glaze.
You can also change the glaze for special occasions. Use lemon juice for a bright spring flavor or a mix of spices for a cozy winter treat.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Scones
To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, follow these steps:
- Refrigeration: Place scones in an airtight container. This keeps them moist. They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating scones properly brings back their fresh taste. Here’s how:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place scones on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps them soft inside.
- Crisping Edges: To crisp the edges, turn on the broiler for the last minute. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Enjoy your scones warm and delicious!
FAQs
Can I make scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. To do this, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and then combine them. Form the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Place the wedges on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, just bake them straight from the fridge. This method keeps the scones fresh and allows the flavors to meld.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute. Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will thicken the milk and give it a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. You can also use yogurt or sour cream, thinned with a bit of water or milk, as an alternative.
How to keep scones fresh?
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about two days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. This will help restore their lovely texture.
You learned how to make delicious scones from scratch. We covered ingredients like flour, butter, and cranberries. I shared tips for perfect texture and fun variations. Remember to chill your butter and avoid over-mixing. Enjoy them warm with your favorite drink. Scones are versatile, making them great for any occasion. With these steps, you can impress friends and family with your baking skills. Try it out, and savor each bite!
