Cranberry Orange Scones Glaze (Printable)
Buttery scones filled with cranberries and orange zest, topped with a sweet citrus glaze.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 3/4 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
11 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
→ Orange Glaze
12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
14 - 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
# How-To:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until well blended.
03 - Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Pour the wet mixture over the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Gently fold in the dried cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle, approximately 7 inches in diameter.
08 - Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Transfer wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
09 - Lightly brush the tops of each scone with additional heavy cream. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 - Transfer scones to a wire rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes before glazing.
11 - In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and orange zest. Add additional orange juice 1 teaspoon at a time until desired drizzling consistency is reached.
12 - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones. Allow glaze to set for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The orange zest makes the whole kitchen smell incredible while they bake
- They come together faster than you think, perfect for unexpected guests
02 -
- Handle the dough as little as possible once the liquid is added for the most tender result
- Cold butter is non-negotiable, it creates those flaky layers we all love
03 -
- Grate your orange zest before juaking the orange so you do not lose any of that precious oil
- If using fresh cranberries, chop them coarsely so they distribute evenly throughout the dough