### Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: A Winter Delight
#### Introduction
Cranberry Orange Scones are not just a delightful treat but also a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your baking routine. With their juicy cranberries and zesty orange notes, these scones offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Here’s how you can make these scrumptious scones at home.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- Zest of one orange
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie cutter (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Scones**
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix well until these dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Cut in Butter**
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating those delicious flaky layers in your scones.
4. **Stir in Wet Ingredients**
- In another small bowl, mix together the milk and orange zest.
- Gradually stir this mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just enough to combine (avoid over-mixing).
5. **Fold in Cranberries**
- Gently fold in the cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. **Shape Scones**
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 20 seconds.
- Roll the dough into a circle or shape into scones using a cookie cutter.
7. **Bake the Scones**
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for even browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly risen.
8. **Cool and Serve**
- Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Scones warm, perhaps with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream!
#### Tips for Success
- Use cold butter; this will give your scones their characteristic flakiness.
- Do not over-mix the dough to avoid tough scones.
#### SEO Optimization
To ensure your recipe ranks well in search engines, include relevant keywords like "cranberry orange scones," "winter treats," and "seasonal baking." Use meta descriptions with targeted phrases. Enhance readability by using clear headings and bullet points for quick scanning of ingredients and steps. Include internal linking to related recipes or blogs about baking techniques.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a batch of cranberry orange scones that are perfect for any special occasion or just because!