The Perfect Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe for Tea Time

When searching for the perfect orange cranberry cream scones midday treat, you’ll discover a delightful twist on classic pastry.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside tart berries in this reimagined classic.

Soft, tender textures melt with each delicate bite.

Baking enthusiasts adore how simple ingredients create something magical.

Warm spices complement the bright fruit perfectly.

Rich cream ensures an incredibly smooth, luxurious result.

Step into your kitchen and craft these irresistible scones that will make everyone ask for seconds.

FAQ Time For Orange Cranberry Cream Scones

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly. Just make sure to roughly chop them to distribute evenly in the dough.

• How do I know when the scones are properly mixed?

Stop mixing when the dough just comes together. Overmixing will make the scones tough and dense.

• Is it necessary to use cold butter and cream?

Absolutely. Cold ingredients help create flaky, tender scones by preventing the butter from melting before baking.

• How can I make the scones look more attractive?

Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for a golden, sparkly finish.

Why Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Are A Morning Must

• Craft Quick Breakfast: Perfect morning treat that comes together with minimal kitchen skills, making it ideal for novice bakers wanting to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Flavor Fusion: Combines tangy orange zest with sweet cranberries, creating a delightful taste profile that works for casual brunches, afternoon tea, or spontaneous weekend gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires simple pantry staples and can be prepared in just a few steps, ensuring anyone can create restaurant-quality scones without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.
• Seasonal Celebration: Showcases winter and autumn flavors, allowing home cooks to enjoy a classic pastry with a festive twist that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base that provides structure and texture to the scones.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tangy cranberries.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the pastry.

• Cold Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and tender crumb in the scones.

• Dried Cranberries: Brings a tart and sweet burst of flavor to the scones.

• Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky and tender texture when worked into the dry ingredients.

Easy Instructions For Orange Cranberry Cream Scones

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Warm up your oven to a toasty 428°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Freshly grated orange zest

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips or two knives to break down the butter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently stir diced cranberries into the crumbly mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 5: Bring Dough Together

Pour in cold heavy cream. Use a spatula or fork to combine ingredients until the dough starts to form.

Don’t overmix – some loose bits are okay.

Step 6: Shape the Scones

Transfer dough to a floured surface.

Softly knead just a few times to help the dough hold together. Pat into a round disc about 1.5 inches thick.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

Use a floured round cutter or sharp knife to shape scones.

Place cut scones 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove scones from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum deliciousness.

Tips To Get Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Just Right

• Ensure butter is extremely cold for the flakiest, most tender scones possible.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense scones – mix just until ingredients combine.
• Substitute dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but soak them briefly in warm water to plump up.
• Brush scones with extra cream before baking for a beautiful golden, glossy top that looks professionally made.
• Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Tasty Ideas For Orange Cranberry Cream Scones

• Lemon Lavender Scones: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add dried lavender buds for a fragrant, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Scones: Swap cranberries with chopped dark chocolate and add toasted hazelnuts for a rich, decadent treat.
• Maple Pecan Scones: Substitute sugar with maple syrup and fold in chopped pecans, brushing the tops with extra maple syrup before baking.
• Blueberry Almond Scones: Use fresh blueberries instead of cranberries and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch.

What To Eat With Orange Cranberry Cream Scones

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Hot Tea: Brew a bright, zesty orange or Earl Grey tea that complements the scones' orange zest and enhances the citrusy undertones.
• Recommend Orange Marmalade Spread: Dollop a homemade or artisan orange marmalade alongside the scones to amplify the citrus flavor and add a glossy, sweet-tangy dimension.
• Serve with Whipped Lavender Honey Butter: Create a delicate butter blend by whipping softened butter with local honey and a touch of dried lavender, offering a luxurious, aromatic spread that balances the scones' tartness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Cream: Prepare a light, silky vanilla bean cream as a decadent dipping sauce that provides a smooth, rich counterpoint to the scones' slightly crumbly texture.

How To Store Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Properly

• Refrigerate: Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place scones in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm scones at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and maintain softness.
• Microwave Quick Reheat: Warm individual scones for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough and chewy.

Orange Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful orange cranberry cream scones bring British bakery magic to morning tables with tangy citrus and sweet berries. Buttery, flaky pastries offer a perfect companion to afternoon tea, promising pure culinary comfort you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
• 3 tablespoons (40 grams) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200–220 milliliters/7–8 fluid ounces) cold heavy cream
• 5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Flavor Enhancers:

• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) dried cranberries, diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 428°F (220°C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated baking environment for the scones.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and fragrant orange zest until thoroughly integrated.
3. Incorporate cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture, using fingertips or two knives to create a texture resembling coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
4. Gently fold the diced cranberries into the butter-flour mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Gradually pour in the cold heavy cream, carefully mixing with a spatula or fork until the ingredients bind into a cohesive dough.
6. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly floured surface, performing minimal kneading—no more than 10 gentle presses—to maintain its tender structure.
7. Shape the dough into a round disc approximately 1.5 inches thick, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
8. Using a floured round cutter or sharp knife, precisely cut the dough into elegant circles or rustic wedges, positioning them one inch apart on a lined baking sheet.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the scones to transform into golden-brown delicacies over 12-15 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and let the scones rest briefly, serving them while still warm or at a comfortable room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to maintain small, unmelted butter pieces for achieving ultra-flaky scones.
• Minimal Handling Technique: Overworking the dough develops gluten, resulting in tough scones, so handle the mixture gently and knead minimally.
• Zest Booster: Enhance orange flavor by rubbing orange zest into sugar before mixing to release more essential oils and intensify citrus notes.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg