Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen, a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange that will make your taste buds dance! These Cranberry and Orange Scones are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that embody the spirit of British baking. Whether you're hosting a cozy tea party or simply indulging in a sweet morning ritual, these scones are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game and create a batch of these scrumptious delights in just 25 minutes? Let’s dive into this easy yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended and evenly distributed.
- Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This technique helps create a flaky texture.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and fresh orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold heavy cream. Use a fork or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together. Pat the dough into a circular shape approximately 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, similar to cutting a pizza. Separate the wedges slightly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional: Brush the top of each scone with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with a little extra sugar for a golden, crisp top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam. These scones are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and heavy cream are cold. This helps create a flaky texture in the scones, making them light and airy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is moistened. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes before baking. This can help the scones rise better and enhance their texture.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Brush with Cream: For a golden, crispy top, brush the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds an extra touch of sweetness!
- Serve Warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam for a delicious treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
