Ultimate Recipe for Orange Cranberry Scones: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat

#### Recipe for Orange Cranberry SconesWhen it comes to baked goods that bring warmth and comfort, few can rival the charm of scones. This **recipe for oran……

#### Recipe for Orange Cranberry Scones

When it comes to baked goods that bring warmth and comfort, few can rival the charm of scones. This **recipe for orange cranberry scones** offers a delightful twist, blending the tartness of cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, these scones are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.

#### Ingredients

To create these scrumptious scones, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

- Zest of 1 large orange

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Optional: additional sugar for sprinkling on top

#### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. **Add Cranberries and Zest**: Gently fold in the cranberries and the orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

6. **Shape the Scones**: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into wedges or use a round cutter to create individual scones.

7. **Bake**: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each scone for added sweetness and crunch. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

8. **Cool and Serve**: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, ideally with butter or clotted cream, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

#### Tips for Perfect Scones

- **Cold Ingredients**: Ensure your butter and cream are cold. This helps create a flaky texture in the scones.

- **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

- **Add More Flavor**: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of orange juice to the wet ingredients or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry mix.

#### Conclusion

This **recipe for orange cranberry scones** is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the buttery, flaky texture, makes these scones irresistible. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a quick breakfast on the go, they are a delightful treat that brings a touch of sunshine to any occasion. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious scones today!