Description
These flaky cranberry orange scones blend tangy cranberries and fresh orange zest for a perfect seasonal breakfast or snack. They offer a buttery texture with bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon grated orange zest (from about ½ orange)
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
- For glaze: ⅕ cup powdered sugar
- For glaze: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing tops)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest in a large bowl.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cranberries.
- Whisk the egg and ½ cup heavy cream together in a separate bowl.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix only until the dough starts to come together. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and form a round disk about ¾ inch thick.
- Cut the disk into 12 wedges and separate them slightly on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until the scones are golden and the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool the scones on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until a drizzle consistency forms. Drizzle over the cooled scones.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the flakiest scones.
- Do not overwork the dough; mix only until combined.
- Chill the dough briefly if it is too soft before cutting.
- Brushing with cream provides a shiny, golden top.
- Let scones cool completely before applying the glaze to stop it from melting.
- Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American