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To make delightful cranberry orange scones, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Extra sugar for sprinkling Each ingredient plays a key role in the final taste. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, and salt balances the flavor. Using cold butter is crucial. It creates flaky layers in the scone. Fresh cranberries add bursts of tartness. The orange zest brightens the flavor, making every bite refreshing. Heavy cream provides richness, while the egg adds moisture and helps bind everything together. Finally, the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The extra sugar on top adds a delightful crunch. With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to bake a batch of tasty scones! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. This step is key for even flavor. Now it's time to add the butter. Take 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed, and add it to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. This helps make your scones flaky. Next, mix in the cranberries and orange zest. You need 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries, roughly chopped, and the zest of 1 large orange. Stir well to ensure they are evenly spread through the mix. This adds a bright, fresh taste. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Use 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don't overmix; the dough will be slightly sticky. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. This shape helps the scones rise nicely. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For a sweet touch, sprinkle some extra sugar on top of each scone. Bake them for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Let them cool slightly before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy your warm, tasty scones! Cold butter is key to great scones. When you use cold butter, it helps create a flaky texture. This happens because the butter melts in the oven, leaving small pockets of air. These pockets make the scones rise and become light. To get cold butter, keep it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. Cut it into small cubes before mixing it with the flour. This way, you will have the best texture. Fresh cranberries bring a bright, tart taste to your scones. They burst while baking, releasing their juices. This adds a lovely flavor. Dried cranberries are sweeter and do not provide the same freshness. If you prefer a sweeter scone, you can use dried cranberries. Just remember, fresh ones will give you the best taste. The right tools make baking easier. A pastry cutter helps you mix butter and flour well. A large mixing bowl is great for combining ingredients. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. An oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the right temperature. This helps the scones bake evenly. With the right tools, you will make perfect cranberry orange scones every time. {{image_2}} You can make these scones gluten-free with simple swaps. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour. This flour blends well and keeps the taste great. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Making these scones vegan is easy. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For the egg, use a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until thickened. Use this in place of the egg for binding. Want to add more flavor? Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a warm spice, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. Each of these options brings something new and exciting to your scones. Store your scones at room temperature for up to two days. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Avoid stacking the scones; this prevents them from getting soggy. A paper towel inside the container can help absorb moisture. For longer storage, freeze the scones. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your scones warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them crisp on the outside and warm inside. You can also microwave a scone for about 15 to 20 seconds, but it may lose some crispness. How do I make scones lighter and fluffier? To make scones lighter, use cold butter. This helps create air pockets. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. Mixing just until combined keeps the scones fluffy. Can I use frozen cranberries in the recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just chop them while frozen. They may add a bit of moisture, so adjust the flour slightly if needed. Frozen cranberries work well and keep the scones fresh. What’s the best way to serve cranberry orange scones? Serve cranberry orange scones warm. They are great plain or with butter. You can also enjoy them with jam or cream. Pair with tea or coffee for a delightful treat. You now have a clear path to make delicious cranberry orange scones. I detailed essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. Remember to use cold butter for the best texture and fresh cranberries for great flavor. Don't hesitate to try gluten-free or vegan variations. Store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty. With practice, you can perfect this recipe. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful results awaiting you!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cranberry Orange Zest Scones with this easy recipe! Made with fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavors, these scones are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat. Follow our simple instructions to create golden brown scones that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large 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, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

        Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

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

            Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.

              Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.

                Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

                  Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each scone for added sweetness and crunch.

                    Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

                      Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 8 scones