Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry scones! They’re like little bites of joy, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon tea. I love whipping up a batch on chilly mornings because the smell that wafts through the house is absolutely heavenly. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery scone, with those sweet-tart bursts of cranberry in every mouthful. Trust me, they’re not just a treat; they’re a hug in pastry form!
What I adore most is how simple they are to make. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to nail these scones. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends, they always bring a smile to faces. They’re versatile too! You can serve them as a fancy breakfast or a delightful addition to your tea party spread. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cranberry Scones
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cranberry scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our scones, giving them that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
- 1/2 cup sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust a bit if you like it sweeter!
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps our scones rise beautifully. Don’t skip this; it’s crucial for that fluffy texture!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors! It’s amazing how a little salt can make everything taste better.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is key here! It creates those flaky layers we all love in a scone. Just cut it into small cubes straight from the fridge.
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: This is where the magic happens! Fresh cranberries give a burst of tanginess, while dried ones add a lovely chew. Choose whichever you prefer, or mix them for a fun twist!
- 2/3 cup milk: This brings everything together and helps create that dreamy dough. You can use whole milk or any milk you have on hand.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to your scones. It’s that secret ingredient that makes them extra special!
Once you have everything ready, we’ll be all set to dive into making the most amazing cranberry scones!
How to Prepare Cranberry Scones
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making those scrumptious cranberry scones! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a batch of warm, flaky scones that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the scones puff up beautifully. Trust me, you want that perfect golden crust!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for that lovely rise!
Incorporate Butter
Next, add in the 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. I like to use my fingers for this part—just rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want those little bits of butter to stay cold to create those flaky layers we all crave!
Add Cranberries
Now it’s time for the fun part! Stir in your 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries. If you’re using fresh ones, just toss them in whole. If you’re using dried cranberries, feel free to chop them a bit for smaller bites. Mix until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will help bring moisture to our scone dough. You can use any milk you have on hand, and don’t skip the vanilla—it really elevates the flavor!
Combine Mixtures
Now, gently pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them tender and light.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection here; rustic is part of the charm! Just make sure it’s even so that they bake nicely.
Cut and Bake
Now, take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut the circle into wedges—like slicing a pizza! I usually cut it into 8 pieces. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip up a batch of these scones in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings!
- Deliciously flavorful: The combination of buttery goodness and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or paired with your favorite tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Perfect for sharing: They’re an excellent choice for brunch with friends or a cozy get-together—everyone will love them!
- Beginner-friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, these scones are simple enough to conquer with ease. You’ll impress everyone!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the cranberries for blueberries or add in nuts for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry scones turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that I swear by! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your scone game.
- Keep your butter cold: This is crucial! Cold butter is what creates those flaky layers. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before using it.
- Don’t overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them light and tender.
- Flour your surface: When you turn out the dough, make sure your surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. It’ll make shaping and cutting a breeze!
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting your scones, a sharp knife will give you clean edges. This helps them rise better and look more appealing!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the scones as they bake. You want them golden brown on top, but if they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve your scones warm right out of the oven. They’re delicious on their own, but a pat of butter or a dollop of jam takes them over the top!
- Experiment with additions: Feel free to mix in some nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to baking cranberry scones that are not just good, but absolutely irresistible!
Variations of Cranberry Scones
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, I’ve got some fantastic variations for these cranberry scones! It’s so much fun to play with flavors and textures, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Blueberry Bliss: Swap out the cranberries for fresh or frozen blueberries. They add a juicy sweetness that’s simply divine! Just make sure to gently fold them into the batter to prevent them from bursting.
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a wonderful crunch. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries!
- Orange Zest: Brighten up your scones by adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough. It gives a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Spiced Apple: For a fall twist, you can mix in some diced apples and a dash of cinnamon. It brings a warm, cozy vibe to your scones!
- Chocolate Chip: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and cranberries is a match made in heaven!
- Maple Pecan: Instead of sugar, use maple syrup to sweeten your scones and fold in some toasted pecans. The maple syrup will add a lovely depth of flavor!
With these variations, you can easily adapt your cranberry scones to fit your mood or the season. Each twist brings something new and exciting to the table, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delicious cranberry scones, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers (if there are any!). Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some simple tips to keep them fresh and tasty!
To store your scones, let them cool completely on a wire rack first. This step is super important because it prevents condensation from forming in the container, which can make them soggy. After they’ve cooled, place the scones in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but I recommend reheating them to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
Now, if you find yourself with some leftover scones, reheating them is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them up for about 5-10 minutes, just until they’re heated through. This will help them regain their lovely flaky texture. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it; you want them warm, not rubbery!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your cranberry scones whenever the craving strikes. They’re just as delightful the next day, if you can resist them long enough!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Scones
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Knowing the nutritional values of your delicious cranberry scones can help you enjoy them even more, guilt-free. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per scone:
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of the delightful balance in each scone. So, whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, you can feel good knowing you’re indulging in something both delicious and relatively wholesome!
FAQ About Cranberry Scones
If you’ve got questions about making cranberry scones, you’re not alone! I’ve gathered some of the most common inquiries folks have, and I’m here to help you out with all the answers. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine in this recipe. Just toss them in frozen; there’s no need to thaw them first. They’ll add a lovely burst of tartness to your scones!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prepare the dough in advance, just shape it into a circle and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut and bake as directed!
What if my scones are too dry?
If your scones turn out a bit dry, it could be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined. If you find they’re dry after baking, a light drizzle of glaze or a smear of butter can help bring back moisture!
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Great question! Your scones should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil!
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a bit to help with texture. Your scones will still be delicious!
Print
Cranberry Scones: 7 Irresistible Ways to Savor Them
- 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
Description
Delicious cranberry scones perfect for breakfast or tea time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup milk
- 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.
- In another bowl, combine milk and vanilla.
- Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix gently.
- 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.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can substitute blueberries for cranberries.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cranberry scones, baked goods, breakfast