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To make tasty cranberry orange scones, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing) - Optional: Additional sugar for sprinkling These simple items create great flavors. The flour serves as a base, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, and salt enhances taste. Chilled butter makes the scones flaky. Dried cranberries bring a burst of fruitiness, and orange zest adds brightness. Heavy cream makes the dough rich, while the egg provides structure. Vanilla extract offers warmth, and milk gives a nice shine to the tops. When choosing your ingredients, always pick the best quality. Fresh oranges give the best zest. For butter, use unsalted to control salt levels. Dried cranberries should be plump and soft for the best texture. This mix of flavors and textures makes these scones a delight to eat. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps your scones from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients combine well. This mix gives the scones their structure and flavor. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your scones. Now, combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet mix into the dry bowl. Stir gently using a spatula. Do not overmix; this can make the scones tough. Once combined, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it just until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Then cut it into 8 wedges. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with 1 tablespoon of milk. If you like, sprinkle some extra sugar on top for a sweet touch. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. They are done when golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy these delicious scones warm! To make moist scones, use heavy cream. This ingredient adds richness. It keeps the scones tender and soft. Remember, the goal is to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dry scones. Measuring ingredients correctly is key. Use a kitchen scale for best results. If you use cups, spoon flour into the cup. Then level it off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour. Too much flour will make your scones dense and dry. Chilled butter is very important. It creates a flaky texture in the scones. When you mix in cold butter, it forms little pockets. These pockets help the scones rise and stay light. Cut the butter into small cubes before adding it to the flour. Overmixing is the enemy of scones. Mix just until the dough forms. If you see dry flour, that’s okay. You can knead it a few times on a floured surface. Use a light touch. The less you mix, the better your scones will be. {{image_2}} You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor. - Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste. - If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk or yogurt. Adding nuts or spices can take your scones to the next level. Try these options: - Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. - A dash of ginger can brighten the taste even more. If you want to change the sweetness, here are some alternatives: - Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar. - Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index. - Agave nectar is another great choice for a sweet touch. Feel free to get creative! Each variation can bring a new twist to your cranberry orange scones. After you bake your cranberry orange scones, let them cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. In the fridge, they can last for about a week. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to prevent them from drying out. To enjoy your scones warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each scone for about 10 to 15 seconds. Just remember, the microwave may make them a bit soft. If you have extra scones, freezing is a great option. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. When you want to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw. You can reheat it afterward to bring back the fresh-baked taste. If your scones are too dry, you can fix them. First, check if you added enough cream. If not, add a little more next time. You can also try not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can dry out the scones. If you have dry scones, serve them with butter or jam. This will add moisture. Yes, you can make these scones ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge. Shape the dough into wedges and wrap them in plastic wrap. When you are ready, bake them straight from the fridge. This way, you have fresh scones when you want them. The scones are done when they are golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Keep an eye on them while baking. They usually take about 15-20 minutes. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries instead of dried. Fresh cranberries will give a tart flavor. You may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the taste. Be sure to chop them into smaller pieces. This will help them mix well into the dough. The best way to serve cranberry orange scones is warm. Serve them with clotted cream or butter. You can also add a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top. Enjoy them with a cup of tea for a delightful treat. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious cranberry orange scones. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve moist scones and the importance of chilling butter. We also explored ways to mix it up with variations and storage ideas. Enjoy baking these tasty scones and impress your friends with your skills. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cranberry Orange Scones with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, these scones are bursting with sweet cranberries and zesty orange flavor. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy warm, golden-brown scones that pair wonderfully with tea. Ready to bake a batch? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

Optional: Additional sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

      Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

          In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.

            Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.

              Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.

                Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.

                  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

                    Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm with clotted cream or butter, and garnish with additional orange zest for a pop of color. Enjoy with a cup of tea for a delightful treat!