The combination of orange zest and dried cranberries in these scones creates a harmony of flavors that’s both bright and tangy, perfectly complemented by the rich, buttery dough. The secret to these scones’ melt-in-your-mouth texture is the heavy cream, which keeps the scones tender while adding a subtle creaminess to each bite. Drizzling a fresh orange glaze on top makes these scones a perfect indulgence—one that’s sure to become a favorite for breakfast or brunch gatherings
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout.
4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest:
Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Add Cream and Form Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, then gently stir until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; scone dough should remain a bit crumbly.
6. Knead and Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it just holds together. Pat the dough into an 8-inch round circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush with Cream and Bake:
Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden around the edges.
8. Prepare the Orange Glaze (Optional):
While the scones are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
