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Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze are a quick and easy holiday brunch recipe that is flavorful and flaky. They're soft and moist inside yet crisp outside. | aheadofthyme.com

Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze


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  • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 scones
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze are a quick and easy brunch recipe that is flavorful and flaky. These delicious scones are soft and moist on the inside yet crisp and crumbly on the outside. They are loaded with fresh cranberries with a drizzle of orange glaze for the best combination of sweet and tangy flavor. Enjoy freshly baked cranberry orange scones in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.


Ingredients

For the scones

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting if needed)
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream, divided
  • 2 eggs, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add butter and using your hands or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until they are the size of peas, working quickly so the butter stays cold. Then, carefully fold in the cranberries. Set aside.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour the liquid mixture into the well. Use a spatula to carefully fold the ingredients until the liquid is just incorporated. 
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and pat it into a small rectangle, measuring about 6-inches by 8-inches, and approximately 1-inch thick. (Add more flour to the surface as needed if the dough is too sticky).
  7. Use a bench scraper or knife to cut the dough in half horizontally (1 cut) and into thirds vertically (2 cuts) to create 6 equal rectangles. Slice each rectangle in half diagonally to form 12 triangle-shaped scones.
  8. Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. In a small mixing bowl, beat the remaining egg. Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream and whisk together. Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar.
  10. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until scones are lightly golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes in the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the orange glaze:

  1. While the scones are cooling, combine confectioners’ sugar and half the orange juice in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until combined, adding more orange juice as needed to reach desired glaze consistency.
  2. When the scones are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze on top. Let set and serve.

Notes

Make ahead instructions: Make cranberry scones ahead and freeze for easy serving. You can freeze fully baked scones for up to three months before serving them, which makes them great for busy holiday prep. Don’t glaze them if you freeze them first, so you can add the glaze once they’ve been reheated.

How to store: Transfer cooled scones to an airtight container or large Ziploc and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to freeze: Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warm or microwave in ten second bursts until heated through. If making a batch to freeze, I recommend not adding the glaze before freezing. Once you are ready to serve, whip up a batch of glaze and drizzle on top, if desired.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American