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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice - 1 teaspoon orange zest Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making delicious cranberry orange glazed scones. You will need both dry and wet ingredients for the scones and a few items for the glaze. For the dry ingredients, start with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These form the base of your scone. The right balance is key. Next, the wet ingredients bring flavor and moisture. Cold butter is important. It helps to create a flaky texture. Dried cranberries add sweetness and tang. You will also need fresh orange zest for that bright flavor. Buttermilk adds richness and helps the scones rise. Don't forget the egg and vanilla extract to tie everything together. For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. This mixture will give your scones a sweet and citrusy finish. Having all these ingredients ready makes the process smooth and fun. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step helps the scones be flaky and light. Now, it's time to add more flavor. Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange. This mix gives a fresh taste. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and richness to our scones. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Gently combine them until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the scones tender. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a biscuit cutter for rounds. Place the shaped scones on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. While the scones bake, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Stir until smooth. Once the scones cool slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Enjoy your tasty treat! Using cold butter is key to making scones light and flaky. Cold butter creates small pockets of steam when baked. This gives the scones their airy texture. When you cut the butter into the flour, do it quickly. You want to keep the butter cold. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mixing too much can cause the scones to be tough. You should mix just until the ingredients come together. A few lumps are okay. This helps keep the scones tender. For the perfect glaze, you want a smooth, pourable consistency. Start with powdered sugar and add fresh orange juice slowly. Mix until you reach your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add a bit more juice. If too thin, add more sugar. Drizzle the glaze over the scones after they cool for a few minutes. This ensures the glaze does not melt away. A warm scone will soak up too much glaze. Serve your scones on a rustic wooden board for a beautiful look. This adds a nice touch for any gathering. To make them festive, garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. The bright colors will catch the eye and make your scones pop. {{image_2}} You can change the dried cranberries in your scones. Try adding dried cherries, raisins, or apricots. Each fruit adds a new taste. If you prefer fresh fruit, use fresh blueberries or raspberries. Just chop them up and fold them in gently. Fresh fruit gives a burst of flavor, but be careful. They can make the dough too wet. To make your scones more exciting, add spices. A bit of cinnamon or ginger can warm up the flavor. You could also add more citrus. Try lemon or lime zest along with the orange zest. This gives a bright, zesty kick to your scones. Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite mix. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy these scones. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good binding agent. For those who want vegan scones, swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of buttermilk. These changes keep the scones tasty while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your scones fresh at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is completely sealed. This helps to keep moisture in and air out. Store them away from direct sunlight or heat. When stored this way, scones last about 2 to 3 days. If you want to save scones for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply remove the scones from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the scone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and restores their fresh-baked taste. For the best taste, enjoy your scones warm. If they have cooled down, reheat them in the oven or microwave. To reheat baked scones, wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 15 seconds, or until warm. If you prefer, you can also place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat! What can I substitute for buttermilk? You can use milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This mix works great in scones. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh berries add a tart flavor. You may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the taste. Why are my scones tough? Scones can turn tough if you overmix the dough. Mix until just combined. Also, make sure your butter is cold. This helps create a light texture. How can I make scones sweeter? To make your scones sweeter, you can add more sugar. Try increasing the granulated sugar by 1 to 2 tablespoons. You can also add a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Are these scones suitable for special diets? These scones are not gluten-free or vegan. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For vegan scones, replace butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk. How to reduce sugar content in the recipe? To lower the sugar, cut the granulated sugar by half. You can also use a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly. You learned how to make delicious scones with our easy steps. We covered every part, from mixing dry and wet ingredients to baking and glazing. Remember, using cold butter helps achieve a flaky texture. You can also try adding other fruits or flavors for a twist. Store these treats properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your tasty scones, whether at a party or a quiet day at home. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Scones

Savor the taste of the season with these delightful Cranberry Orange Glazed Scones! Bursting with flavors of sweet cranberries and zesty orange, these scones are perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create these fluffy treats topped with a delicious orange glaze. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

      Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.

          Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.

            Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently mix until just combined; do not overmix.

              Shape Scones: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a floured biscuit cutter to create rounds.

                Bake: Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

                  Make the Glaze: While the scones are baking, combine the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

                    Glaze the Scones: Once the scones are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 8 scones

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.