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For the scone base, you'll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt These dry ingredients form the backbone of your scones. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and soda help them rise, while salt enhances flavor. Next, gather your wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The butter makes the scones rich. Cranberries add tartness and color. Orange zest brings brightness. Buttermilk, egg, and vanilla keep everything moist and flavorful. To make the glaze, use: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice - Zest of 1/2 orange This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. The powdered sugar gives it a smooth texture, while orange juice and zest enhance the scone's flavor. Start by gathering your tools and ingredients. You need a mixing bowl and a whisk. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This combo gives your scones a nice rise. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry mixture. You want to create coarse crumbs. This step is key for a flaky texture. Then, stir in 1 cup of cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. This adds flavor and color. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your scones may become tough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it holds together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Now it’s time to bake the scones. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when you see a nice golden color on top. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the sheet. While the scones cool, let’s make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and the zest of 1/2 orange. Whisk until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy layer to your scones. Once the scones have cooled for a bit, drizzle the glaze over them. This step makes them look beautiful and adds extra flavor. Enjoy your delightful cranberry orange scones! If you run out of an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Sugar: Try brown sugar for a richer flavor. - Buttermilk: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes. - Butter: Coconut oil works well as a dairy-free option. To bake perfect scones, follow these key tips: - Keep your butter cold. This helps the scones rise nicely. - Don’t overmix your dough. Mix just until it comes together. - Use a light touch when kneading. Too much force makes scones tough. - Cut the scones into even wedges. This helps them bake evenly. Presentation adds joy to your scone experience: - Serve scones on a pretty platter. A colorful plate makes them pop. - Dust with extra powdered sugar for a sweet finish. - Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This adds a festive touch. - Pair with tea or coffee for a delightful treat. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your scones by adding nuts or spices. I love using chopped walnuts or pecans. These nuts add a nice crunch and a rich taste. If you want some warmth, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch goes a long way. Mix in about 1/2 cup of nuts or 1 teaspoon of spices with the dry ingredients. If you need gluten-free scones, you can still enjoy this recipe. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum to help with texture. The rest of the steps stay the same. You may need to add a bit more buttermilk to get the right dough consistency. Check it as you mix. You can swap cranberries for other fruits in this recipe. Think about using blueberries or raspberries for a summer twist. Apples or pears work well in fall. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces. This keeps the dough from getting too wet. Adjust the orange zest to match the fruit you choose, and enjoy new flavors! To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. It prevents sticking and keeps the glaze nice. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them for longer, consider freezing. Freezing scones is a great way to save them for later. Allow the scones to cool completely. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them up and restores their lovely texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat for about 15 to 20 seconds, but they may not be as crisp. Enjoy your delicious scones warm! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to reduce excess moisture in your scone dough. Frozen cranberries will work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe. To cut back on sweetness, reduce the sugar in the dough. You can use only 2 tablespoons of sugar instead of 1/4 cup. This change still allows for a delicious flavor. You can also skip the glaze or use less powdered sugar in the glaze. Other glazes can bring fun flavors. A lemon glaze works well; just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice. A simple milk glaze is another option; mix powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth. You can also try a maple glaze for a sweet twist. We covered all steps to make delicious scones. You learned about ingredients, like dry and wet elements. You also found tips for baking and storing your scones. Consider adding nuts or fruits for fun flavors. Remember, fresh scones taste best, but freezing works too. Use our answers to common questions for extra help. Now you can bake perfect scones anytime. Enjoy your baking journey!

Cranberry Orange Scones Glaze

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cranberry Orange Delight Scones that are perfect for any occasion! With a delightful mix of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, these scones are easy to make and ideal for breakfast or brunch. Follow our simple recipe to create tender, flaky scones topped with a sweet orange glaze. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Zest of 1/2 orange

Instructions
 

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

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

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

        Stir in the cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

          In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.

            Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

              Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.

                Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

                  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

                    For the Glaze:

                      In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.

                        Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones.

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

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the scones on a beautiful platter, dust with extra powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive look.