How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones:

Father’s Day in our household is always a special occasion, filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food. This year was no exception. My sons, Neil (2.5 years old) and Leon (1 year old), along with my husband, Mr. Reilly, enjoyed a wonderful morning together, baking and savoring cranberry orange scones. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of oranges and cranberries, and the joy on their faces made it a truly memorable day.

The History of Scones

Scones have a rich history that dates back to the early 1500s in Scotland. Traditionally, they were made with oats and cooked on a griddle, rather than baked in an oven. The name “scone” is believed to have originated from the Stone of Scone, a Scottish landmark where kings were crowned. Over time, scones evolved, and by the mid-1800s, they had become a staple of the British afternoon tea, often served with clotted cream and jam.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here is the recipe we used to make our delightful cranberry orange scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp grated orange zest (from 1/2 orange)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream + 1 tbsp to brush the top
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.

3. Add Orange Zest:

Grate the zest of half an orange using a fine grater. Add the zest to the dry ingredients and mix well. The orange zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.

4. Cut in the Butter:

Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the flaky texture of the scones.

5. Add Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and heavy whipping cream. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.

6. Fold in Cranberries:

Gently fold the dried cranberries into the dough. The cranberries add a delightful burst of sweetness and a chewy texture to the scones.

7. Shape the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges.

8. Bake the Scones:

Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops with the reserved tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a dollop of clotted cream or butter and a cup of tea or coffee.

Father’s Day Baking

On Father’s Day morning, the kitchen was abuzz with excitement. Neil, with his boundless energy, was eager to help mix the ingredients, while little Leon watched curiously from his high chair. Mr. Reilly, ever the supportive dad, supervised the boys and ensured that our baking adventure was as fun as it was productive.

As we grated the orange zest, Neil’s eyes lit up with curiosity. I explained to him how the zest contains essential oils that give oranges their wonderful aroma. Leon giggled as he watched his big brother learn something new.

When it came time to cut the butter into the flour, Neil was thrilled to see how the mixture transformed into coarse crumbs between his little fingers.

The highlight of the morning was folding in the cranberries. Neil carefully measured them out, and Leon tried to grab a few for himself. We laughed as we worked together, creating a beautiful mess in the kitchen. The smell of the scones baking in the oven filled the house, making our mouths water in anticipation.

When the scones were finally ready, we gathered around the table to enjoy our creation. The scones were warm and golden, with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest. Neil said, “Eat, Daddy!” and Mr. Reilly couldn’t have been happier.

How to Zest and Juice Oranges

Zesting:

To zest an orange, use a fine grater or a microplane. Hold the orange firmly and gently scrape the outer peel, being careful not to include the bitter white pith. The zest can be used fresh or dried for later use. It’s a wonderful way to add a burst of citrus flavor to various dishes and baked goods.

Juicing:

To juice an orange, roll it on the counter to loosen the juices. Cut the orange in half and use a citrus juicer or a reamer to extract the juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice is not only delicious on its own but can also be used in dressings, marinades, and baking.

Adding the Perfect Glaze

A sweet and tangy glaze can elevate your cranberry orange scones to the next level, adding a delightful finishing touch. Here’s a simple recipe for an orange glaze that complements the flavors of the scones perfectly:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for extra citrus flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too runny.
2. Add Orange Zest:
   For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the orange zest to the glaze and whisk until well combined.
3. Glaze the Scones:
   Once the scones have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a sweet and tangy coating on top of the scones.
4. Enjoy:
   Serve your glazed cranberry orange scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors. The sweetness of the glaze perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries and the refreshing citrus notes of the orange zest.

Additional Tips for Glazing Scones

1. Adjust the Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
2. Alternative Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other citrus juices for the glaze. Lemon or lime juice can be used for a different twist, and they pair wonderfully with various scone flavors.
3. Double Dipping: For an extra indulgent treat, you can double-dip your scones in the glaze. After the first layer has set, dip the scones again to create a thicker, more luxurious coating.
4. Decorative Touch: For a decorative touch, sprinkle some additional orange zest or dried cranberries on top of the glazed scones before the glaze sets completely. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor.

Adding a glaze to your cranberry orange scones not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a delightful layer of sweetness and flavor. This simple orange glaze recipe is the perfect complement to the tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest in the scones, making them a truly irresistible treat.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry orange scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

1. With Clotted Cream and Jam: A traditional British way to enjoy scones is with clotted cream and your favorite jam. The creaminess of the clotted cream pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the cranberries.
2. With Butter and Honey: Spread a little butter and drizzle some honey over your scones for a simple yet delightful treat.
3. As Part of a Brunch Spread: Serve your scones alongside other brunch favorites, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch table.
4. With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack.

Variations of Scones

Scones are incredibly versatile, and there are countless variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

1. Blueberry Lemon Scones: Substitute dried cranberries with fresh or frozen blueberries and add lemon zest instead of orange zest. The combination of blueberries and lemon creates a refreshing and slightly tangy flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip Scones: For a sweeter treat, fold in some chocolate chips instead of dried fruit. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate glaze.
3. Cheddar and Chive Scones: For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cranberries. Add grated cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives to the dough. These scones are perfect for serving with soups or salads.
4. Cinnamon Raisin Scones: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients and fold in some raisins for a classic flavor combination. Serve with a cinnamon butter for an extra treat.
5. Pumpkin Spice Scones: In the fall, try making pumpkin spice scones by adding pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk.

Baking cranberry orange scones with my family on Father’s Day was a joyous experience that brought us closer together. The process of creating something delicious from scratch is a wonderful way to bond and make lasting memories.

The rich history of scones, combined with their versatility and delicious flavor, makes them a beloved treat in many households. By experimenting with different variations, you can create your own unique scone recipes that reflect your personal tastes and preferences.