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Easy Flaky Cranberry Orange Scones with Sweet Citrus Glaze

Close-up of three freshly baked cranberry scones, drizzled with white glaze, sitting on a white plate.
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You can make bakery-style cranberry orange scones at home that are wonderfully festive, flaky, and tender. This easy scone recipe is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step helps create flaky scones.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the orange zest and dried cranberries to the flour mixture and toss to combine.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be shaggy.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3 or 4 times until the dough comes together. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
  7. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza. Separate the wedges slightly and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with heavy cream.
  9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  10. While the scones cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  11. Drizzle the citrus glaze over the warm scones. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the flakiest texture, keep your butter very cold and avoid overworking the dough.
  • You can make these ahead by cutting the wedges and freezing them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Substitute lemon zest and juice for orange for a bright lemon cranberry scone variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/cranberry-scones-recipe-easy-flaky/