Go Back
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Sliced almonds for topping (optional) - Coarse sugar for sprinkling To make these scones, gather the ingredients first. Each one plays a key role in the final taste. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the scones rise. Salt balances the flavors. Using cold butter is essential. It keeps the scones flaky. The fresh cranberries add tartness, while the orange zest brings a burst of citrus. Buttermilk makes the dough tender. The egg helps bind the ingredients together. Lastly, vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Feel free to top your scones with sliced almonds or coarse sugar. These toppings add a nice crunch and extra sweetness. Each ingredient works together to create a delightful flavor in your scones. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the scones bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until mixed well. 3. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour. Stop when it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter. 4. Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. Make sure they are evenly distributed in the flour mix. 1. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. 1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should feel crumbly but hold together when pressed. 2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into an 8-inch round disc, about 1 inch thick. 3. With a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges, much like slicing a pizza. Place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between them. 4. If you like, top each scone with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of coarse sugar. This adds a nice crunch. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and feel firm to touch. 6. After baking, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Cold butter is key to great scones. It keeps the scones flaky. When you mix cold butter into your flour, it creates pockets of air. This makes each bite light and airy. Always use butter straight from the fridge. Avoid overmixing the dough. After you add the wet ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing makes scones tough. The dough should look a bit crumbly but hold together when pressed. Aim for the right dough consistency. It should not be too wet or too dry. If the dough is sticky, add a little flour. If it's too dry, add a splash of buttermilk. Top your scones with clotted cream, butter, or fruit preserves. Clotted cream adds a rich touch. Butter gives a classic flavor. Fruit preserves add sweetness and a fruity twist. For special occasions, present the scones on a nice plate. Add fresh orange slices or whole cranberries. This makes your dish colorful and inviting. You can even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness. Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and buttermilk are cold; this helps create a flaky texture in the scones. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to prevent tough scones. A slightly crumbly dough is ideal. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch. Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the scones warm with a side of clotted cream or butter. {{image_4}} You can make your cranberry orange scones even better with a few tasty tweaks. - Adding nuts: Try mixing in walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch and flavor. - Incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit: You can replace some cranberries with chocolate chips or dried apricots. This twist brings a rich sweetness that many people love. These changes can help you create a scone that fits your taste perfectly. A good glaze can elevate your scones to the next level. - Citrus glaze recipe: To make a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice. Drizzle this glaze over the warm scones for a bright finish. - Alternate topping suggestions: You can also use a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sugar. This gives a nice sparkle and a touch of sweetness. Experiment with these options, and you will find your favorite way to enjoy cranberry orange scones. To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method works best for short-term storage. Place the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. For freezing, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply take out the scones and let them thaw at room temperature. To reheat your scones, the best method is the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you are in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat each scone for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may become tough. Enjoy your freshly warmed scones! Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just chop them while still frozen. Do not thaw them. This keeps the scones from getting too wet. How to make these scones gluten-free? You can make these scones gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum. This helps the scones rise and hold together. What can I substitute for buttermilk? If you do not have buttermilk, use milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using. This makes a good substitute. How to tell when the scones are done baking? Check the scones after 15 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. Also, gently press the top; it should feel firm. If it leaves an imprint, bake for a few more minutes. Making cranberry orange scones is simple and fun. You now know the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to make them perfect. Remember, cold butter and avoiding overmixing give the best results. Consider adding nuts or chocolate for tasty twists. Store scones properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy serving your scones with clotted cream or preserves. Try these ideas to impress friends and family. I hope you bake these delightful treats soon!

Cranberry Citrus Bliss Scones

Delicious scones bursting with fresh cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until uniformly mixed.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and freshly grated orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, and vanilla extract until well amalgamated.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a fork, mix gently until the dough comes together—take care to not overmix. The dough should be slightly crumbly but cohesive when pressed.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it gently into an 8-inch round disc, ensuring it is about 1-inch thick.
  • With a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges, similar to slicing a pizza. Carefully place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them.
  • If desired, adorn the top of each scone with sliced almonds, followed by a light sprinkle of coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops of the scones turn a beautiful golden brown and are firm to the touch.
  • Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve these delightful scones warm, topped with a generous dollop of clotted cream or softened butter. For a festive flair, garnish with fresh orange slices or whole cranberries atop each scone.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones