Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 3/4 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup coarse sugar for topping When you measure flour, spoon it into your cup and level it off. This way, you avoid packing it down. For sugar, use the same method. Baking powder and salt should be measured using a measuring spoon, ensuring you level off the top. These steps help you get the right amounts for your scones. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free scones, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Adjust these ingredients to fit your needs while keeping the flavors bright. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well. This ensures the baking powder works evenly. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until you see no egg streaks. This liquid mix adds moisture and flavor to your scones. Next, combine the dry and wet mixtures. Pour the liquid into the dry mix. Stir gently until it just comes together. The dough should be sticky but not too wet. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times. Form it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut this circle into 8 equal wedges. Place the cut scones on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of coarse sugar on top for a nice crunch. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and firm. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. To get the best texture, keep your butter cold. Cold butter creates flaky layers in your scones. When you mix the butter into the flour, it should look like coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined; a sticky dough is good. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg gives warmth. For extra tang, try adding a splash of fresh orange juice to the cream mixture. A little almond extract can also add a nice twist. Experiment to find what you love! Watch out for these common mistakes. First, don’t skip the zest. It adds bright flavor. Second, be careful with the mixing. Overmixing will make the scones tough. Lastly, ensure your oven is preheated. This helps the scones rise properly and bake evenly. {{image_2}} You can add different flavors to your scones. Try using chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch. You can also use chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. Mix in some dried apricots or cherries for a fruity twist. Each add-in changes the taste and feel of the scone. If you want to switch things up, try lemon instead of orange. Just use lemon zest in place of the orange zest. Lemon adds a bright and zesty flavor. You can also mix in some poppy seeds for a nice texture. For a richer flavor, consider adding mini chocolate chips. They melt slightly and make each bite special. You can make these scones gluten-free easily. Use a good gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xantham gum in it. This helps the scones hold together. You may also need to adjust the liquid a bit. Add a little more cream if the dough feels too dry. Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. This helps to keep them from sticking together. Place the container in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. When you're ready to eat your scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This will bring back their warm, soft texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for about 20 to 30 seconds. Just be careful not to make them too hot. To freeze your scones, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake them, you can bake from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your fresh scones anytime! The scones are done when they turn golden brown. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Baking time is about 18 to 20 minutes. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They will add a tart flavor. However, fresh cranberries can make the scones wetter. If you use fresh, consider reducing the cream a bit. Cranberry orange scones pair well with many items. Serve them warm with butter or jam. You can also add a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice. Tea or coffee makes a nice drink choice too. This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for baking scones. We discussed how to measure accurately and substitute ingredients for dietary needs. You also learned important baking techniques and how to avoid common errors. Finally, we explored variations and storage methods to keep your scones fresh. With this knowledge, you can create tasty scones that suit your taste and needs. Happy baking!$

Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the heavenly taste of Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Scones that are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon tea! With a delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, these scones are easy to make and will have your kitchen smelling divine. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is your new go-to for a delicious treat. Click through for the full recipe and impress your friends and family! #Scones #Baking #EasyRecipes #Foodie

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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 and cubed

3/4 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

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

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Form the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.

Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle the coarse sugar over the tops of the scones for a beautiful crust.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm, drizzled with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice, and arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand for a lovely display.