There’s something truly magical about baking, don’t you think? The warm aromas wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite – it’s pure joy! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for cranberry orange sour cream scones, a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright zing of fresh orange. These scones are not just about flavor; they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for breakfast or a cozy tea time with friends. Trust me, once you take a bite of these tender, buttery scones, you’ll be swept away by their deliciousness. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather our ingredients for these amazing cranberry orange sour cream scones! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our scones, giving them that lovely structure.
1/2 cup sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness that complements the tangy cranberries.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps our scones rise to fluffy perfection.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little pinch to enhance all the flavors.
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Make sure it’s cold! This is the secret to flaky scones.
1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a delightful tartness and chewiness.
1 tablespoon orange zest: Just the zest, please! It brings a refreshing citrus aroma.
1/2 cup sour cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang, making the scones tender.
1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
1 tablespoon milk for brushing: A little wash on top for that golden finish.

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the fun part – making those scrumptious cranberry orange sour cream scones! Follow these steps for scone perfection:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly and get that golden color we all adore.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to break up any clumps.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. I love using my fingertips to rub the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens for flakiness!
Now, toss in those dried cranberries and orange zest, mixing them gently so they’re evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth. This creamy mixture is going to bring our scones to life.
Pour the sour cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few floury bits!
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead just a couple of times until it comes together. Then, shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Now, cut the circle into wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little milk for that beautiful finish.
Finally, pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that brightens your day.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these scones come together quickly—even for beginner bakers!
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon tea, or a snack, they’re versatile enough to fit any moment.
Soft and flaky texture: Each bite is a delightful mix of tenderness and a satisfying crumb, thanks to the sour cream.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in fresh cranberries or add nuts for a personal twist!

Tips for Success

Getting those cranberry orange sour cream scones just right is all about a few key tricks! First, make sure your butter is really cold when you mix it in; this is crucial for that flaky texture we all love. Also, don’t overwork the dough—mix until everything is just combined. If you find it a bit sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your surface. And here’s a little secret: if you want an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice to the sour cream mixture! Lastly, serve them warm for the best experience; they’re absolutely heavenly right out of the oven!

Nutritional Information

These delicious cranberry orange sour cream scones are not just a treat for your taste buds but also have a nutritious side! Each scone is estimated to have around 210 calories, with 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. They also contain about 8g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh cranberries can be used for a burst of tartness, but I recommend adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors since they’re less sweet than dried ones.

What if my dough is too sticky? If the dough feels sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on your hands while shaping the dough. Remember, you want to handle it gently to keep those scones light and fluffy.

How do I know when they’re done baking? You’ll know your cranberry orange sour cream scones are ready when they turn a lovely golden brown color. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delightful hint too!

Can I freeze these scones? Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven for a quick reheat!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious cranberry orange sour cream scones fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through. This will help restore their lovely flaky texture and bring back that fresh-baked aroma. Trust me, they’re just as delightful the second time around!

Serving Suggestions

These cranberry orange sour cream scones are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a few delightful accompaniments can elevate your experience! I love serving them with a dollop of clotted cream or a spread of butter for that extra richness. A side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, adds a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget a steaming cup of tea or coffee—it’s the perfect way to enjoy these scones during breakfast or an afternoon snack!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For tips on the health benefits of cranberries, visit Healthline.

To learn more about the nutritional value of sour cream, check out Healthline.

Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones That Wow Your Taste Buds

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry orange sour cream scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or tea time.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
In another bowl, combine sour cream and egg.
Add the sour cream mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
Shape into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
Place on a baking sheet and brush with milk.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm for best taste.
Store in an airtight container.
Can substitute fresh cranberries if available.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scone
Calories: 210
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cranberry orange sour cream scones

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