Baking has a special way of filling a home with warmth and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere for family and friends. There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked scones drifting through the kitchen, promising a delightful treat ahead.
One of the best recipes that embodies this cozy experience is Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones. The perfect combination of tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest creates a flavor harmony that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Their buttery, flaky texture makes them completely irresistible, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with your favorite spread.
While these scones are a staple in my household, especially during the holidays, they are truly perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a quick afternoon treat, these scones are sure to impress with their balance of flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
- Incredible Flavor – The mix of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest makes these scones unforgettable.
- Perfect Texture – Flaky on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve these for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or nutty!
Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making the perfect scone:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the scones, providing structure and softness.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Help the scones rise and stay light and airy.
- Cold Butter – Essential for creating a flaky texture.
- Sour Cream & Heavy Cream – Keep the scones moist and rich.
- Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together.
- Orange Zest & Cranberries – Provide a fresh, tangy burst of flavor.
- Turbinado Sugar & Sliced Almonds – Add a delightful crunch on top.
- Optional Orange Glaze – A simple, citrusy drizzle to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add Cranberries
Stir in dried cranberries to distribute them evenly.
Step 5: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, one egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Form the Dough
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
Step 7: Shape and Cut
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Lightly knead, then shape into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.
Step 8: Arrange and Brush
Place wedges on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over scones. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and turbinado sugar.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 10: Optional Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Drizzle over warm scones before serving.
Tips for the Best Scones
- Keep ingredients cold to maintain a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as it can make the scones tough.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
- Try different dried fruits, such as cherries or blueberries.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing sugar to taste.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Addition – Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Chocolate Twist – Swap cranberries for chocolate chips.
- Fresh Cranberries – Use fresh instead of dried cranberries for extra tartness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! Just chop them into smaller pieces and increase sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the scones will be slightly less rich.
3. How can I make scones flakier?
Use very cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
4. Can I freeze scones?
Yes! Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then store them in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, sour cream, and milk alternatives.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked scones in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. They’re easy to prepare and always impress with their flaky texture and vibrant taste. Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or as part of a brunch spread, these scones are guaranteed to bring joy to your table. Try this recipe today and bring a little extra warmth and deliciousness to your home! And don’t forget to follow Ava Foodie on Pinterest for more amazing recipes!
