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To make cranberry orange scones, you will need the following: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients create a tasty base for the scones. The dried cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. The orange zest brightens up the dough and brings a fresh aroma. You can enhance your scones with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top. This sugar adds a nice crunch and extra sweetness. Feel free to get creative! You can also drizzle a simple orange glaze for a sweet finish. Each scone has around 200 calories. They contain about 8 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein. These scones are a delightful treat but enjoy them in moderation! Pair them with tea or coffee for a perfect snack. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for perfect scones. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well. This mix gives the scones a great rise and flavor. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend them together until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates a tender scone. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. Stir them in gently to spread out the flavor. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this wet mix into the dry mix. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix or your scones will be tough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut this circle into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet. If you want a sweet touch, sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a nice golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving. To get soft and flaky scones, keep your butter cold. Cut it into small pieces before mixing it in the flour. This helps create those tender layers. When you mix, do it gently. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want to see little bits of butter in the dough. This adds to the texture. One common mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter can change the dough's texture. Another mistake is forgetting to measure ingredients carefully. Accurate measurements are key. Lastly, don’t skip the buttermilk. It adds moisture and gives a nice flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix milk with vinegar as a substitute. Store leftover scones in an airtight container. Keeping them in a cool, dry place helps them last longer. You can also freeze scones if you want to save some for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes. They will taste fresh again! Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold and cubed to create flaky layers in your scones. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to prevent tough scones; a few lumps are okay. Adjust for Sweetness: Taste your dough before baking; you can add more sugar if you prefer sweeter scones. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different dried fruits or citrus zest for a unique twist on these scones. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your cranberry orange scones easily. Try adding nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. You could also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. If you like spices, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger. These spices can give your scones a warm flavor. Experiment with your favorites until you find the best combo. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Ensure it has xanthan gum; this helps with texture. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Your scones will still taste great and hold together well. Enjoy your gluten-free treat without worry. You can mix up the fruits in your scones, too. Dried cherries or blueberries are tasty alternatives. For a fresh twist, use lemon or lime zest. These fruits add a bright flavor. Each fruit brings a unique taste, making your scones fun to try. Feel free to explore different fruit pairings to find your favorite! Cranberry orange scones shine with the right drinks. A hot cup of tea brings out their flavors. Choose a light herbal tea or a classic Earl Grey. Coffee lovers can enjoy them with a smooth latte. The creamy milk mixes well with the scone's zest. For something refreshing, try iced tea or lemonade. Both drinks balance the sweetness of the cranberries. These scones fit many events. Serve them at a cozy breakfast or brunch. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and family get-togethers. You can also impress guests at afternoon tea. If you want to celebrate a small win, enjoy them as a treat. They can even be a sweet snack during your workday. How you serve your scones matters a lot. Arrange them on a pretty platter for a nice touch. Add some fresh cranberries or orange slices for color. A dusting of powdered sugar can make them look fancy. If you want something fun, serve them with small jars of jam. This way, everyone can pick their favorite flavor. Simple yet elegant makes for a great display! Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange scones. After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature. Cranberry orange scones last about two days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember that they may dry out a bit. Reheating scones is easy and quick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make them warm and soft again. You can also use a microwave, but they may become soggy. For the best taste, stick with the oven method. You learned the key ingredients and steps to bake cranberry orange scones. I shared helpful tips for texture and common mistakes. We explored variations, including gluten-free options and fruity add-ins. Lastly, I covered serving ideas and answered FAQs. Baking these scones can be fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll master it quickly. Enjoy making these tasty treats and impress everyone with your skills!

Cranberry Citrus Bliss Scones

Delicious scones infused with cranberry and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Save 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 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 half teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 half cup dried cranberries
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 1 half cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • optional Turbinado sugar for topping

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, 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 dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
  • Cut the circle into 8 wedges (like a pizza), and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
  • If desired, sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top of each scone for added sweetness and crunch.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones