Description
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a delightful treat, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange zest, all enriched by the creamy tang of sour cream. Perfectly golden and tender, they make an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack to indulge your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Add-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your scones are ready to bake.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate cold butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add cranberries and orange zest: Gently fold chopped fresh cranberries and orange zest into the crumbly mixture to evenly disperse the flavors.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which ensures tender scones.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Pat and shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges to form the scones, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve tender, flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough; this can make scones tough.
- For extra shine and color, brush the scones with a little milk or egg wash before baking.
- Serve warm with butter or your favorite preserves for a delicious treat.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
