Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones

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 unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your preferred dried fruit)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • 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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape and Cut the Scones:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until it comes together.
   • Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
   • Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Scones:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Glaze (optional):
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the scones warm or at room temperature, with clotted cream or butter if desired.

Enjoy your homemade cranberry orange scones!