Cranberry Orange Scones

$To make cranberry orange scones, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - ½ cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - ½ cup whole milk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives the scones structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder makes them rise, while salt brings out the flavors. Cold butter is essential. It creates flaky layers in the scones. Dried cranberries add a sweet and tart punch, and orange zest gives a bright, fresh flavor. Whole milk adds moisture. The egg helps bind everything together. Finally, vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the process smoother and more fun! First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the scones bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick. In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to blend everything well. This creates a nice dry mix. Now, add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Some butter pieces should still be small. This keeps your scones tender. Next, gently fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 large orange. Make sure they are spread out evenly. This step adds bursts of flavor in each bite. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined. This adds moisture to your scones. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Don't overmix; it’s okay to have lumps. This will make the scones light and fluffy. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times. Then, pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. This helps shape your scones. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between them for even baking. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The scones should be lightly golden and smell great when done. Once baked, take the scones out and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps set them and makes serving easier. Enjoy your warm scones! Mixing is key to great scones. Start by whisking the dry ingredients well. This helps blend them evenly. When you add the cold butter, use your fingertips or a pastry cutter. You want small bits of butter in the mix. This keeps the scones tender. Don’t rush this step. The more even your mix, the better your scones will be. To make fluffy scones, use cold ingredients. Cold butter and milk help create steam during baking. This steam makes the scones rise. Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense scones. Lastly, shape the dough gently. Pat it down instead of rolling it out. This keeps air in the dough, making your scones light and airy. Serve your cranberry orange scones warm for the best taste. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can also pair them with orange marmalade or clotted cream. These spreads add flavor and richness. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a delightful snack. You can even serve them at brunch for a special treat! {{image_4}} You can mix up the dried cranberries with other fruits. Here are some great options: - Chopped dried apricots - Raisins or golden raisins - Dried cherries - Blueberries or blackberries These fruits give a sweet twist. They also add new flavors and colors. You can change the zest too. Lemon zest or lime zest adds a nice zing. To boost the flavor of your scones, try these ideas: - Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. - Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique taste. - Mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. These small changes make your scones even more special. You can find what you like best. If you need gluten-free scones, it's easy to swap ingredients. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for texture. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour. These options will change the taste a bit. But they can still be delicious. Just be careful with the liquid amounts. Gluten-free flours often soak up more moisture. Adjust as needed for the perfect dough. To keep your leftover scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture. You can store the scones at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, but it may change their texture. When it's time to enjoy your scones again, you can reheat them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them for about 15-20 seconds. This helps restore their soft texture. If you want to save scones for later, freezing is a great choice. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They will add a tart flavor to the scones. Fresh cranberries will make your scones slightly wetter. You may want to reduce the milk a bit to balance the moisture. You can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening in place of butter. Both will give a nice texture. If you use coconut oil, make sure it is solid, not melted. You can also try a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. Your scones are done when they turn lightly golden on top. They should feel firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean. The baking time is usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After shaping the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just cut and bake as directed. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair them with orange marmalade or clotted cream. This adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the scones well. Enjoy them with tea for a delightful afternoon treat! You’ve learned how to make delicious cranberry orange scones. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. I shared storage methods and FAQs to ease your baking worries. Scones can be fun and easy to make. Enjoy these treats with friends or family. They’ll love your baking skills. Simple swaps and ideas let you be creative. Don't hesitate to try new flavors. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cranberry Orange Scones that are perfect for any occasion! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create tender, flavorful scones that burst with the goodness of cranberries and zesty orange. Learn how to mix, shape, and bake these delightful treats in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking skills today! Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

½ cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

½ cup whole milk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To prepare for baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy release of the scones after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended, creating a uniform dry mixture.

Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining for tenderness.

Add Fruits and Zest: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and the zest of one large orange into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed to add bursts of flavor in every bite.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, and pure vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness to the scones.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. It's essential not to overmix; leaving a few lumps is perfectly fine, as this will lead to a lighter scone.

Shape the Dough: Transfer the scone dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times, just enough to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle approximately 1 inch thick.

Cut the Scones: Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. Carefully place each wedge onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between each scone for even baking.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and fragrant.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle before serving.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve the warm scones dusted lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a small bowl of orange marmalade or clotted cream for delightful spreading, elevating your afternoon tea experience!