Cranberry Cream Scones

Vegetarian Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6-8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the richness of heavy cream. These scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.

History

Scones have been a popular baked good in the United Kingdom for centuries. Originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, scones have evolved over time to include a variety of ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices. The addition of cranberries to scones is a modern twist that adds a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
0.33 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
1.5 cup all-purpose flour
2.5 tsp baking powder
0.75 tsp salt
0.13 tsp each ground nutmeg and cinnamon
peel of 1 lemon, finely grated
1 tbsp chopped candied ginger (optional)
2 tbsp cold butter, cut into 0.25 inch pieces
0.75 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
milk and sugar, for glaze

How to prepare

1. In a small bowl, mix cranberries and 2 tbsp of sugar. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and butter an 8-inch circle in the center of a large baking sheet, or cover the sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the remaining 0.33 cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix in lemon peel and ginger if using. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cranberries and toss well.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cream and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the cream mixture. Stir just until the dough pulls together. Keeping the dough in the bowl, knead it 3 or 4 times with floured hands.
4. On a floured cutting board, pat the dough into a 7-inch circle. Slice the dough into 6 or 8 wedges, as you would a pie. Reassemble the slices in the center of the baking sheet, leaving 0.25 inch between each piece.
5. Brush the scones sparingly with milk and sprinkle them with sugar. Bake until golden brown, for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 1 minute, then loosen the scones with a spatula. Slide the entire batch onto a cooling rack. Cool thoroughly before wrapping.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries.
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the scones for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the cranberries coarsely to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the scone dough.

- Use cold butter and handle it as little as possible to ensure a flaky texture in the scones.

- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Cranberry Cream Scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey. They pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and flaky scones is to handle the dough as little as possible. Be gentle when mixing the ingredients and patting out the dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute. You can also use frozen cranberries instead of fresh.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the scone dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply shape the dough into scones and bake them when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Cream Scones on a decorative platter with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a festive touch. Dust the scones with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Cream Scones pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They also go well with fruit preserves or lemon curd.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry Cream Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the scones in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Cream Scones contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Cream Scones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Cream Scones contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Cream Scones contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Cream Scones are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh cranberries. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Cranberry Cream Scones contain dairy and wheat.

Summary

Cranberry Cream Scones are a delicious treat that provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer a small amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cranberry Cream Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the richness of heavy cream. These scones are easy to make and perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea for a comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the kind that makes you want to stay inside and bake something warm and comforting. As I rummaged through my collection of old recipe cards, I stumbled upon a tattered piece of paper with the words "Cranberry Cream Scones" scrawled across the top.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but it looked intriguing enough for me to give it a try. I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air as I mixed the dough together.

As I kneaded the dough, memories from my past flooded back to me. I remembered my own grandmother, a formidable cook in her own right, teaching me how to bake my first batch of scones when I was just a little girl. She had a way of making even the simplest of recipes seem magical, and I like to think that some of her culinary prowess has passed down to me over the years.

I also recalled the time I spent studying abroad in England, where I fell in love with the traditional English scone. I would frequent quaint little tea shops, sampling their scones and trying to decipher the secret behind their light and flaky texture.

But it wasn't until I stumbled upon this recipe that everything seemed to click into place. The combination of tart cranberries and rich cream in the scones was a revelation, and I knew that I had found a recipe worth holding onto.

The scones emerged from the oven golden brown and fragrant, the cranberries bursting with flavor and the cream lending a decadent richness to each bite. I couldn't help but smile as I took my first taste, the memories of my past mingling with the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious.

Since that day, Cranberry Cream Scones have become a staple in my baking repertoire. I've shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding a new twist or variation to make it my own. And while I may never know where the recipe originally came from, I know that it holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy and comfort that can be found in a simple, homemade treat.