Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing, optional)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a Large Bowl, Whisk Together:
- Flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter:
- Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cranberries:
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using).
6. Form the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Shape the Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges.
8. Transfer to Baking Sheet:
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
9. Brush with Cream and Sprinkle Sugar (Optional):
- If desired, brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream and sprinkle coarse sugar over them.
10. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.
11. Cool:
- Allow the cranberry scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
12. Serve:
- Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam.
Note:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or orange glaze.
Nutrition Information (per scone):
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 390mg
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.