Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones

These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are the perfect way to start your day with a burst of fresh citrus and fruity sweetness! The combination of tart cranberries, fragrant orange zest, and the richness of sour cream creates a light and tender scone that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these scones pair beautifully with tea or coffee. Drizzled with a sweet orange glaze, every bite delivers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make and produces bakery-style scones that are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The sour cream adds richness and keeps the scones tender, while the orange zest brightens up the flavors. The dried cranberries provide bursts of sweetness in every bite, and the optional glaze adds an elegant finish. These scones are versatile—great for holiday gatherings, casual brunches, or a cozy snack at home.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the cranberries and zest: Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Shape the scones: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a 1-inch thick disc. Cut the disc into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
8. Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
10. Glaze the scones: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled scones and let it set for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these scones fresh from the oven or at room temperature, with a drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter. They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a glass of fresh orange juice.
• Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer fresh cranberries, chop them into smaller pieces and increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons to balance the tartness.
• Don’t overwork the dough; scones are best when the dough is handled gently.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking for a slight crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. The sour cream adds extra richness, but buttermilk works as a good substitute for a lighter version.

2. Can I freeze the scones?
Absolutely! Freeze the scones before baking or after they’re baked and cooled. If freezing before baking, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How do I prevent the scones from spreading?
Make sure the butter stays cold, and avoid overmixing the dough. You can also chill the shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking.

4. Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

5. Can I add nuts to the scones?
Yes! Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a delicious way to brighten up any morning or afternoon. With their flaky texture, bursts of cranberry, and fragrant orange zest, they’re a treat you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these scones are sure to impress. Happy baking!

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