Cranberry Orange Almond Scones

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 18 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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These Cranberry Orange Almond Scones are a delightful treat that combines tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they bring a touch of elegance to your table.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Almond Scones

Flour: The foundation of our scones, providing structure and texture. All-purpose works best for a tender crumb.

Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.

Baking powder: Gives the scones their rise, making them light and fluffy.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more delicious.

Butter: Chilled and cubed, it creates pockets of flakiness in the scones.

Dried cranberries: Offer a tart burst of flavor and a chewy texture.

Sliced almonds: Add a delightful crunch and nutty depth.

Orange zest: Brings a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the scones.

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.

Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your butter extremely cold; it helps create that perfect flaky texture.
  • Don’t overwork the dough. Gentle handling ensures tender scones.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a bit more orange zest to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are wonderful with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of butter and a touch of marmalade. Pair them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but you may want to chop them and slightly increase the sugar to balance the tartness.
How do I store leftover scones?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.

Cranberry Orange Almond Scones Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of your scones.

Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Stir in the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and orange zest. These additions bring flavor and texture to the scones.

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

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures tender scones.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently, forming it into a circle about 1 inch thick.

Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.

Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Great for sharing, whether it’s a brunch or a cozy gathering.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp orange zest
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cranberries, almonds, and orange zest.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently, forming a circle about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
10. Cool on a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

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