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To make the perfect cranberry orange scones, start with these key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt These four ingredients form the base. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, and salt enhances all the flavors. Next, we add ingredients that boost flavor and texture: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange Cold butter creates a flaky texture. Dried cranberries add bursts of tartness. The orange zest brings a fresh, bright note. Together, they make the scones sing. For moisture and richness, include these wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Additional sugar for sprinkling The heavy cream binds everything together. The egg adds richness. Vanilla extract deepens the flavor. A sprinkle of sugar on top gives a sweet, crunchy finish. These ingredients come together to create a simple yet delightful treat. You can enjoy these scones at breakfast or as a snack. The combination of flavors is truly comforting. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a good bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until well mixed. This ensures even flavor in your scones. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Then, gently fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. This adds sweetness and a lovely citrus aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This will add moisture and flavor to your scones. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The dough will be a bit sticky. Turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently, being careful not to overwork it. Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of extra cream. Sprinkle some sugar on top for that sweet crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Check for a golden color on top. A toothpick should come out clean when done. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! Using cold butter is key to great scones. It keeps the fat solid, creating flaky layers. If you use room-temperature butter, your scones may be dense. To avoid tough scones, don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it combines. When kneading, do it gently. Too much handling can make them tough. For a twist, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They give a nice depth. Mixing in herbs enhances the scone’s taste. Using fresh orange zest is a game-changer. It boosts flavor and adds brightness. The zest brings out the citrus notes and makes every bite special. To make your scones shine, brush the tops with cream. This gives them a nice, glossy look. You can also use an egg wash, but cream works great. Sprinkle sugar evenly for a sweet crunch. Use a fine sugar for a delicate finish. This simple step makes a big difference in appearance. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your scones. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a nice crunch. It adds a rich taste that pairs well with cranberries. You can also mix in other dried fruits. Blueberries or cherries work great too. They bring a different sweetness and color to your scones. Try out different combos to find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends made with rice flour or almond flour. These options work well and keep the scones soft. Always check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. For a vegan version, you can replace the dairy and egg. Use a plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. For the egg, use a flaxseed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. This will help bind your dough. With these swaps, you’ll have delicious vegan scones everyone will love! To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, use air-tight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the scones in a single layer to avoid crushing them. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Freezing scones is simple. You can freeze them either unbaked or baked. 1. Unbaked Scones: After cutting the scones, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer the scones to a freezer bag or container. They will last up to three months. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. 2. Baked Scones: Allow your baked scones to cool completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. They can also last up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. To reheat scones without drying them out, use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method helps keep them soft and tasty. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the scones tough. Cranberry orange scones stay fresh for about two to three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to a week there. Yes, you can make cranberry orange scones ahead of time. You can freeze the dough before baking. Just shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a bag. When you're ready, bake them straight from the freezer. Adjust the baking time by a few minutes. Cranberry orange scones pair well with many drinks and spreads. They taste great with tea or coffee. You can also serve them with butter, jam, or cream cheese. For a special touch, try a light drizzle of honey or a fruity spread. To keep your scones moist, use cold butter and heavy cream. These ingredients help create a tender crumb. Do not overmix the dough; mix just until combined. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of cream. This helps maintain moisture while baking. Cranberry orange scones are easy to make with simple steps and basic ingredients. We covered how to mix the dry and wet ingredients and shape them without overworking the dough. Remember to use cold butter for a fluffy texture. You can also try different flavors or make them vegan or gluten-free. Store them in airtight containers, and freeze any extras. Enjoy these tasty treats with your favorite drink or spread. Get baking, and savor every bite of your fresh scones!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Citrus Bliss Scones! This easy recipe combines tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest for a perfect morning treat. With just a few simple ingredients and under 35 minutes, you can whip up these soft, buttery scones that are sure to impress. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, click through to discover how to create this blissful bite today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional 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, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

      Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.

          In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

            Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined; the dough will be slightly sticky.

              Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it comes together, being careful not to overwork it.

                Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

                  Brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle with sugar for a sweet crunch.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                      Allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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