Introduction
There’s something so delightful about warm scones fresh from the oven, especially when they’re bursting with vibrant flavors like cranberry and orange. These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a tender, flaky scone brings a hint of indulgence that feels just like a visit to your favorite bakery—right from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 scones
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the chilled cubed butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, resembling a sandy texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, fresh orange juice, and the vibrant orange zest, infusing your mixture with a zesty aroma.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the scones to remain tender!
- Gently fold in the cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With your hands, shape it into a disc approximately 1-inch thick, creating a lovely, smooth round.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 wedges, like a pizza, and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
- Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and your kitchen is filled with a delicious aroma.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!
Notes or Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before folding them in to rehydrate.
- These scones freeze beautifully! Simply freeze unbaked wedges on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Cooking Techniques
Creating light and flaky scones is all about handling the dough minimally and keeping your ingredients cold. Here are a few tips:
- Ensure your butter is very cold; you can even freeze it for a few minutes before cubing it to get that flaky texture.
- Mix the dough quickly and avoid overworking it. This helps maintain the tenderness.
- For even baking, try to keep the scone wedges uniform in size when cutting.
FAQ
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute part of the flour for whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
- What can I serve with these scones? These scones pairs wonderfully with clotted cream, jam, or even a slice of cheese!
- How should I store the scones? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience to be shared. The pairing of tart cranberries with bright orange notes creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking these fragrant scones. Your home will be filled with warmth, love, and the irresistible fragrance of baking—ready to be savored with those you cherish!