If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your morning, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: cranberry almond scones! These beauties are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with pops of tart cranberries that just dance on your palate. The buttery, flaky texture is simply irresistible, and they’re so quick to whip up! Trust me, whether you’re brewing coffee for a cozy breakfast at home or hosting a fancy brunch, these cranberry almond scones will steal the show. They’re not just breakfast; they’re a warm hug on a plate. So, let’s dive in and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Cranberry Almond Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (make sure it’s really cold for that flaky texture!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I like to use the tart ones for extra flavor)
1/2 cup sliced almonds (feel free to toast them lightly for an added crunch)
1/2 cup heavy cream (the richness makes all the difference)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a little hint of sweetness)

How to Prepare Cranberry Almond Scones

Making these cranberry almond scones is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, delightful scones ready to enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for that perfect golden-brown finish!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything evenly.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about being too precise—some butter chunks are okay!
Now, it’s time to fold in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds. This is where the magic happens, so make sure they’re evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so be light-handed here!
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Then, cut it into wedges, just like a pizza!
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Once baked, let them cool slightly before enjoying. You’ll want to dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings
Deliciously balanced flavor with sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds
Buttery, flaky texture that melts in your mouth
Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack
Customizable with your favorite nuts or fruits

Tips for Success

To ensure your cranberry almond scones turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your butter is super cold before you mix it in—this helps create that flaky texture we all love. When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle; overmixing can lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that! Also, don’t skip lining your baking sheet with parchment paper; it makes clean-up a breeze and prevents sticking. Lastly, keep an eye on them as they bake—every oven is different, so check for that lovely golden brown around the 15-minute mark. Happy baking!

Variations of Cranberry Almond Scones

These cranberry almond scones are a wonderful base for creativity, so feel free to mix things up! If you want to switch up the nuts, try using chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. You can even throw in some dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist—because who doesn’t love chocolate? For a cozy autumn vibe, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating some fresh orange zest to brighten things up. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique flair to this already delightful recipe!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your cranberry almond scones fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. For a warm, comforting treat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm scone fresh out of the oven!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Typically, each cranberry almond scone contains around 250 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 34g of carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to check your ingredients if you’re keeping an eye on specific dietary needs. Enjoy these delightful scones as part of a balanced breakfast!

FAQ About Cranberry Almond Scones

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give your scones a tart burst of flavor. Just keep in mind they’ll add more moisture, so you might need to adjust the dry ingredients slightly.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with whole milk or even buttermilk if you have it on hand. The scones might be a bit less rich, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Look for a lovely golden-brown color on top and a slightly firm texture when you gently press them. If they feel soft and mushy, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to shape the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges before storing. Bake them fresh when you’re ready!

What’s the best way to serve cranberry almond scones?
These scones are divine served warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of jam. You can also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!

For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking.

Cranberry Almond Scones: 7 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy

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

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cranberry almond scones perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 almonds.
In another bowl, combine cream and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a circle.
Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm for best taste.
Store in an airtight container.
Can substitute other nuts if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scone
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cranberry Almond Scones, scones, breakfast, baking

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