Orange, Cranberry Cream Scones

Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Orange Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

1. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.

Step 4: Add Cranberries

1. Stir the dried or fresh cranberries into the dry mixture, distributing them evenly.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but cohesive.

Step 7: Form the Scones

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
2. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like cutting a pizza) and transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Brush and Bake

1. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream to help them brown nicely.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on the edges and cooked through.

Step 9: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)

1. While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

1. Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack.
2. Drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the warm scones (if using), or serve them plain or with clotted cream and jam.

Tips:

• Cold Ingredients: Keep the butter and cream cold for flakier scones.
• Cranberry Options: You can use fresh cranberries for a tart burst, or dried cranberries for a sweeter, chewier texture.
• Make Ahead: You can freeze the scones before baking for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per scone, makes 8 scones):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~16g
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Fiber: ~2g

These Orange Cranberry Cream Scones are light, flavorful, and perfect for a citrusy, slightly sweet treat. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a little glaze or butter!