Cranberry Almond Scones are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. These warm, flaky scones are beautifully dotted with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, making them an ideal breakfast or snack. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy homemade scones that fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Almond Scones
These scones are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. Here are some reasons why you’ll love them:
- **Sweet and tart** flavor from dried cranberries.
- **Nutty crunch** from sliced almonds adds texture.
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Great as a Cranberry Almond Breakfast Scone or an afternoon snack.
- Easy to customize with flavors like orange zest or chocolate.
- A wonderful addition to any brunch table.
- Can be made gluten-free or vegan for dietary preferences.
With these attributes, it’s no wonder that **Cranberry Almond Scones** are a popular choice among bakers!
Ingredients for Cranberry Almond Scones
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
How to Make Cranberry Almond Scones Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 5: Gently stir in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Step 7: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined.
- Step 8: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle, about 1-inch thick.
- Step 9: Divide the circle into wedges.
- Step 10: Arrange the wedges on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Step 11: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 12: Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Almond Scones
Keep these in mind:
- Use cold butter for flaky scones; it creates steam during baking.
- Don’t overmix the dough; gently combine until just incorporated.
- For a unique touch, try adding **orange zest** or a hint of cinnamon to the dough.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Almond Scones
These delightful scones can be served in various ways:
- Pair them with a dollop of clotted cream or butter for a rich treat.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Almond Scones
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Almond Scones
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Almond Scones?
The secret lies in using cold butter and not overmixing the dough. This ensures that the scones remain light and flaky, giving you that perfect texture.
Can I make Cranberry Almond Scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into wedges, and freeze them. Bake them straight from the freezer for fresh scones anytime.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Almond Scones?
Ensure your ingredients are measured accurately and avoid overworking the dough. This way, you’ll achieve that soft and tender scone texture.
Variations of Cranberry Almond Scones You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- For a vegan cranberry almond scone recipe, substitute heavy cream with almond milk and egg with flaxseed meal.
- Add **white chocolate chips** for a sweet twist.
- Incorporate **zest from lemons or oranges** for a refreshing citrus flavor.
These variations keep your baking exciting and cater to different tastes!
Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful **Cranberry Almond Scones**!
Print
Delicious Cranberry Almond Scones Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, flaky scones dotted with cranberries and almonds, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently stir in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle, about 1-inch thick.
- Divide the circle into wedges.
- Arrange the wedges on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Cranberry Almond Scones