Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry orange sour cream scones! They’re like a burst of sunshine and tartness in every bite. Imagine the sweet, zesty aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection. The combination of fresh cranberries and vibrant orange zest just sings together, and the sour cream? It adds this amazing richness that keeps them moist and tender. Best of all, they’re super easy to whip up! Whether you’re enjoying them at brunch, with your afternoon tea, or even as a cozy snack, these scones are sure to impress. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be in love! So, let’s dive into making these delightful treats together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these scrumptious cranberry orange sour cream scones to life. I promise, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that delicious flavor and texture!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your scones, giving them structure and a lovely crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Just the right amount to add sweetness without overpowering the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the scones rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: It adds a little extra lift and helps balance the acidity from the sour cream.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and makes everything taste even better!
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is key for that flaky texture we love in scones. Make sure it’s nice and chilled!
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: These add a burst of tartness and color. If you can’t find fresh ones, dried cranberries work too!
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: This brings a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The secret ingredient for moist, tender scones. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds richness.
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these cranberry orange sour cream scones! Follow along with these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious scones ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your scones will rise beautifully and bake evenly. Trust me, you want that golden crust!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this will set the foundation for your scones!
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Now, it’s time to cut in the 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers—whatever you prefer! You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This is key for that flaky texture we all love!
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Orange Zest
Next, gently stir in the 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. This is where the magic happens! The tartness from the cranberries and the bright citrus notes from the orange zest will make your scones sing with flavor!
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of sour cream and the 1 large egg until smooth. This creamy mixture is going to bring everything together, so don’t rush it—give it a good whisk!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. This keeps your scones light and fluffy.
Step 7: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just until it comes together. Don’t overdo it; we want to keep that tenderness!
Step 8: Shape and Cut the Scones
Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Then, using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into wedges. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but I usually aim for 8 scones. They’re going to be delicious!
Step 9: Bake the Scones
Place your scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them because that golden color means they’re perfectly baked!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cranberry orange sour cream scones turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and sour cream cold helps achieve that flaky texture we all adore. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we definitely want them tender and light!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your scones as they bake. They should be golden brown on top—this means they’re ready to come out of the oven!
- Serve warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. A little pat of butter or a drizzle of honey takes them to the next level!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, right? Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values for these delightful cranberry orange sour cream scones. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this will give you a solid idea!
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these scones are a tasty addition to your day! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’ve got a little balance on your plate.
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious cranberry orange sour cream scones? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. If using them, don’t thaw them before adding to the dough; throw them in frozen to keep your scones nice and cold.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. They’ll still give you that lovely moisture and richness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to shape and cut the scones before you bake them, as they’re best enjoyed fresh!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer—just warm them up before enjoying!
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even other fruits like blueberries. The possibilities are endless, and it’s fun to experiment!
What’s the best way to enjoy these scones?
Oh, I love them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They’re also delightful with a cup of tea or coffee. Perfect for brunch or a cozy snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a bright and refreshing flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, these scones come together quickly, making them perfect for even the busiest mornings.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the sour cream, each scone is incredibly moist and tender, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack, these scones are versatile enough to fit any setting.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even other fruits to make them your own.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the dough in advance and bake fresh scones whenever you want, which is a huge time-saver!
- Freezer-Friendly: These scones freeze beautifully, so you can stock up and enjoy them anytime you crave a tasty treat.
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones: 7 Steps to Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry orange scones made with sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk sour cream and egg together.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead gently.
- Shape into a circle about 1 inch thick; cut into wedges.
- Place scones 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.
- Use dried cranberries if fresh are not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry orange sour cream scones