Easy Cranberry Orange Scones

This EASY Cranberry Orange Scones recipe is the perfect treat for the holiday season or any time of year! These scones boast a slightly crisp and flaky exterior, while the center remains moist and packed with the delightful flavors of cranberry and orange.

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Why This is the Best Scone Recipe:

• Quick Preparation: These scones take just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Fantastic Flavor: The cranberry-orange combination is fresh, vibrant, and ideal for the holidays.
• Perfect Texture: Follow these tips for scones that are crisp and flaky on the outside, yet moist and tender inside. They rival any coffee shop or bakery offering.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Incorporate Butter: Grate frozen butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the bowl in the fridge to keep it cold while preparing the wet ingredients.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir just until moistened.
5. Add Cranberries: Fold in cranberries carefully. Use floured hands to bring the dough together into a ball. Then, press or roll it into a circle approximately 1 inch thick.
6. Cut and Arrange: Slice the dough into 8 wedges. Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with heavy cream.
7. Bake: Bake the scones in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
8. Glaze: While the scones cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Scones:

• Use Frozen Butter: Grating frozen butter ensures small, uniform pieces that create air pockets while baking, resulting in a flaky texture. Keeping the butter cold is crucial—warm butter will cause the scones to spread and lose their puffiness.
• Handle Dough Gently: Avoid overmixing or overworking the dough, as this can make the scones tough. Treat the dough as you would for biscuits or pie crust.

Storage and Freezing Instructions:

• To Store: For best results, serve scones fresh on the day they are baked. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two days.
• To Freeze: Skip the glaze and allow the scones to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked scone dough after shaping it into a circle. Wrap well and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator, cut into wedges, and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations:

• Cranberries: Use frozen or dried cranberries to enjoy this recipe year-round.
• Different Flavors: Experiment with other flavors by trying Peach Scones or using a basic Homemade Scones recipe with various mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts.

This Cranberry Orange Scones recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these scones are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table!