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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

4.7 from 73 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Stir the dried cranberries and orange zest into the crumbly mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cut into Wedges: Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges to form individual scones.
  9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
  10. 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