Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones: A Perfect Morning Treat
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 not just easy to make; it produces bakery-style scones that are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The richness of sour cream ensures the scones stay tender, while the orange zest enhances the overall flavor profile. Each bite is filled with the sweet bursts of dried cranberries and, if you choose to add it, a hint of citrus glaze that elevates your scones to a new level. Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual brunches, or even a cozy afternoon at home, these scones are sure to impress!
The Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the cranberries and zest: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.Take care not to overmix the dough.
- Shape the scones: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc that’s about 1-inch thick. Cut the disc into 8 wedges, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone.
- Bake the scones: Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Glaze the scones: Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the cooled scones and let it set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy these scones freshly baked or at room temperature. They can be served with a drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter, making them a delightful addition to tea or coffee, or even a refreshing glass of orange juice.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, warm them briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh their deliciousness.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a tart flavor, consider using fresh cranberries chopped into smaller pieces and increasing the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons to balance the tartness.
- Handle the dough gently to keep the scones tender; avoid overworking it.
- For an extra delightful crunch, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top of the scones before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for sour cream, keeping in mind the overall texture might change slightly. Buttermilk will produce a lighter version.
2. Can I freeze the scones?
Absolutely! You can freeze the scones either before baking or after they’ve cooled down. If you freeze them beforehand, bake them straight from the freezer, just adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I prevent the scones from spreading?
To maintain their shape, make sure your butter is very cold, and be cautious not to overmix the dough. You can also chill the shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking them.
4. Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The texture may vary, but the flavor will still be delicious!
5. Can I add nuts to the scones?
Certainly! Toss in about 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch and added flavor.
