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To make delicious cranberry orange scones, you need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a big role in taste and texture. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 3/4 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze) Each ingredient adds a unique flavor. The flour provides structure. Sugar gives sweetness, while baking powder helps the scones rise. The butter keeps them tender and flaky. Accurate measurements matter in baking. Use a kitchen scale for the best results. If you don’t have one, spoon flour into a cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down. When measuring liquid ingredients, use a clear measuring cup. Check the level at eye level for accuracy. For zesting the orange, use a microplane or a fine grater. This gives you the best flavor without the bitter white pith. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. - Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option. - If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes. - Fresh cranberries can replace dried ones, but chop them finely. They are tart and will give a different texture. These substitutions can change flavors slightly but still keep the scones tasty. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help your scones rise well. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the scones from sticking. Now, let’s gather all the ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, cranberries, orange zest, buttermilk, an egg, and vanilla. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well. This step is important for even flavor. Next, cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one large orange. This will add great flavor and color to your scones. In a new bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Mix 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients. Now, mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or your scones may be tough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut this circle into 8 wedges. You can also use a round cutter for individual scones. Place the scones on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden on top and a toothpick should come out clean. While they cool, make the glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle it over the scones before serving. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To make your scones fluffy, use cold butter. It helps create steam as the scones bake. Cut the butter into small pieces before adding it to the flour. This way, it mixes evenly. Also, don’t forget to use baking powder. It gives your scones a nice rise. Overmixing is a common mistake. It makes scones tough instead of light. Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. If you see some flour bits, that’s okay. A few lumps will not hurt your scones. Remember, gentle hands make perfect scones! The glaze adds sweetness and shine. For a smooth glaze, mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice. Start with two tablespoons of juice. Add more if needed to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled scones. The glaze will soak in just a bit, adding flavor. For the best look, use a fork or spoon for a zigzag pattern. For the full recipe, check out the Cranberry Bliss Orange Scones. {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry orange scones even better by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Nuts like walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. I suggest using about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. You can also add semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They mix well with the tart cranberries. Just fold them in when you add the dried cranberries and orange zest. This simple step creates a richer flavor and texture. If you want to try something different, you can make a savory scone. Skip the sugar and orange zest. Instead, add herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also mix in cheese, like sharp cheddar. Use about 1 cup of grated cheese. This change makes the scones perfect for a brunch or dinner. Serve them with soups or salads for a tasty side. Feel free to switch out the cranberries for other fruits. Blueberries work well for a sweet scone. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them. Another option is to add diced apples with cinnamon. This gives a warm, cozy flavor. Experimenting with fruit can make each batch unique and fun! For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Store your cranberry orange scones in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place the container in a cool, dry spot. They stay good for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, the fridge is a great option. Your scones can last for about a week there. Reheating scones is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about five to ten minutes. This warms them up and keeps them soft. You can also use a microwave. Just warm them for about 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, or they can become tough. Freezing scones is a smart way to save them for later. First, let the scones cool completely. Then wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. They can freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. To make cranberry orange scones from scratch, start with simple steps. First, gather your ingredients, like flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs. Then, add the dried cranberries and orange zest. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry mixes, but don’t overmix. Shape the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Bake them until golden brown. That's it! For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries add a bright flavor and juicy texture. However, they are tart, so you might want to add a bit more sugar. Chop them into smaller pieces to help them mix better. This will also help them bake evenly. Keep in mind, fresh cranberries may change the scone's final texture a bit. Serve cranberry orange scones warm for the best taste. You can drizzle them with a sweet orange glaze for extra flavor. They pair well with whipped cream, butter, or jam. For a lovely touch, place the scones on a nice plate. Dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat! In this post, I covered how to make tasty cranberry orange scones. We looked at key ingredients, measurement tips, and substitutions. I provided step-by-step instructions for mixing and shaping. You learned tricks to make your scones fluffy and how to add fun variations. Finally, I shared storage tips for keeping your scones fresh. These steps and tips will help you bake perfect scones every time. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Bliss Orange Scones that will brighten your mornings! This easy recipe combines tangy cranberries and zesty orange for a perfect treat. Just mix, shape, and bake to enjoy soft, golden scones drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are a must-try. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions
 

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

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

      Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

          In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

            Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

              Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to make individual scones.

                Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

                  Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    While the scones cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzly.

                      Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones before serving.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 8 scones

                          - Presentation Tips: Place the scones on a decorative plate and dust with a little extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of whipped cream or additional orange zest for an extra pop of flavor.