![- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted cold butter, chilled and cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling on top When I make cranberry orange scones, I gather simple yet delicious ingredients. Each item plays a big role in flavor and texture. The flour gives the scones structure. The sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. Salt balances the flavors. The cold butter creates a flaky texture. It’s key to cut it in well. The dried cranberries bring a tart burst. The orange zest adds a bright, fresh flavor. For moisture, I use heavy cream and an egg. They bind everything together. A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth. Finally, a sprinkle of sugar on top gives that nice crunch. You’ll also need some equipment. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter to mix in the butter. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps the scones bake evenly. With the right ingredients, you can make these scones at home. Check the Full Recipe for more details. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the mixing bowls and baking sheet. - Combine dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. - Incorporate cold butter until crumbly. - Fold in cranberries and orange zest. - Combine wet ingredients, adding to dry mixture. - Turn dough onto a floured surface. - Cut into wedges and place on the baking sheet. - Brush with cream and sprinkle sugar before baking. - Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Making these cranberry orange scones is simple and fun. Start with the prep steps. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the scones rise nicely. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mix needs to be even for the best texture. Add the cold butter. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Mix until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. You want small pieces of butter to remain for a flaky texture. Now, fold in the cranberries and orange zest. This adds a nice burst of flavor. Make sure they are spread out in the mix. In another bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. It should be well mixed. Slowly pour this into your dry mix. Use a spatula to blend until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! A little stickiness is fine. Next, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 8 wedges. Transfer them to your baking sheet, leaving space between each. For a nice finish, brush the tops of the scones with cream. Sprinkle sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch. Finally, bake the scones. Put them in the oven for 15-18 minutes. They should turn golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when done. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma! - Avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps the scones light and fluffy. - Use a light touch when shaping scones. Gentle hands help them rise well. - Try adding orange juice for extra zest. This brings a bright, fresh taste. - Experiment with different dried fruits. You can use cherries or apricots for fun twists. - Serve with clotted cream or butter. This adds richness and complements the scones. - Garnish with cranberries or a mint sprig. This makes your dish look fresh and inviting. For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your scones. Here are two tasty options: - Lemon Cranberry Scones: Replace the orange zest with lemon zest. This gives a bright, tangy twist. The tartness of the lemon pairs well with cranberries. - Almond and Cranberry Scones: Add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds to the dough. This adds a nice crunch and a nutty flavor. You can also use almond extract to boost that flavor. If you have special dietary needs, I have some great options for you: - Gluten-free option: You can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. The texture will be different but still tasty. Just make sure to add a little more liquid to keep the dough moist. - Vegan scones: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps the scones light and fluffy without dairy. You can adjust the sweetness to fit your taste: - Reduce sugar: If you want a less sweet scone, cut the sugar in half. This makes the scones more savory. They will still taste great with the cranberries. - Add more sugar: If you prefer sweeter scones, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup. This makes for a delightful treat that pairs well with tea or coffee. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You can store leftover scones in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. For the best flavor and texture, eat them within 2-3 days. If you want to keep scones longer, freeze them. They last for up to 3 months in the freezer. This is a great option for meal prep or future snacks. To enjoy frozen scones, first, thaw them. Place them in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat the scones at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores their soft texture and warmth. For a great treat, enjoy them fresh from the oven. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. To make your scones light and airy, keep these tips in mind: - Use cold ingredients, especially butter and cream. - Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. - Make sure your baking powder is fresh. These steps help create pockets of air in the scones. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They will add a tart flavor. Dried cranberries are sweeter and easier to work with. If you use fresh, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the taste. Look for these signs: - The scones will be golden brown on top. - A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - They should feel firm but springy when touched. These cues show that your scones are perfectly baked. Cranberry orange scones pair well with: - Clotted cream or soft butter. - A warm cup of tea or coffee. - Fresh fruit or a light salad. These options enhance the scones' bright flavors. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just roll it out and cut it into wedges. Absolutely! To make gluten-free cranberry orange scones, use a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. This ensures the dough has the right texture. Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! In this post, I covered how to make delicious cranberry orange scones. I shared ingredients and simple steps for making the dough. You learned tips for perfect texture and ways to add flavor. Variations and storage tips help you keep scones fresh. Whether you prefer a sweet treat or a gluten-free option, there’s a scone for you. Enjoy baking and experiment with flavors. You’ll love the results and share them with others. Happy baking!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d557b90e-cd81-49af-937d-e5180185a183-250x250.webp)
Cranberry Orange Scones
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Cranberry Zest Scones! Perfectly light and fluffy, these scones are made with a blend of dried cranberries and refreshing orange zest, creating a delicious treat for breakfast or tea time. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!