Sweet Cranberry Orange Scones

There’s something inherently comforting about freshly baked scones. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the golden crust, and the tender crumb combine to create an irresistible treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Among the myriad of scone varieties, *Zesty Cranberry Orange Scones* stand out for their vibrant flavors and delightful sweetness, making them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack.

Discover the joy of baking with these Zesty Cranberry Orange Scones! Bursting with vibrant flavors, these delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Made with fresh cranberries and zesty orange, they evoke warmth and nostalgia while offering nutritional benefits. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you create perfectly flaky and flavorful scones every time. Embrace the experience of baking and enjoy sharing them with loved ones!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped if large)

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

1 tablespoon orange juice (for icing)

Optional: extra cranberries and orange zest for garnish

Instructions

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

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Cranberries and Zest: Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly mixed throughout the flour mixture.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until well combined.

Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to slice into 8 wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to make individual scones.

Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top.

Prepare Icing: While the scones bake, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more sugar for thickness or more juice for a thinner glaze.

Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle or spread the icing over the warm scones. Garnish with additional cranberries and orange zest if desired.

Serve: Enjoy the scones warm with a cup of tea or coffee, or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones