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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest from 1 medium orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 teaspoon additional orange zest Each ingredient plays a key role in making these scones great. - All-purpose flour provides the structure. It forms the base of the scone. - Granulated sugar adds sweetness. It helps balance the tart cranberries. - Baking powder acts as a leavening agent. It makes the scones rise and become fluffy. - Salt enhances the flavors. A little salt makes everything taste better. - Cold unsalted butter adds richness. It helps create a tender texture. - Dried cranberries bring tartness and chewiness. They add bursts of flavor. - Orange zest gives a fresh, citrusy note. It brightens the entire scone. - Heavy cream adds moisture. It keeps the scones soft and rich. - Egg binds everything together. It helps with structure and color. - Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor. It enriches the taste. For the glaze, powdered sugar sweetens. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a zesty kick. Additional orange zest makes the glaze pop with flavor. You can easily modify this recipe for different diets. - Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour. Use a 1:1 blend for the best results. - Coconut sugar or maple sugar can substitute granulated sugar. They add a unique flavor. - Dairy-free butter works instead of unsalted butter. Be sure to use a cold version. - Non-dairy cream can replace heavy cream. Use coconut cream or almond milk for a lighter option. - Flax egg can replace the large egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to bind. These substitutions keep the flavors and textures close to the original. Enjoy your baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cold butter, dried cranberries, and orange zest. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix ensures even flavor in every bite. Next, take 1/4 cup of cold, cubed butter and add it to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it in. You want the mix to look like coarse crumbs. It’s okay if some butter pieces are still visible. Now fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest from 1 medium orange. This adds a wonderful bright flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. When combined, pour this into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it down into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut this circle into 8 wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them golden brown on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of a scone. When they are done, take them out and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the pan. The aroma will be amazing! While the scones cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of additional orange zest. Whisk until smooth. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish to your scones. Once the scones are slightly cool, drizzle the glaze over them. Serve warm for the best taste. Enjoy your delightful treat! To get soft and flaky scones, you must handle the dough gently. Mix the dry ingredients well first. When adding butter, work it in until you see pea-sized pieces. This helps create those lovely layers. Don’t overmix the dough when you add wet ingredients. A few lumps are okay! The dough should feel a bit sticky, not dry. Shaping the dough into a circle helps scones rise evenly. Cut them into wedges, and don't forget to space them apart on the baking sheet. This keeps them from sticking together while baking. If you have leftover scones, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them. Just make sure to let them cool completely first. To reheat, pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). They will taste almost like fresh-baked scones. Serve your scones warm for the best taste. Drizzle the orange glaze just before serving. This adds a sweet, tangy kick. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee to bring out all the flavors. For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest on top. You can also garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy these treats at breakfast or as an afternoon snack! Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold to achieve flaky scones. This helps create steam during baking, resulting in a light texture. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. It's okay if the dough is a bit sticky. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots, or even add nuts for extra crunch. Glazing Tips: Drizzle the glaze over warm scones for better adhesion. You can add more orange juice to the glaze for a thinner consistency if desired. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these scones easily. Instead of cranberries, try using dried cherries or blueberries. For a tropical twist, add chopped pineapple or mango. You can also swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime zest. This change will give your scones a fresh taste. If you like nuts, add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Each change brings a new experience to your palate. For special occasions, you can make these scones festive. During fall, add pumpkin spice to the dough. You can also mix in chopped apples or pears for a cozy flavor. In winter, try adding peppermint extract to the glaze or dough for a holiday vibe. To make them extra special for Easter, add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze. These seasonal twists make your scones perfect for any holiday gathering. You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for the right texture. For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg made from ground flaxseed and water. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. These changes help everyone enjoy the deliciousness of scones without worry. To keep your orange glazed cranberry scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent squishing. You can leave them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, the fridge works well, but it may slightly change their texture. Freezing scones is a great way to enjoy them later. First, let the scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and cover them gently with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method helps restore their crispness. If you prefer, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but this may make them softer. Enjoy the warm scones with a fresh drizzle of glaze for a delightful treat! You can serve these scones with many tasty items. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well. You might also try clotted cream or butter for a rich taste. Fresh fruit or a fruit spread adds color and flavor. For a special touch, add a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top. Serve them warm for the best experience! The scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the toothpick has wet dough, bake them a bit longer. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. This helps you avoid overbaking and keeps them soft. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just shape and cut the scones. This can save you time on busy mornings! We explored how to make delicious Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones. You now know the key ingredients and their roles. I shared tips for perfect texture and ways to store leftovers. You can also try fun variations to suit your taste. Remember, baking is about creativity. Use these steps to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite of your tasty scones!

Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones

Delicious scones with a sweet orange glaze, 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
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Zest from 1 medium orange
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon additional orange zest

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
  • Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and additional orange zest.
  • Once baked, allow the scones to cool for about 5 minutes and drizzle the orange glaze over them before serving.

Notes

Serve warm on a decorative cake stand, garnished with extra orange zest and mint.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones