Introduction to Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Making glazed cranberry orange scones is a delightful way to bring a cozy, inviting aroma into your kitchen. These scones are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also create a warm atmosphere for gatherings with family and friends. Imagine the sweet and tangy burst of cranberries mingling with the zestiness of fresh orange—it's truly a match made in heaven!
Why You’ll Love These Scones
These scones are perfect for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, thanks to their buttery and moist texture, combined with a hint of crunch from the coarse sugar topping. Here are a few reasons to embrace this recipe:
- Easy to Make: The preparation involves straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can follow with confidence.
- Flavorful Combination: The vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry not only brighten your palate but also lift your mood!
- Versatile Enjoyment: These scones are delightful for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. You can enjoy them fresh or freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for busy schedules.
So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into creating these scrumptious glazed cranberry orange scones. You might just find your new favorite recipe! For more baking tips, check out this comprehensive guide from Sally, the recipe author.
Ingredients for Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Essential ingredients you’ll need
To whip up your glazed cranberry orange scones, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients that come together to create a delightful flavor explosion:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups provide the backbone of your scone.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup enhances sweetness and texture.
- Baking powder: 2 and ½ teaspoons help the scones rise perfectly.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Orange zest: 2 teaspoons (from about 1 orange) add citrusy brightness.
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup, preferably frozen, for a rich and flaky texture.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup keeps scones moist.
- Egg: 1 large egg binds everything together.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon adds warm depth.
- Frozen cranberries: 1 heaping cup for that tangy burst.
Optional ingredients for added flair
Want to take your scones up a notch? Consider these optional yet delightful additions:
- Coarse sugar: Just a sprinkle on top adds a satisfying crunch.
- Extra heavy cream: A tablespoon brushed on before baking gives a golden sheen.
Not only do these ingredients make the scones delicious, but they also fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Who can resist that? For more baking tips and tricks, check out resources such as King Arthur Baking or Serious Eats.
Preparing Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Baking can be a delightful journey, especially when you're preparing delicious treats like glazed cranberry orange scones. This step-by-step guide will help you create these moist, buttery scones with a zesty orange twist and a sweet glaze that will impress anyone you share them with. Let’s dive into the preparation process!
Gather and Measure Your Ingredients
Before you get your hands floury, it’s essential to gather and measure all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter (frozen)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup frozen cranberries
These ingredients work harmoniously to create the perfect flavor and texture. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure accurate measurements for optimal results.
Mix the Dry Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. The zest is what gives the scones that refreshing citrus flavor! Once it’s well mixed, set it aside. It’s a good idea to have everything prepped before you incorporate your butter, as it will help maintain the cold temperature needed for flaky scones.
Incorporate the Butter and Create the Crumb Mixture
Next, you’ll want to grate the frozen butter using a box grater. This method allows the butter to be distributed evenly throughout the flour mixture, creating those lovely flaky layers. Combine the grated butter with your dry ingredients using your hands, a pastry cutter, or two forks until you achieve a crumb-like texture with pea-sized pieces.
Combine Wet Ingredients and Blend
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Drizzle this wet mixture over your crumb mixture and toss in those beautiful frozen cranberries. Stir gently until everything is moistened; try not to overmix, as we want to keep those tender scone textures.
Form the Dough and Cut Scones
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and shape it into an 8-inch disc. With a sharp knife or bench scraper, carefully cut the dough into 8 wedges (or 16 for smaller portions).
Chill the Dough for Perfect Scones
Don’t skip this step! The chilling process helps keep your scones from over-spreading. Arrange the cut scones on a plate or lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F.
Bake and Enjoy the Aroma
Once chilled, place the scones on your prepared baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen during baking will be irresistible!
After letting them cool for a few moments, you can glaze these beauties and enjoy their warm, soft centers and crispy edges. Making glazed cranberry orange scones can be a rewarding endeavor, so grab a cup of tea or coffee, and relish each bite!
Variations on Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Almond Cranberry Orange Scones
If you're a fan of nutty twists, try adding almond extract and sliced almonds to your scone mixture! This variation on glazed cranberry orange scones brings a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch. Simply replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and mix in a handful of sliced almonds before shaping your dough. The delightful almond scent combined with the tart cranberries and sweet orange will impress any brunch guest.
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Scones
For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, consider making chocolate chip cranberry scones. Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips into the basic scone dough. The combination of rich chocolate with the tartness of cranberries creates a perfect balance. You could also drizzle a little extra glaze on top for added decadence. This variation gives your traditional glazed cranberry orange scones a sweet twist that’s perfect for dessert!
Feel free to experiment—scones are wonderfully versatile! If you're looking for more baking inspiration, King Arthur Baking offers fantastic tips and variations for all your favorite baked goods.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Troubleshooting Common Scone Issues
If your glazed cranberry orange scones are too dry, don't hesitate to add a splash of heavy cream. Conversely, if you find the dough too sticky, a bit of flour can help achieve a better consistency. Remember, a gentle hand is key—overworking the dough can lead to tough scones.
Ensuring the Right Texture and Flavor
For the perfect texture, use very cold ingredients, especially the butter. Grating your frozen butter into the flour mixture creates the ideal crumbly consistency. Always use fresh orange juice for the glaze to enhance the zesty flavor—it's a great way to use the orange you zested!
For more tips on effectively measuring ingredients, check out this guide. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Perfect Pairings with Beverages
You can elevate your glazed cranberry orange scones experience with the right beverages. Consider pairing them with:
- Coffee: A rich, brewed coffee complements the buttery flavor of the scones beautifully.
- Tea: Herbal or black teas, such as chai or Earl Grey, enhance the citrus notes.
- Fresh Juice: Opt for fresh orange juice or a mixed berry smoothie for a refreshing balance.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Scones
These delightful scones shine in various settings. Think:
- Weekend Brunch: Perfect for leisurely gatherings with friends.
- Afternoon Tea: Impress guests with a cozy tea party featuring these sweet treats.
- Holiday Celebrations: Serve them at family functions or holiday breakfasts for a festive touch.
No matter the occasion, glazed cranberry orange scones are sure to steal the spotlight!
Time breakdown for Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Preparation time
Making glazed cranberry orange scones is straightforward and fun! You’ll need about 30 minutes to gather your ingredients, whip up the dough, and prepare everything for the oven.
Baking time
Once everything is ready, these delightful scones will bake to perfection in 25 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with a heavenly aroma that will entice everyone!
Total time
In just 1 hour, you can enjoy these delicious scones straight from the oven. Perfect to serve at brunch or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea!
For more details on the recipe, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for tips on technique and ingredient substitutions. Happy baking!
Nutritional Facts for Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Calories per Scone
Each delightful scone contains approximately 200 calories. This makes them a wonderful treat to enjoy for breakfast or as an afternoon snack without feeling overly indulgent.
Fat Content
With about 10 grams of fat per scone, these glazed cranberry orange scones are predominantly rich due to the unsalted butter and heavy cream. The fat contributes to their melt-in-your-mouth texture while providing essential fatty acids.
Sugars and Carbohydrates
You'll find that each scone has roughly 9 grams of sugar and 30 grams of carbohydrates. This balance of sugars makes them sweet yet not overwhelmingly so, allowing the tartness of the cranberries and the citrus essence of the orange zest to shine through beautifully.
Feeling inspired to whip up these scones? Check out the American Heart Association for more information on maintaining a balanced diet that still indulges your sweet tooth!
FAQs about Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! While we recommend using frozen cranberries for consistency and to keep the dough cold, fresh cranberries will work just fine. Just be mindful that fresh ones may be juicier, so adjust the flour slightly if needed.
How do I store leftover scones?
To keep your glazed cranberry orange scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, they can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm them up in the microwave for a quick refresher!
Can I freeze the scone dough?
Yes, you can freeze the scone dough! After cutting the scones, place them on a baking sheet for about an hour until firm. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag. They will keep well for several months—simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
For more tips on baking and scone variations, check out King Arthur Baking.
Conclusion on Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
In summary, these glazed cranberry orange scones are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Perfect for brunch or a snack, their buttery texture paired with a zesty orange glaze will elevate your baking game. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Equipment
- large bowl
- whisk
- pastry cutter
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- box grater
- Bench Scraper
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons orange zest about 1 orange
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter frozen
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 1 heaping cup frozen cranberries
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
Optional Topping
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- coarse sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest together in a large bowl. Grate the frozen butter and add it to the flour mixture. Combine until the mixture comes together in pea-sized crumbs.
- Whisk ½ cup heavy cream, the egg, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the flour mixture, add the cranberries, and mix until everything is moistened.
- Pour onto the counter and, with floured hands, work dough into a ball. Press into an 8-inch disc, then cut into 8 wedges.
- Brush scones with remaining heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Refrigerate the scones for at least 15 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- After refrigerating, arrange scones 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
- Make the glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over warm scones.
Storage
- Leftover scones can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.
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