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Baking scones is an experience that invokes the senses, filling the kitchen with enchanting aromas and promising a delightful treat. There's something incredibly satisfying about crafting these tender, flaky pastries, especially when they are infused with the vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges. The combination of these two ingredients creates a unique taste sensation that balances sweetness and acidity, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Bright Orange Cranberry Scones

Discover the joy of baking with these Bright Orange Cranberry Scones! This delightful recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of orange, creating a perfect balance in each flaky bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones are easy to make and are sure to impress. Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream, and explore the endless variations to customize them for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on top)

1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

      Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Add Cranberries and Zest: Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

          Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

            Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.

              Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza).

                Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

                  Add Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them brown, then sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for a delightful crunch.

                    Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

                      Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or a dollop of cream.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 8 scones