If you’re looking for a delightful treat for your next brunch or afternoon tea, these Cranberry Orange Scones are sure to impress. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With a tender crumb and bursts of fruity flavors, these scones are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into how to create these irresistible Cranberry Orange Scones!
**Cranberry Orange Scones**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
– 1 large egg
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. **Incorporate Butter:** Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. **Add Cranberries:** Gently fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the mixture.
5. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg until well combined.
6. **Bring the Dough Together:** Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the cream mixture into it. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture until it starts to come together.
7. **Shape the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
8. **Cut Scones:** Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
9. **Bake:** Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each wedge. Brush the tops with a little heavy cream to help them achieve a golden brown color while baking.
10. **Bake and Enjoy:** Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
These Cranberry Orange Scones are best enjoyed warm with a dollop of clotted cream or your favorite jam. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast in bed or a leisurely weekend brunch with loved ones. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding a drizzle of orange glaze or sprinkling some coarse sugar on top before baking for an extra touch of sweetness. Share these delightful scones with friends and family and watch them disappear in no time!
