Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
This Cranberry Orange scone recipe combines tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest in a tender, buttery dough. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these scones are lightly golden and flaky with a hint of citrus to complement the sweetness of cranberries. They bake quickly in the oven, making for a delightful homemade pastry that’s both easy and impressive.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet & Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2/3 cup cold milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step creates the flaky texture of the scones.
- Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Stir the dried cranberries and orange zest into the crumbly mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones light and tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 3/4-inch thick circle, maintaining an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Cut into Wedges: Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges to form individual scones.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use cold butter and cold milk to help create a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough; mix until just combined to avoid tough scones.
- For extra sweetness, you can brush the tops with a touch of milk and sprinkle with sugar before baking.
- Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat scones in a warm oven before serving for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: cranberry orange scones, breakfast scones, easy scone recipe, citrus baked goods, dried cranberry pastries