Heavenly Cranberry Scones – A Perfectly Delicious Treat

If you’re searching for a baking recipe that’s both easy and incredibly rewarding, look no further than heavenly cranberry scones. These scones are a delightful combination of buttery richness and the tartness of cranberries, creating a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. With their flaky texture and burst of flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

The Story Behind These Heavenly Cranberry Scones

I first came across this scone recipe during a chilly winter afternoon when I was craving something warm and comforting. I wanted a baked good that could be enjoyed with a cup of tea and decided to try my hand at making scones. With a bag of fresh cranberries in the fridge, I thought, ‘why not?’ and tossed them into the scone mixture. The result was nothing short of heavenly, and I’ve been perfecting the recipe ever since. These scones have since become a tradition in my household, especially around the holidays, when cranberries are in season.

Recipe Overview

Heavenly cranberry scones feature a buttery dough that’s mixed with tart cranberries, then baked to perfection. The scones are slightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla, and are topped with a light dusting of sugar for an added touch of sweetness. The combination of the flaky texture and the juicy cranberries makes these scones stand out, and they’re incredibly easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping

Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the dough. You can also swap heavy cream for buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to achieve a flaky texture.
4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be a bit shaggy.
5. Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold the chopped cranberries into the dough, being careful not to mash them too much.
6. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick and 8 inches in diameter. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush and sprinkle: Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough when mixing the wet ingredients. The citrus pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 33-35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This recipe makes 8 scones, which are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Serve these heavenly cranberry scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream, butter, or jam. They’re also delicious on their own with a cup of tea or coffee. For a holiday twist, pair them with a homemade cranberry-orange compote.

Nutritional Information

Each cranberry scone contains approximately 250-280 calories, 12 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. While scones are a treat, they can be made slightly healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar by a tablespoon or two.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply shape the scones and proceed with the recipe.

Why are my scones not flaky?

Flakiness in scones comes from cold butter and minimal mixing. Make sure your butter is cold, and avoid overworking the dough. If the butter melts before baking, the scones will be denser.

Can I add other flavors to this recipe?

Absolutely! Try adding white chocolate chips, nuts, or a splash of almond extract to enhance the flavor of the scones. You can also glaze the scones with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

These heavenly cranberry scones are a delightful treat that you can easily make at home. Their buttery texture and bursts of cranberry flavor make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments below. Happy baking!