Bright Orange Cranberry Scones

Scones have long been celebrated in the baking world, capturing the hearts of many with their delightful texture and rich flavors. Originating from the British Isles, these baked treats have evolved over time, becoming a beloved staple in tea time traditions and brunch menus alike. Their versatility allows for a wide array of flavor combinations, making them suitable for any season or occasion. Among the many scone varieties, the Citrusy Cranberry Scones stand out as a seasonal favorite, especially during autumn and winter months when cranberries are at their peak.

Bright Orange Cranberry Scones

Discover the enchanting world of baking with Citrusy Cranberry Scones, a delightful treat perfect for autumn and winter. These scones beautifully blend tart cranberries with vibrant orange zest, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, they're ideal for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea. Learn the essential techniques and ingredients to elevate your baking skills and impress your family and friends with this seasonal favorite. Enjoy them fresh with butter or clotted cream, and savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the tops)

1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy scone transfer.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.

Cut in Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining for flakiness.

Add Cranberries and Zest: Carefully fold in the cranberries and orange zest. Distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture, ensuring each scone will be bursting with flavor.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if you’ve chosen to include it. This will create a rich, flavorful base for the scone dough.

Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but retain its shape—avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.

Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 even wedges, similar to slicing a pizza.

Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.

Add Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the scones lightly with milk to encourage browning, then sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for an added crunch and sweetness.

Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: After baking, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These scones can be served warm or at room temperature alongside butter, jam, or a generous dollop of cream.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes 8 scones

Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the scones on a rustic platter and garnish with fresh orange slices and a handful of cranberries for a pop of color.