Description
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a delightful breakfast treat, bursting with the tangy flavors of dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. Made tender and moist by sour cream and enriched with buttery goodness, they bake up golden and flaky, perfect for holiday brunches or any cozy morning. The optional coarse sugar topping adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Fats and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Topping
- Coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Whisk well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will contribute to the scone’s flaky texture.
- Add Dried Cranberries: Stir the dried cranberries into the crumbly mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut Into Wedges: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges. Arrange them spaced slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle the tops of the scones with coarse sugar to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a similar texture and tang.
- For extra orange flavor, drizzle the cooled scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
- These scones freeze well; to reheat, warm them in the oven or toaster oven to restore freshness and crispness.
