Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings. These tender scones are light, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh cranberries and orange zest. Whether you pair them with your morning coffee or serve them at a special gathering, they’re sure to delight your taste buds.
What is Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones?
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones are a delightful variation of traditional British scones, featuring the zesty combination of orange and tart cranberries. These scones are characterized by their flaky, tender texture and slightly sweet flavor, balanced by the fresh burst of citrus and the tartness of cranberries. With a golden brown finish, they offer a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
The Origin of Cranberry Orange Scones
Scones, a beloved British pastry, have become a staple in many cultures, particularly in the United States, where they are often enjoyed at breakfast or tea time. The addition of orange and cranberries is a more modern twist, perfect for adding a burst of flavor during the fall and winter seasons. Cranberries, often associated with holiday dishes, pair beautifully with orange, making this a festive and refreshing breakfast treat.
Ingredients with Quantity
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus 1–2 tbsp for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large orange (about 1–2 tsp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Glaze (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp orange juice
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Preheat Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cut in the Butter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is essential to achieving a flaky scone texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. The dough should remain slightly sticky, but be careful not to overmix as this will result in dense scones.
- Gently fold in the cranberries, and if desired, add in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
4. Shape Scones
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Pat it into a circle that is about 1-inch thick (approximately 8–9 inches in diameter).
- Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges, just like a pizza.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Brush the tops of the scones lightly with heavy cream for a golden, crisp finish.
5. Bake the Scones
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the scones to cool for about 5–10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Optional Glaze
- While the scones are cooling, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the scones are warm but not too hot, drizzle the glaze over them for a sweet and tangy finish. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the scones a glossy, festive appearance.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones
- Add nuts: If you prefer a bit of crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the cranberries.
- White chocolate chips: For a touch of sweetness, mix in white chocolate chips, which complement the tartness of the cranberries.
- Extra citrus flavor: If you’re a fan of citrus, add a ½ tsp of orange extract to the dough for an even more intense orange flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these scones suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones
1. Can I use frozen cranberries for these Cranberry scones?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them. In fact, frozen cranberries help the scones maintain their shape during baking, so they are a great option.
2. Can I freeze the scone dough before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped scones before baking. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones on a baking sheet and add an extra 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I store leftover Cranberry scones?
Once cooled, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones in a single layer and transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Can I add a different fruit instead of cranberries?
Yes, feel free to substitute cranberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples. Just make sure the fruit is not too watery to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
5. Do I have to use the glaze?
The glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness and shine to the scones. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze or replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Conclusion: Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Scones are a perfect way to start your day or to serve at your next gathering. The combination of fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a delicate buttery texture makes these scones a crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with coffee or as a special holiday breakfast, these scones are sure to impress with their light, tender texture and vibrant citrus flavor. With the option to add your favorite mix-ins or adjust the recipe to your preferences, they’re a versatile addition to any baking repertoire.
