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To make bakery-style orange cranberry scones, you will need these 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 heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon orange juice Each ingredient plays a key role in the final scone. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, and salt enhances flavors. The cold butter creates flakiness. I prefer specific brands for the best results: - All-Purpose Flour: King Arthur Flour is a reliable choice. - Granulated Sugar: Domino Sugar is consistent and pure. - Baking Powder: Rumford Baking Powder offers great leavening. - Unsalted Butter: Challenge Butter is creamy and fresh. - Dried Cranberries: Ocean Spray offers quality and taste. - Heavy Cream: Land O'Lakes is rich and thick. These brands can enhance your baking experience and outcome. You can make some swaps if needed: - All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. - Granulated Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar for extra moisture. - Heavy Cream: Use milk or almond milk, but the texture may change. - Dried Cranberries: Swap with raisins or chopped dried apricots. These substitutions can adjust flavors but may alter the final texture. Experiment and find what you love! First, you need to set the stage for your scones. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help your scones rise perfectly. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps your scones from sticking. It also makes for easy cleanup later. Next, let’s work on the dry mix. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients well. Mixing well ensures an even flavor throughout your scones. Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Mix until everything blends smoothly. Once mixed, pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough. This keeps your scones light and fluffy. After mixing, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use your hands for this. For cutting, you can slice the circle into 8 wedges. Alternatively, use a round cutter for uniform shapes. Make sure the pieces are not too close together. They need space to rise. Place the shaped scones on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they have some space between them. Now, it’s time to bake! Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Watch for the tops to turn golden brown. Once done, let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy the warm, fragrant scones as they cool! To get the best texture in your scones, keep the butter cold. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. Cut the butter into small cubes for easy mixing. When you mix the butter with flour, stop when the mix looks like coarse crumbs. This will keep your scones light and airy. One mistake is overmixing the dough. If you mix too much, the scones will be tough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Another mistake is not using cold ingredients. Room-temperature butter or cream can ruin the texture. Always use cold butter and cream for the best results. When shaping the dough, aim for a thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them rise evenly. Make sure to space the scones apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate, giving them a nice rise. Lastly, keep an eye on the oven. Watch for golden tops to know when they’re done. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors in these scones. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also mix in white chocolate chips for sweetness. Dried cherries or blueberries are great substitutes for cranberries. Just remember to keep the same amounts. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum. This helps the scones hold their shape. You might want to add a bit more heavy cream to keep the dough moist. Follow the same steps as the original recipe, and enjoy! You can make these scones fit any season. In spring, add lemon zest for a fresh taste. In fall, use pumpkin spice and swap the orange juice for apple cider. For winter, add some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Each season brings a new twist to this classic treat! To keep your scones fresh, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, use the fridge. This can extend their life to about a week. Just remember to wrap them well to avoid drying out. When you're ready to enjoy your scones again, reheating is key. For best results, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them through and makes them soft again. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Heat for 10-15 seconds, but watch closely to avoid sogginess. Freezing is a great option for scones. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat. Enjoy fresh scones anytime! You can use whole milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream. If you want a thicker option, try using Greek yogurt. Mix it with a bit of milk to reach a creamier texture. This keeps the scones moist and tender. Just remember, the flavor may change slightly. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries are tart and juicy. To balance their flavor, you might want to add a little extra sugar. Chop them roughly before adding them to the dough. This helps distribute the tartness evenly in the scones. Scones are ready when they are golden brown on top. You can also check their internal temperature. It should be around 200°F (93°C). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it has wet dough on it, they need more time. You’ve learned about the ingredients, steps, tips, and variations for baking scones. Choosing quality ingredients and following the steps will lead to tasty results. Remember to avoid common mistakes for the best texture. Explore different flavors and storage methods to keep your scones fresh. With practice, scones can become a favorite treat. Now, it’s time to gather your supplies and bake some delicious scones today!

Bakery-Style Orange Cranberry Scones

Bake mouthwatering Bakery-Style Orange Cranberry Scones that are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack! With zesty orange and tart cranberries, these scones are easy to make and scrumptious. Follow our simple steps to create a golden-brown delight your family will love. Don’t miss out on this tasty recipe—click through to discover how to whip up these delicious scones in just 35 minutes!
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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 heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

      Add the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

          In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice.

            Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.

              Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for uniform shapes.

                Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly spaced apart.

                  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

                    Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

                        - Presentation Tips: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice for a beautiful finish. Serve warm with butter for a delightful treat!