Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries with the refreshing zest of orange. These scones make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch table, perfect for a cozy weekend morning! Tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into how you can make these scrumptious scones yourself.
What You’ll Need for Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious scones:
- 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1 tbsp (12 g) baking powder
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- Zest of ½ an orange (or 2 tsp)
- 12 tbsp (170 g) cold butter, grated
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cup (150 g) fresh cranberries
- ⅔ cup (85 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) orange juice
How to Make Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
Follow these simple steps to create your scones:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
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Incorporate Butter: Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter into the dry mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to work the butter into the flour until it reaches a mealy texture.
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Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. If the dough feels too dry, add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a circle. Cut the circle into eight wedges, similar to cutting a pizza.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-27 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center isn’t jiggly.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the scones are baking, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl to create a glaze.
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Drizzle and Serve: Once the scones are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze on top before serving.
Serve & Enjoy Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
These scones are best enjoyed warm, directly out of the oven. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. You can also pair them with butter or a fruit preserve for an added treat. If you want to impress your guests at brunch, consider plating them on a beautiful serving platter and adding some extra cranberries or orange slices for a pop of color.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Substitution: If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for five minutes.
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Frozen Cranberries: You can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to let them thaw and drain before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra kick of orange flavor, feel free to add a bit more orange zest or even a teaspoon of orange extract into the wet mixture!
Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just remember that the scones may take a couple of extra minutes in the oven if they are chilled.
Q: How should I store any leftovers?
A: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat in the oven before enjoying!
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with chopped apples, blueberries, or even cherries, depending on what you have on hand.
I hope you’ll give these Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones a try! They’re delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the bright flavors and the warm, buttery texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!
Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (12 g) baking powder
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp Zest of ½ an orange (or 2 tsp)
Wet Ingredients
- 12 tbsp 12 tbsp (170 g) cold butter, grated Keep it cold for best texture
- 1 cup 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk Substitute with milk and vinegar if needed
- 1 tsp 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 large 1 large egg
Fruits
- 1.5 cups 1½ cup (150 g) fresh cranberries Can substitute with frozen cranberries
Glaze
- ⅔ cup ⅓ cup (85 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (15 ml) orange juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Grate the cold butter into the dry mixture. Work the butter into the flour until it reaches a mealy texture.
- Fold in the fresh cranberries until evenly distributed.
Mixing
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If the dough feels too dry, add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
- Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a circle. Cut into eight wedges.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-27 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center isn’t jiggly.
- While the scones are baking, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice to create a glaze.
- Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the scones before serving.
