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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons almond slices for topping (optional) - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling These ingredients create the perfect blend for cranberry orange scones. Each one plays a key role. The flour forms the base, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the scones rise, making them light and fluffy. The cold butter gives a rich flavor and flaky texture. Chopped cranberries bring a burst of tartness, and orange zest adds a fresh citrus kick. Buttermilk keeps the scones moist, while the egg binds everything together. Finally, almond slices and coarse sugar can top the scones for a delightful crunch. You can easily find all these items at your local store. Using fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by getting your oven nice and warm. This helps the scones rise well. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the scones not stick. - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a big bowl, mix the dry stuff. Take flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This step is key for even flavor in your scones. - Combine the cold butter, cranberries, and orange zest. - Mix wet ingredients and combine with dry ingredients. Next, add cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use your fingers to mix until it looks like crumbs. Then, toss in the chopped cranberries and orange zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Pour this mix into the dry mix, and stir gently with a fork. The dough should be a bit crumbly but stick together. - Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape into a disc, and cut into wedges. Sprinkle some flour on your countertop. Place the dough there and shape it into a round disc about 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut it into eight equal wedges. Think of it like cutting a pizza. Place the wedges on your lined baking sheet with a little space between them. - Bake and cooling instructions. Bake the scones for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn a nice golden brown on top. Once done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best taste! To make the best cranberry orange scones, the right texture is key. Here are some tips: - Avoid overmixing the dough: This is vital. Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing makes your scones tough. - Tips for achieving a flaky texture: Use cold butter. Cut it into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step creates layers as scones bake. Once your scones are ready, it’s time to enjoy them! Here’s how: - Best pairings for cranberry orange scones: They taste great with a cup of tea or coffee. The warm flavors balance the tart cranberries. - Recommended toppings: Try clotted cream or butter on top. A sprinkle of extra orange zest adds flair, too. If you have leftover scones, here’s how to keep them fresh: - Best practices for storing scones: Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft for a few days. - How to reheat for optimal freshness: Heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This restores their warmth and crispness. Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold and cubed before adding it to the flour mixture. This helps create a flakier texture in the scones. Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Variations on Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits or add nuts and chocolate chips for a unique twist on traditional scones. Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve these scones warm with clotted cream or butter just after baking. {{image_2}} To make your cranberry orange scones even tastier, try adding nuts or other dried fruits. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also mix in dried apricots or cherries for a sweet twist. Using different citrus zests can change the whole flavor. Try lemon or lime zest instead of orange. Each citrus brings its own bright taste, making the scones unique. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for blends made for baking. This keeps the scones light and fluffy. Just make sure to check the package for measurements. Some blends need extra liquid or binding agents. To make these scones vegan, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk. For egg replacement, try using a flaxseed meal or a chia seed mix. This keeps your scones moist and delicious without animal products. Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your perfect cranberry orange scone! Look for a few signs of doneness. The scones should be golden brown on top. You can also gently tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. Use a toothpick to check the center. If it comes out clean, your scones are ready. Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange scones. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. These scones taste great with various accompaniments. Serve them warm with clotted cream or butter. You can also add a dollop of jam or fresh fruit. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well too. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can use frozen cranberries, but it may change the texture. Frozen cranberries might be softer and more watery. This can make the scones a bit moister. If you use frozen, do not thaw them first. Add them directly to the dough for the best results. - 15 minutes - 20 minutes - 35 minutes - 8 scones When I make cranberry orange scones, I love how quick and easy they are. Prep takes just 15 minutes. You can get the dough ready in no time. The scones bake in 20 minutes. That means you can enjoy fresh scones in about half an hour! This recipe makes 8 scones, perfect for sharing. You can serve them at breakfast or as a snack. They taste amazing warm from the oven. I find that these scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well. Keep this timing in mind when you plan your day. It’s a great way to start a cozy morning or impress guests at brunch. We covered everything you need to make delicious cranberry orange scones. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step mixing and baking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect scones. I shared variations and answered common questions for added support. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving your scones fresh. With practice, you’ll master this recipe and impress your friends!

Cranberry Citrus Bliss Scones

Delicious scones infused with fresh cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons almond slices for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

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, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest evenly through the flour mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into an 8-inch round disc, about 1-inch thick.
  • Cut the disc into 8 equal wedges (like a pizza) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
  • If desired, sprinkle almond slices on top of each scone and then add a sprinkle of coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with clotted cream or butter, and garnish with orange slices or whole cranberries for a festive touch.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones