Are you craving a scrumptious baked good that combines the rich flavors of tart cranberry and zesty orange? Look no further than these Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones! Soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful, these scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Did you know that scones originated in Scotland and were traditionally made with oats? Over time, they’ve evolved into a beloved treat enjoyed around the world, especially with unique flavor variations like our cranberry and orange combo. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen, making them a fantastic option for families or anyone looking to bake something special without the fuss. So, let’s dive in and explore why you should whip up a batch of these delightful scones today!
If you’ve enjoyed other delicious treats on the blog, such as our Blueberry Muffins, you’ll find that making these scones is just as rewarding and satisfying. With their comforting textures and lovely flavors, both recipes are sure to create happy moments in your kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
What are Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones?
So, what exactly are Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones, you ask? Well, they’re like a love letter to your taste buds! Picture this: tender scones made with rich sour cream, studded with tart cranberries and infused with the bright citrusy notes of orange zest. It’s a delightful combination that makes for a special treat any time of day. You might wonder why they’re specifically called “scones.” The term dates back to the Scottish “scon” and evokes images of tea time and joyous gatherings. And remember, as the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who wouldn’t want to impress their loved ones with these tasty baked goods? So why not give the recipe a try and create your own delightful scone experience?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones! First and foremost, the combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a burst of fruity goodness that will leave you craving more. Additionally, making scones at home is far more budget-friendly than purchasing them at a cafe. Plus, when you whip them up in your own kitchen, you have complete control over the ingredients and can enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
Just like our delightful Banana Bread, these scones are super easy to prepare, using common pantry ingredients. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply on their own, these scones are bound to impress! So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some delicious memories!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Quick Overview
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are not only delicious but easy to prepare! With an estimated prep time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of around 15-20 minutes, these scones will be done before you know it! Their fluffy, slightly crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, making them a satisfying treat any time of day.
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
To create these mouthwatering scones, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, gently work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cranberries and Zest: Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Shape Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to form scones.
- Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm scones plain or with a spread of butter!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones turn out perfect every single time, consider these handy tips:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and sour cream cold! This will help create that tender, flaky texture in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a light and airy scone. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones.
- Adjust Fruit: Feel free to substitute cranberries with other berries like blueberries or cherries for a different flavor experience.
Sharing these scones with family or friends will surely be a hit, creating smiles all around!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftover Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them. Just wrap them in foil or freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to restore their delicious fluffy texture.
So there you have it! With this easy and delightful recipe for Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones, you’re ready to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and create a charming treat that everyone will love. These scones are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire—happy baking!
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 medium orange, zest
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream Keep cold for best results.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fats
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed Keep cold for best texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend evenly.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to form scones.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm scones plain or with a spread of butter!
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