Cranberry Bliss Scones: A Recipe for Sweet Success
Are you ready to bake up a batch of scones that are as delightful as they are delicious? These cranberry scones are bursting with tart cranberries and a hint of sweetness, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or taking them along for a picnic, these scones are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and techniques, ensuring even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 scones.
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, no need to thaw)
Instructions for Cranberry Perfection:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly light scone.
Step 2: Cutting in the Butter
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix! The larger the butter pieces remain, the flakier your scones will be.
Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Adding the Cranberries
Gently fold in the cranberries. Again, avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8-10 wedges. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Extra Delicious Scones:
- Chill the dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the scones from spreading too much.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries will give the scones the best flavor and texture.
- Serve warm: These scones are best served warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream, and a drizzle of honey or jam.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry scones! They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or any time you crave a delicious treat. Share your baking creations on social media using #CranberrySconeBliss and let's inspire each other's baking journeys!
