Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Butter
Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes
Delight in the warmth of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Scones, perfectly paired with a luscious Orange Butter for an irresistible treat.
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon snack. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. Topped with creamy Orange Butter, these scones are perfect for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh cranberry and orange flavors
- Flaky and tender texture that’s simply irresistible
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy tea time
The Perfect Pairing of Flavors
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful fusion of tart and sweet flavors that create a symphony on your palate. The zesty orange zest complements the fresh cranberries beautifully, resulting in a scone that is bursting with seasonal vibrancy. Each bite offers a tantalizing contrast that awakens your taste buds, making these scones an ideal treat for any occasion.
Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack, the combination of cranberries and oranges elevates these scones from ordinary to extraordinary. They are not just a treat; they embody the essence of comfort and coziness, especially when served warm from the oven.
A Flaky Delight
One of the hallmarks of a great scone is its texture, and these Cranberry Orange Scones deliver in spades. The method of cutting cold butter into the flour mixture creates those desired flaky layers that make every bite melt in your mouth. This technique is crucial for achieving that tender crumb that scone lovers crave.
Additionally, the inclusion of heavy cream adds richness and moisture, ensuring that the scones are not only flaky but also incredibly tender. The balance between the buttery richness and the tartness of the cranberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that is hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These scones are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serve them for a leisurely weekend brunch, paired with coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a delightful afternoon snack. They also make for a charming addition to a holiday gathering or a cozy tea party with friends.
What's more, the homemade Orange Butter elevates these scones to a new level. The sweet and citrusy spread enhances the already vibrant flavors, making each bite even more indulgent. It's a simple yet luxurious touch that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Combine all ingredients thoroughly for the best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cranberries and Zest
Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the Scones
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Bake the scones for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Prepare Orange Butter
While the scones are baking, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and creamy.
Serve
Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with the orange butter.
Enjoy your homemade scones with a generous spread of orange butter!
Tips for Perfect Scones
To ensure your scones come out perfectly, make sure to use cold butter straight from the fridge. This is essential for achieving that flaky texture. Additionally, avoid overmixing the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, which is not the goal.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkling of coarse sugar on top of the scones before baking. This will give them a delightful crunch and an appealing finish. You can also experiment by substituting dried cranberries or other fruits if you’re looking to mix things up!
Storing and Freezing
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to reheat them in the oven before serving.
You can also freeze the unbaked scones. Shape the dough, cut it into wedges, and freeze individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time for perfectly fresh scones any time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but the texture and flavor will be different.
→ How do I store leftover scones?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these scones?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Just shape the scones, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with scones?
They pair wonderfully with clotted cream, jam, or the orange butter provided in the recipe.
Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Butter
Delight in the warmth of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Scones, perfectly paired with a luscious Orange Butter for an irresistible treat.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 scones
What You'll Need
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the scones for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
While the scones are baking, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and creamy.
Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with the orange butter.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 4g