Description
These scones are slightly crisp and flaky on the outside, with a moist center bursting with cranberry and orange flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, halved if large
- For the Glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Grate the frozen butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator while preparing the wet ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the chilled dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined and the dough starts to come together. Fold in the cranberries.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or juice.
- Glaze Scones: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Butter: Using frozen butter and incorporating it into the dry ingredients helps create a flaky texture.
- Cranberries: If using dried cranberries, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding to the dough.
- Storage: Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed scones for up to three months. Thaw and warm them before glazing and serving.