Here’s a delightful recipe for Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones—tender, slightly sweet, and bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
🍊 Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients (makes 8–10 scones)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter
- Add cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to work butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cranberries & orange zest
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- Combine wet ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Form dough
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix gently until dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut scones
- Cut into 8–10 wedges or use a round cutter for circular scones.
- Place scones on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with cream for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Optional glaze
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over slightly cooled scones.
Tips & Variations
- Fresh cranberries: Use 3/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries if available; may need slight extra sugar.
- Extra citrus flavor: Add 1/2 tsp orange extract or a little lemon zest.
- Cheesy twist: Add 1/4 cup finely grated white cheddar for a savory-sweet scone.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days; reheat slightly before serving.
These scones are tender, buttery, and bursting with bright orange and tart cranberry flavors, perfect for a morning treat or friendly gathering.
I can also give a “quick one-bowl” version that’s faster but just as flavorful if you want.
Do you want me to do that?