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Bakery-Style Flaky Cranberry Orange Scones with Sweet Orange Glaze

Close-up of two flaky cranberry orange scones topped with a thick white glaze, studded with dried cranberries.
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Make bakery-style cranberry orange scones at home. This easy recipe delivers flaky layers, a tender crumb, and bright citrus flavor from fresh orange zest, topped with a sweet orange glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Zest of 2 large oranges
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

  1. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
  2. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This creates flakiness.
  3. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest until they distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix; overmixing develops gluten and makes the scones tough.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
  7. Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges or use a round cutter for uniform shapes. Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Brush the tops lightly with a little extra heavy cream for browning.
  9. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. While the scones cool slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Add more juice, a drop at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  11. Drizzle the sweet orange glaze over the warm scones. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the flakiest texture, keep your butter and cream very cold before mixing.
  • If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the dough.
  • You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/cranberry-orange-scones/