Description
Cranberry orange scones blend tangy citrus with sweet-tart berries in a classic British pastry. Delicate crumb and buttery texture make these scones perfect for afternoon tea or weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (90 g) cranberries (fresh or dried)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- zest of 1 orange
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- heavy cream (for brushing)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for orange glaze)
- 2 tbsps fresh orange juice (for orange glaze)
- ½ tsp orange zest (for orange glaze)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for perfect scone baking.
- Dry Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, establishing a foundational dry ingredient base.
- Butter Integration: Skillfully work cold butter into the dry ingredients using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into coarse, uneven crumbs.
- Liquid Fusion: Whisk together heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, creating a fragrant liquid blend.
- Dough Formation: Delicately fold wet ingredients into dry components, minimizing mixing to preserve a tender dough texture, then gently incorporate cranberries for even distribution.
- Shaping: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, knead briefly to form a cohesive mass, then shape into a one-inch thick circular form and divide into eight equal wedges.
- Pre-Baking Preparation: Carefully position scones on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation, then brush tops with additional heavy cream to promote golden browning.
- Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400F (200C) oven, baking for 15-18 minutes until scones develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Glazing Finale: While cooling, craft a zesty glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest, then artfully drizzle over the scones to create an appetizing finish.
- Serving: Present the scones warm or at room temperature, allowing the vibrant flavors and delicate texture to shine through.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Control: Use extremely cold butter for the most flaky, tender scone texture – cut butter into small cubes and freeze briefly before mixing to ensure ideal consistency.
- Minimal Mixing Magic: Avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and create tough scones – stir just until ingredients combine for delicate, light results.
- Precision in Cutting: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper when dividing dough into wedges to maintain clean, crisp edges and even baking.
- Glaze Consistency Trick: Add orange juice to powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling thickness – start with small amounts and adjust as needed for smooth, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg