Description
These Cranberry Snow Scones are a delightful treat combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zest of orange in a tender, buttery scone. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones feature a crisp exterior with a soft and fluffy inside, topped with pearl sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by buttering it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cranberries: Pulse 2 cups of fresh cranberries briefly in a food processor to break them up slightly but not puree them.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and the zest of one orange. Add the pulsed cranberries and toss to combine evenly.
- Add Butter: Cut 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Add to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or the back of a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized lumps.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups buttermilk with a wooden spoon just until the dough begins to hold together without overmixing.
- Shape Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn out the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Pat each portion into a circular disk about 1 1/2 inches thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a round cutter to cut out scones. You can cut the remaining scraps into more scones and repeat the process.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with white pearl sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and scones are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove scones from the oven and let them cool briefly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter on the side for an extra indulgence. Enjoy your cranberry snow scones!
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
- Using fresh cranberries adds a natural tartness; frozen cranberries can be used but may release more moisture.
- The orange zest adds a lovely citrus aroma; fresh orange juice can also be added for extra flavor.
- Butter used for brushing gives a beautiful golden finish and adds richness.
- White sugar pearl sprinkles enhance the scones’ festive look and add a crunchy texture.
- Serve the scones warm for best taste, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry scones, winter scones, breakfast scones, orange zest scones, buttery scones, holiday baking
