Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the deliciousness that is cranberry orange sour cream scones! They burst with flavor, thanks to the tangy cranberries and the zesty orange that just sings in every bite. I remember the first time I made these beauties for a brunch gathering; the whole house smelled like a cozy bakery, and everyone just couldn’t get enough! The balance of sweet and tart is so delightful, and when you add in that rich creaminess from the sour cream, it’s an absolute game changer. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning. Trust me, you’ll want to whip up a batch of these scones ASAP!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these delightful cranberry orange sour cream scones! Here’s the rundown:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our scones, giving them that perfect structure.
- 1/2 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the scones rise beautifully in the oven.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Make sure it’s cold for that flaky texture we’re after!
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: These little gems add a burst of tartness and color.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: This brings a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and moisture, making the scones tender.
- 1 large egg: This will help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla for that warm, comforting flavor.
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the fun part—making these cranberry orange sour cream scones! Don’t worry, it’s super simple and so rewarding.
Prepping the Dough
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when our scones are ready to bake! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Next, grab your cold, cubed butter and toss it in. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the key to achieving that lovely flaky texture we’re after—so don’t rush through it!
Adding the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture is going to give our scones that delightful richness. Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Here’s the trick: mix just until everything is combined! You don’t want to overdo it; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Trust me, your scones will thank you for it!
Shaping and Baking
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges—like a pizza! Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen starts smelling heavenly. Let them cool slightly before digging in; you’ll want to savor every bite!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your cranberry orange sour cream scones turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure to use fresh cranberries; they pack the best flavor and vibrancy. If you can’t find fresh, frozen will work—just don’t thaw them first! Keep your butter cold to create that flaky texture we love, and don’t hesitate to toss the butter back in the fridge if it starts to warm up while you’re working. Also, remember that less is more when mixing—overworking the dough can lead to tough scones. Trust me, a little tenderness goes a long way!
Nutritional Information
For those curious about the nutritional side of these delightful cranberry orange sour cream scones, here’s a rough estimate per scone: around 200 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar in each serving. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, so use this as a guideline rather than an exact measurement!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about these cranberry orange sour cream scones, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Sure! Just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before adding. They’ll still give you a lovely taste.
How should I store leftover scones? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just rewarm them gently in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What if I don’t have sour cream? You can substitute with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a similar texture and tang!
Can I freeze the scones? Absolutely! Freeze them after baking, and when you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and warm them up. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones
- Incredible flavor balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange that brightens your day.
- Super easy to whip up—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful afternoon snack.
- They freeze beautifully, making them a convenient treat for busy days.
- Rich, tender texture thanks to the sour cream that keeps you coming back for more!
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry orange sour cream scones are perfect on their own, but a little something extra can take them to the next level! I love serving them with a dollop of clotted cream or sweetened mascarpone for a touch of indulgence. A drizzle of honey or homemade orange marmalade also pairs beautifully with the scones’ tartness. And don’t forget a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee to wash it all down—it’s pure bliss!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Learn more about the health benefits of cranberries here.
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Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry orange sour cream scones with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk sour cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle.
- Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry orange sour cream scones