Name: Cranberry Snow Scones Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Fresh Cranberries; 4 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 1/4 teaspoons Salt; 1 Orange (zest and juice); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (plus 3 tablespoons for brushing); 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk; White Sugar Pearl Sprinkles (to taste)

Ingredients

2 cups Fresh Cranberries

4 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 tablespoon Baking Powder

3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon Salt

1 Orange (zest and juice)

1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, plus 1 tablespoon for dough)

1 1/2 cups Buttermilk

3 tablespoons Butter (for brushing)

White Sugar Pearl Sprinkles (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and butter a rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Pulse the fresh cranberries briefly in a food processor to break them up slightly.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Add the pulsed cranberries and toss to combine evenly.

Step 4: Cut the cold unsalted butter into 1/2-inch cubes, then add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or the back of a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have pea-sized lumps scattered throughout.

Step 5: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together and holds its shape.

Step 6: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out. Divide it into two equal portions. Pat each portion into a circular disk about 1 1/2-inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or round cutter to cut out scones.

Step 7: Brush the tops of the scones with the 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle with pearl sugar for a sparkling finish. You may also cut the disks into triangles if preferred. Gather any dough scraps and repeat the rolling and cutting process.

Step 8: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving with extra butter if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of orange juice to the buttermilk before mixing.

Substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before using.

Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.

Keep the butter cold to ensure flaky scones with tender crumb.

If you like a sweeter scone, increase the sugar sprinkle or brush the tops with honey after baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe and can be added directly without thawing. They may release a bit more juice, which can make the dough slightly wetter, so handle the dough gently.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

You can substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and replace butter with a plant-based alternative. The texture might vary slightly, but the scones will still be delicious.