Cranberry Orange Scones are a delicious baked treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of oranges. They are typically flaky and slightly sweet, making them a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with tea or coffee. Here’s a basic recipe for making Cranberry Orange Scones:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be crumbly but come together when pressed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Pat the dough into a circle that’s about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the scones. This will give them a nice golden brown finish.
- Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar over the scones for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Serve your homemade Cranberry Orange Scones warm with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam for a delightful treat. Enjoy!
