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Steps
### Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: A Perfect Baking Day
**Introduction**
Cranberry orange scones are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, making them a perfect treat for any baking day. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a light and flaky pastry that is both delicious and easy to make.
#### Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel or juice
#### Equipment Needed
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork for mixing butter into flour
- Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
- Parchment paper if needed
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
#### Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Whisk together the egg and milk (if using) or add the orange juice directly into the well. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring the dough does not become too wet.
#### Step 3: Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest/Peel
- Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest or peel.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, mix in an additional tablespoon of grated orange peel at this stage.
#### Step 4: Shape the Scones
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently to form a disc about 1-inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to cut out scone shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
#### Step 5: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with a pat of butter!
### Tips for Perfect Scones
- **Cold Ingredients**: Keep your butter and other cold ingredients cold to ensure flakiness in the scone layers.
- **Dough Handling**: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid toughening the gluten, which can affect texture.
- **Adjust Sugar Content**: Taste the mixture before adding cranberries. You may find you need less sugar than expected.
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By following these detailed steps and tips, you'll be able to create delicious cranberry orange scones that are sure to impress your family and friends!