Orange Cranberry Scones – A Delicious Flavor Combination

Looking for the perfect way to start your day? These Orange Cranberry Scones – A Delicious Flavor Combination are worth every bite. The flavor combination between orange and cranberry will make you fall in love with the taste. These homemade scones are amazing as a breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. 

These orange cranberry scones can be made year-round since you can use dried cranberries, or the common name is Craisins.  You know the holidays are here though when you see that first package of fresh cranberries in the store.  Or egg nog. 

Another great recipe to try, but with fresh cranberries, is this CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD WITH PECANS.  You can thank me later.

 

Orange Cranberry Scones

This is one of my favorites scones recipes. It’s a simple brunch recipe that goes perfectly with coffee or tea. If you’re ready to have a treat that will have you loving each bite, this is the one for you. 

Are you a coffee or tea drinker with scones?  Morning – coffee, afternoon means  teatime.

Scones are always one of my go-to items in a great bakery.

 

Are scones and biscuits the same?

They’re not. You’ll find that the texture and shape of scones and biscuits are typically very different. This is because scones have eggs in them while biscuits usually will not. Scones are also drier in texture as well. 

Why are my scones hard?

If your scones come out hard, there’s a good chance that you’re overmixing or over stirring them. Be certain to not do this when creating the scones.  (and if they’re a little hard, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!)  I say scones are crumblier when properly cooked than hard.

Can you freeze scones for later?

You can, but they’re really the best if you can eat them when they’re fresh. Do not add the glaze before freezing.  

Double wrap in plastic wrap and let thaw on counter.  Add the glaze after thawing for a fresh taste.

 

Ingredients to make homemade scones:

Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour + ¼ c. for work surface

3 teaspoon baking powder

½ cups granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cups cold unsalted butter

½ cups heavy cream

¼ cups sour cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon orange extract

1 teaspoon orange zest, preferably organic

1 cup of Craisins or dried cranberries

Glaze

2/3 cups powdered sugar

1-2 Tablespoon fresh orange juice

 

How to make Orange Cranberry Scones

Line a large, rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or a Silpat® baking mat. Set aside.  

Mix two cups flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in butter with fork or pastry cutter, until butter is in pea-sized pieces.

In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest. Whisk to combine.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined but be careful to not overmix. Add in the craisins and stir until just mixed.

Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour onto a clean work surface.

Transfer scone batter onto floured surface and lightly knead into a ball.

Press the dough down into a ½” high rectangle (approximately 6” x 10”).

Cut in half lengthwise, and then each half into 3 rectangles.

Then, cut each rectangle diagonally to create triangle-shaped pieces.

Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1-2” between them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Pre-heat oven to 400°F.  Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes, or until they are nicely golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 5-10 minutes.

While the scones are cooling, prepare the orange glaze by stirring the powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.

If I have an extra orange, add a little zest to the top of the glaze for extra flavor and color.

The glaze is worth making the scones for.  

 

See how simple this tasty scone recipe is? I can’t wait to hear what you think!

 

A little hint for the upcoming holidays – to elevate the flavor of your cranberry sauce, homemade or canned, add a little orange zest for more flavor.  The oils from the zest are a perfect addition.

 

 

More Delicious Cranberry Recipes for the Holidays

Cranberry Pear Sauce with Ginger and Rosemary

Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts

Holiday Cranberry Moscow Mule

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