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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated 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 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice What can I use instead of all-purpose flour? You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier scone. Almond flour works too, but your scones may need more structure. What can I substitute for sugar? Try honey or maple syrup. Use less liquid for balance. Coconut sugar is another great option, as it adds a rich flavor. What are vegan substitutes for butter and cream? Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter. Almond milk or coconut cream works well instead of heavy cream. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the scones not stick. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure these dry ingredients mix well. This mix forms the base of your scones. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Stir until smooth. Next, add the zest of 1 large orange. This zest adds a bright flavor to your scones. Turn the dry mix into the wet mix and stir gently. Do not overmix! The dough will be a bit crumbly. Turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for a classic shape. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should turn lightly golden on the edges. To check, insert a toothpick into one. If it comes out clean, your scones are done. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. To make the best scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes scones tough, not tender. Use proper measurement techniques for your ingredients. Always level off flour with a knife. This gives you the right amount. Too much flour can dry out your scones. You can enhance the flavors with spices. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices pair well with orange and cranberry. Consider flavor variations with other fruits. Dried cherries or blueberries can replace cranberries. You could also add lemon zest for a bright twist. For a lovely finish, dust your scones with powdered sugar. This adds sweetness and looks nice. Serve your scones warm with whipped cream or a fresh orange glaze. This makes a perfect treat for breakfast or tea time. Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture in your scones. You can even freeze it for a few minutes before using. Don't Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so keep it gentle! Add Extra Zest: For an even more vibrant flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or as a garnish. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your scones by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits for varied flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different flavors. One great option is lemon cranberry scones. Just replace the orange zest with lemon zest. This adds a bright, fresh taste. The tartness of lemon pairs well with cranberries. Another fun idea is to mix in chocolate chips. Use half the orange zest and add 1 cup of chocolate chips instead. The sweet chocolate balances the tangy orange. Each bite will feel like a treat. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This keeps your scones from falling apart. You can still enjoy the same great flavor and texture. For those cutting back on sugar, use a sugar alternative. You can try coconut sugar or a stevia mix. These options lower the sugar content while keeping it sweet. You can add seasonal spices to make scones feel festive. A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon brings warmth to your scones. This is perfect for fall or winter gatherings. Just add about 1/2 teaspoon when mixing dry ingredients. This small change makes a big difference in flavor. For short-term storage, keep your scones in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Place them in a cool, dry place for up to three days. If you want them to stay soft, wrap them in plastic wrap first. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can make them dry. You can freeze baked scones to enjoy later. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the frozen scones for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Homemade scones usually last about three days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they may last a bit longer but can dry out. Freezing extends their life to around three months, giving you more time to enjoy them! Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries add a tart flavor. You may need to adjust the sugar since fresh cranberries are less sweet than dried ones. Use about 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries and chop them slightly for better mixing. How do I know when scones are done baking? Scones are done when they turn golden brown on the edges. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your scones are ready. They should feel firm, but not hard when you touch them. What can I serve with orange cranberry scones? You can serve scones warm with butter or whipped cream. A drizzle of orange glaze adds a nice touch. They pair well with tea or coffee for a lovely breakfast or snack. Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Shape it into a circle and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, cut and bake them directly from the fridge. How do I adjust the recipe for high altitude baking? At high altitude, reduce the baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon. Increase the liquid by a tablespoon. You may also need to bake a little longer. Keep an eye on them as they bake. This blog post covered how to make delicious orange cranberry scones. We discussed key ingredients and offered substitutions for various diets. The step-by-step instructions gave tips for mixing and baking to achieve perfect scones every time. We shared helpful tips and tricks for enhancing flavor and presented fun variations. Remember, scones can be stored and frozen easily for later enjoyment. With these insights, you’ll create tasty treats that impress anyone. Enjoy baking your scones and exploring all the fun flavors!

Zesty Orange Cranberry Delight Scones

Delicious scones infused with zesty orange and sweet cranberries.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.33 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 0.5 cups dried cranberries
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cups fresh orange juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the 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 into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if the dough is a little crumbly.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut it into 8 equal wedges or use a round cutter for a more classic scone shape.
  • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve warm with powdered sugar or a fresh orange glaze.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones