Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons orange juice For these Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones, I focus on balance and taste. I use dry and wet ingredients to create a rich flavor. With the dry mix, I start by using all-purpose flour. It gives the scones a soft texture. I add granulated sugar for sweetness, baking powder for rise, and salt to enhance flavors. Next, I move to the wet ingredients. Cold, unsalted butter adds richness. I cube it to keep it chilled. Dried cranberries bring a sweet and tart burst. The zest of one fresh orange brightens every bite. I squeeze the juice of that orange for a juicy flavor and use an egg to bind everything. A touch of vanilla adds warmth. For the glaze, I mix powdered sugar with orange juice. This makes a sweet topping that complements the scones. The glaze is easy to adjust. If it’s too thick, I add more juice. If it’s too thin, I add more sugar. These ingredients come together to make a tasty treat that’s hard to resist! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking to the pan. - In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. This helps mix the dry ingredients well. - Add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Whisk again until everything is well combined. - Cut 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. - Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. Make sure they spread out evenly. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. - Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry mix. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; it's okay if the dough is slightly sticky. - Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it gently just a few times to help it hold shape. - Flatten the dough into a round disc about 1 inch thick. Cut this disc into 8 equal wedges. - Place the wedges on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes. They should turn golden brown on top. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the sheet. To get the right texture, avoid overmixing your dough. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients combine. Overmixing makes the scones tough, not tender. Also, ensure your butter is cold. Cold butter creates flaky layers. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for a light scone. You can swap some ingredients to boost flavor. Try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This gives a richer taste. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor. Just a pinch can make your scones even more delightful. For a beautiful display, arrange the scones on a nice platter. Make sure they have space between each one. Drizzle extra orange glaze over them for a shiny finish. You can also add garnishes like fresh cranberries or thin orange slices. These small touches make your scones look festive and inviting. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your scones. Here are a few ideas: - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Chocolate chips add sweetness. Mix in about 1/2 cup of your choice with the cranberries. - Experimenting with different fruits: Try using dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries. Fresh seasonal fruits can also work. Just remember to adjust the juice if needed. If you or your friends have dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Gluten-free alternatives: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Most blends will work well in this recipe. - Vegan substitutions: Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. For butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Scones can change with the seasons: - Using seasonal fruits: In spring, add fresh strawberries; in fall, consider apples or pears. Each fruit brings its own flair. - Holiday-themed variations: For Christmas, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A sprinkle of festive colored sugar on top of the glaze adds holiday cheer. To keep your Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider the following methods. For long-term storage, freezing is your best option. Allow the scones to cool completely. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. This helps to lock in freshness. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or reheat them. To refresh your scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-10 minutes. This restores their warmth and texture. If you want, you can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough. Enjoy your scones warm for the best taste! To make scones fluffy, use cold butter and avoid overmixing. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This helps create pockets of air. You also want to make sure your baking powder is fresh. This will give your scones the lift they need. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. If you use them, add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. Fresh cranberries will also give a juicy burst in every bite. Serve these scones warm for the best taste. You can drizzle them with extra orange glaze. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, add fresh cranberries or orange slices as garnish. Scones are best eaten fresh. They can last for about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the best texture, and variations to try. Remember, detailed attention to your ingredients and process can create perfect scones. With practice, you can adapt these recipes to your taste. Enjoy baking these treats and sharing them with others! Cooking should always be fun and rewarding.$

Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones! This easy recipe combines fresh orange juice and dried cranberries to create mouthwatering scones that are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat. Follow the simple steps to bake these golden delights and drizzle them with a sweet orange glaze for the ultimate flavor boost.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (preferred)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well integrated.

Cut in the Butter: Next, introduce the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Utilizing a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the butter until the blend resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces remaining.

Incorporate Cranberries and Zest: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and the freshly grated zest of one orange, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the flour mixture.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, large egg, and vanilla extract until they are completely blended.

Merge Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly sticky dough is ideal.

Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times until it can hold its shape. Flatten the dough into a round disc about 1 inch thick. Cut this disc into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for about 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the mixture by adding a little more juice for thinning or more powdered sugar for thickening if necessary.

Glaze the Scones: Once the scones are cool enough to handle but still warm, drizzle or spread the orange glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for a few moments before indulging in the scones.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: For an enticing presentation, arrange the scones on a rustic platter. Drizzle extra orange glaze over them and add garnishes of fresh cranberries or thin orange slices for a vibrant, festive appearance.