Heirloom Hearth

Cranberry orange scones are a delightful mix of tart cranberries and bright citrus flavor. With a tender, flaky texture and a drizzle of orange glaze, these scones are perfect for a festive brunch or cozy morning treat.

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 1 cup (120g) fresh or dried cranberries (if using dried, soak in hot water for 10 minutes and drain)

Optional Glaze

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough begins to come together.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Add the cranberries and carefully fold them into the dough. Be gentle to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then shape it into a round disk about 1-inch thick.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to make individual scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 8: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the scones cool on a wire rack. Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to make a glaze, then drizzle over the scones for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Scones

1. Use Fresh Zest: Fresh orange zest adds vibrant citrus flavor—don’t skip this step!
2. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them to avoid excess moisture.
3. Make Ahead: Scones freeze well. Shape the dough, freeze, and bake directly from frozen when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy these cranberry orange scones warm with a dollop of butter or as-is with a hot cup of tea!