Oh, the joy of baking! There’s something magical about the way the kitchen fills with warm, buttery aromas. My favorite mornings start with a batch of Cranberry Almond Scones. The sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy almonds create a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds. I still remember the first time I had a scone at a cozy café during a rainy morning. Each bite was like a hug in pastry form! Now, I whip these up at home, and they never fail to impress. Whether it’s just me with my coffee or a weekend brunch with friends, these scones are always the star of the show. Trust me; you’re going to love them!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – sifted for a lighter texture
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – adds just the right sweetness
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – helps the scones rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – make sure it’s icy cold for that flaky texture!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – provides that perfect tangy burst
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds – adds a delightful crunch
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this makes the scones rich and tender
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a hint of warmth and depth
How to Prepare Cranberry Almond Scones
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your scones bake evenly and develop that lovely golden crust. So, don’t skip it!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. This helps your scones rise beautifully and taste fantastic!
Incorporate Butter
Now, it’s time to add your cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is a crucial step—keeping that butter cold is what gives your scones their flaky texture, so work quickly!
Add Cranberries and Almonds
Next, fold in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds. This is where the magic happens! The cranberries will give a tart pop while the almonds add a delightful crunch. Yum!
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will bring everything together and make your scones rich and tender.
Combine Mixtures
Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your scones light and airy!
Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Then, cut it into wedges (like a pizza!). You can make it as big or small as you like, just remember to adjust baking time if needed.
Bake the Scones
Place your wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. To check for doneness, just poke one with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of my delightful Cranberry Almond Scones. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
These scones are not just a tasty treat; they also pack a decent amount of energy for your busy mornings or cozy afternoons. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my best tips for achieving the perfect Cranberry Almond Scones! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your scone game!
- Keep Everything Cold: This is key! Make sure your butter is super cold and even consider chilling your bowl and mixing tools. Cold ingredients help create that lovely flaky texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, and we definitely want them to be light and tender!
- Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting your dough into wedges, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. This gives you clean edges, which helps them rise evenly in the oven.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the mix-ins! Try adding orange zest, chocolate chips, or even different nuts. The possibilities are endless!
- Brush with Cream: For a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of your scones with a little extra cream before baking. It gives them a lovely sheen and a hint of richness.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up scones that are not just good, but absolutely irresistible!
Variations on Cranberry Almond Scones
One of the best parts about making Cranberry Almond Scones is how easy they are to customize! You can really let your creativity shine with a few simple swaps or additions. Here are some of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For a sweet twist, try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. The melty chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, creating a heavenly flavor combo!
- Citrusy Zing: Mix in the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten things up. The citrus notes will elevate your scones and add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Mixed Berry Medley: Substitute the dried cranberries with a mix of dried blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fruity explosion. Each bite will surprise you with different flavors!
- Nutty Variations: Instead of almonds, you could use chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor. This is especially delightful during the fall and winter months!
These variations can easily be mixed and matched, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Each version brings a fun spin to the classic scone, making every batch a new adventure. Enjoy exploring and finding your favorite combinations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked a batch of those delicious Cranberry Almond Scones, you’ll want to savor them for as long as possible! To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out!
If you’ve got a bunch of scones and you know you won’t finish them in time, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat.
For reheating, I recommend placing the scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. This will help revive their original texture and flavor, making them taste freshly baked! You could also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might turn a bit rubbery. Trust me, nothing beats the aroma of warm scones filling your kitchen again!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze these scones? Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to save your delicious Cranberry Almond Scones for later. Just wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned earlier.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still work in a pinch! Just remember that the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make these scones ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the dough ahead of time! Just shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store leftover scones? Store any leftover Cranberry Almond Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for about a week, just make sure they’re well wrapped to retain moisture!
Why did my scones turn out dry? If your scones turned out dry, it might be due to overmixing or adding too much flour. Make sure to gently combine the ingredients and measure accurately. Remember, a little bit of crumbly dough is okay; it helps achieve that light, fluffy texture!
Print
Cranberry Almond Scones: 5 Tips for Irresistible Flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry almond scones perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup heavy 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 almonds.
- In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding chocolate chips for variation.
- Serve warm for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cranberry Almond Scones, scones, breakfast, baked goods