Sweet Cranberry Orange Scones -

Homemade recipes hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens. They evoke warmth, create memories, and allow us to express our creativity through cooking. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house or the sight of a beautifully layered cake, the act of preparing food from scratch is a timeless tradition that connects us to our families and cultures. Today, we are diving into a delightful recipe that brings together the tangy brightness of citrus and the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries: Cranberry Citrus Delight Scones.

Sweet Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful world of baking with our Cranberry Citrus Delight Scones recipe. This step-by-step guide walks you through creating these irresistible treats featuring a perfect balance of tangy cranberries and zesty orange. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon tea, these scones are sure to please any crowd. Learn about the essential ingredients, preparation tips, and serving suggestions to elevate your baking experience. Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, let’s make some delicious memories in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Optional: Coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release of the scones after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and airy.

Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, crumbly texture with small pea-sized butter pieces throughout.

Fold in the Cranberries and Zest: Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, but be cautious not to overmix.

Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture barely comes together to form a sticky dough.

Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, gently pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 8 equal wedges.

Prepare for Baking: Carefully transfer the shaped scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each scone with the egg wash, and if desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for added sweetness and crunch.

Bake the Scones: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature, ideally paired with butter or your favorite jam for a delightful treat.

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

Enjoy your delightful scones bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor!