There’s something truly magical about baking scones, isn’t there? The way the rich, buttery aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone in like a warm hug. My favorite part? It’s that satisfying moment when you take them out of the oven, and they’re perfectly golden brown, just begging to be devoured. And when you add the tartness of cranberries combined with the crunch of almonds, oh wow, you’ve got a match made in heaven! I still remember the first time I made these Cranberry Almond Scones; my family gathered around the table, and we couldn’t help but smile as we enjoyed them with a cup of tea. Each bite was a delightful mix of flavors and textures, and I knew right then that this recipe would become a cherished favorite. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these delicious scones together!

Ingredients for Cranberry Almond Scones

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to scone perfection! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Cranberry Almond Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure your butter is nice and cold—this is key to achieving that flaky texture we all love! And don’t skimp on the cranberries; their tartness adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the scones. Ready? Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare Cranberry Almond Scones

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get our hands a little messy and create some scone magic! The process is straightforward and honestly, quite fun! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, golden scones ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! A hot oven is essential for those lovely, flaky layers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed. You want to make sure those dry ingredients are ready to do their thing!
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens—your scones will be wonderfully flaky if you don’t overwork the butter!
Now, it’s time to fold in the chopped almonds and dried cranberries. Just gently stir them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Yum!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture is going to bring your dough together!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are totally fine! This is key to keeping your scones tender.
Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Here comes the fun part! Gently knead the dough just a few times—think of it as giving it a little love. You want it to hold together, but don’t overdo it!
Shape the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the disk into 8 wedges. You can also use a round cutter if you want perfectly round scones, but I love the rustic look of wedges!
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that first warm bite!

And there you have it—perfectly baked Cranberry Almond Scones that are just waiting to be enjoyed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy mornings!
Loaded with flavor from the tart cranberries and crunchy almonds.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Healthier than store-bought options, plus you can control the sweetness!
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of day.
They freeze well, so you can enjoy them later—just pop them in the oven for a quick reheat!

Tips for Success with Cranberry Almond Scones

Now that you’re all set to make these delicious Cranberry Almond Scones, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time!

Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream are cold! This helps create those flaky layers we all love. I even pop my butter in the freezer for a few minutes before cubing it—every little bit helps!
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps! Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them to be tender and flaky.
Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your scones as they bake! A golden brown color on top is the perfect indicator that they’re ready. If they start to get too dark, pull them out right away—nobody likes burnt edges!
Cool on a wire rack: After baking, let the scones cool on a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy. This also allows air to circulate around them, keeping them nice and light.
Storage: If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap. Just pop them in the oven to reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Serve warm: Scones are best enjoyed warm! A little butter or jam on top makes for a perfect treat. I like to warm mine up in the toaster oven for a few minutes before serving—heavenly!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a scone-making pro in no time! Happy baking!

Variations of Cranberry Almond Scones

Once you’ve mastered the classic Cranberry Almond Scones, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! There are so many delightful ways to mix things up and make this recipe your own. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:

Pecan Scones: Swap out the almonds for chopped pecans for a buttery, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Orange Cranberry Scones: Add the zest of one orange to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly!
Spiced Scones: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients to add a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Scones: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat that balances the tart cranberries with sweet chocolate goodness.
Maple Almond Scones: Replace the sugar with maple syrup and add some maple extract for a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the almonds.
Gluten-Free Scones: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these scones gluten-free while keeping that tender texture.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or spices! Each variation brings a unique flavor profile to the table, making these scones a versatile treat for any occasion. Enjoy the creative process, and don’t hesitate to share your delicious discoveries!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Almond Scones

Now that you’ve got your warm and flaky Cranberry Almond Scones ready to go, let’s talk about how to elevate your scone experience! These delightful treats are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level.

Clotted Cream: If you want to indulge, slather on some clotted cream for a rich and creamy addition that contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Butter: A simple pat of butter is always a classic choice. It melts into the warm scone, adding a lovely richness that just feels like a warm hug.
Jam: I love spreading a bit of homemade raspberry or strawberry jam on my scones. The sweetness of the jam complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly!
Honey: Drizzling some honey over the top can add a touch of floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunch of almonds.
Fresh Fruit: Serve your scones alongside a bowl of fresh fruit—think strawberries, blueberries, or sliced oranges. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the freshness balances the richness of the scones.
Tea or Coffee: Don’t forget a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee! These scones are perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon tea break.

Whether you’re enjoying them at a leisurely brunch with friends, a cozy afternoon tea, or as a quick breakfast on the go, these serving suggestions will make your Cranberry Almond Scones even more delightful. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a little extra joy with these simple yet delicious pairings!

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Almond Scones

Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful Cranberry Almond Scones! While they’re undeniably delicious, it’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per scone, based on standard ingredients:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and measurements you use. They’re perfect for a satisfying breakfast or snack, giving you a tasty treat without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re indulging in a delightful balance of flavors and textures!

FAQ about Cranberry Almond Scones

Got questions about making these delicious Cranberry Almond Scones? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries are quite tart, so you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors. They’ll add a lovely burst of juiciness to your scones!

How do I store leftover scones?

If you happen to have any scones left (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. Just reheat them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can! Just prepare the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake as usual. Freshly baked scones anytime? Yes, please!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste fantastic!

Do I need to use a pastry cutter?

Nope! While a pastry cutter makes it easier to mix in the butter, you can use your fingers or even a fork if that’s what you have. Just be gentle and don’t overwork the butter—this is key for those flaky scones!

I hope these FAQs help clear up any uncertainties you might have as you bake your own Cranberry Almond Scones! Happy baking, and enjoy every crumb!

Cranberry Almond Scones: 7 Secrets to Blissful Baking

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious scones with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of almonds.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
Stir in almonds and cranberries.
In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
Shape into a disk and cut into wedges.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm with butter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Can substitute walnuts for almonds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scone
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cranberry, Almond, Scones, Breakfast, Baking

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