If you are searching for a delightful way to brighten your mornings or impress guests at brunch, look no further than this Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe. Bursting with the vibrant zing of fresh orange zest and the tart sweetness of cranberries, these scones strike the perfect balance between tender, flaky texture and refreshing fruity flavors. They are straightforward to make, yet impressively delicious—ideal whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family. Once you master this recipe, these scones will surely become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly but delivers layers of flavor and texture that make each bite extraordinary. Every element plays an essential role, from the tangy orange zest brightening the mix to the cold cream ensuring a tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the scones structure and a light texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps create a fluffy, risen scone that isn’t too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the orange and cranberry flavors.
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the tart fruit.
- Zest of 1 large orange: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor that wakes up the palate.
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries, finely chopped: Brings bursts of tartness and lovely ruby color throughout.
- 1 cup cold heavy cream: Ensures richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Contributes flakiness and a buttery depth to the dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to craft a smooth, sweet glaze that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Perfect for mixing into the glaze to enhance the orange flavor and add a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Lightens the glaze for just the right consistency to drizzle over each scone.
How to Make Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your scones will bake evenly and won’t stick, making for easy cleanup and perfect bottoms every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with the Orange Zest
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and vibrant orange zest until everything is evenly distributed. This blend is where the scones begin to develop their fragrant citrus personality.
Step 3: Add the Chopped Cranberries
Gently stir the finely chopped cranberries into the dry ingredients so the tart fruit is well incorporated throughout the dough. These little jewel-like bursts will provide a welcome tart contrast to the rich dough.
Step 4: Mix the Butter and Cream
Combine the melted butter with the cold heavy cream, stirring until you see small bits of butter throughout. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully flaky texture that makes these scones stand out.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the cream and butter mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring just until a thick dough forms and no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough tender and just combined to keep the scones light.
Step 6: Shape and Space Your Scones
Scoop the dough into 8 to 10 equal mounds and place them on the prepared sheet with at least 2 inches between each to allow room for rising while baking.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the scones hold their shape and results in a better rise in the oven.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake your scones for 20 to 22 minutes until they turn a beautiful light golden color and are set in the center. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic!
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the scones bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and milk until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet, citrusy sheen that perfectly complements the crumb.
Step 10: Glaze and Set
Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones, then let it set for about 10 minutes before serving. This final touch adds a glossy, flavorful finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the tastebuds.
How to Serve Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your scones with a bit of extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries for a festive look. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving can also add a charming touch that feels like a little extra love.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones alongside classic accompaniments like clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam. A hot cup of tea or coffee perfectly rounds out this comforting and flavorful treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, arrange the scones on a tiered platter interspersed with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary. You can also serve them warm from the oven wrapped in a cozy cloth to keep them invitingly soft.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them wrapped or covered helps maintain their moisture and keeps them as fresh as possible.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them together in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready for whenever you crave their bright, fruity goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy scones fresh and warm, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes straight from room temperature or until heated through. This method revives their flaky texture and enhances their aroma, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries offer a brighter tartness and juicier bursts, dried cranberries can be used in a pinch. Just reduce the sugar slightly, as dried cranberries are sweeter, and consider rehydrating them briefly in warm water to plump them up.
Is it possible to make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture but you’ll still get delicious results.
Can I add nuts to this Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that pairs well with the tart cranberries. Stir them in during the dry ingredients step for even distribution.
What’s the best way to get a flaky scone texture?
The key is to keep your butter cold and not overmix the dough. The small bits of butter create steam in the oven, producing those flaky layers everyone loves.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and refrigerate them overnight. This allows flavors to meld and makes baking convenient the next morning.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe truly brings joy to baking with its effortless preparation and incredible flavor combination. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy morning or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, these scones deliver every time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become your new favorite go-to for any occasion.
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Amazing 8 Easy Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These amazing Orange Cranberry Scones are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a flavorful, tender, and slightly sweet treat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they come together easily with simple ingredients and a delicious orange glaze drizzle that enhances their fruity freshness. An ideal bakery-style scone for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries, finely chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Add cranberries: Gently stir the finely chopped fresh cranberries into the dry mixture, ensuring they are well coated and evenly dispersed through the flour blend.
- Combine butter and cream: In a separate bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter with cold heavy cream until small pieces of butter remain visible throughout the mixture, which helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Form the dough: Pour the cream and butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until a thick dough forms with no dry flour patches, being careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the scones: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the dough into 8 to 10 equal mounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the shaped scones for 15 minutes, which helps them maintain their shape and enhances the texture.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until the scones are lightly golden brown on top and set in the center, using a toothpick or gentle press to test for doneness.
- Prepare the glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and milk until smooth to create a glossy and flavorful glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm scones and let it set for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the sweetness and add a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cranberries and chop them finely to distribute evenly in the dough.
- Keep the cream cold and butter slightly cooled for a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
- Adjust the orange juice in the glaze to get your preferred consistency, adding more for a thinner glaze or less for thicker icing.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
