Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones Recipe - UK

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15-18 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy flavor of orange and the crunch of walnuts. These scones are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea.

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 Originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, scones have evolved over time to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The combination of cranberries, orange, and walnuts in scones is a modern twist on this classic recipe.

Ingredients

3 cups cake flour
0.5 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
0.75 cup butter
2 tbsp grated orange zest
1 cup cranberries
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
0.75 cup milk
0.25 cup fresh orange juice

Glaze

2 tbsp half and half
2 tsp sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Add the orange zest, cranberries, and walnuts, and toss to mix.
Pour in the milk and juice, and stir until the dough becomes rough.
Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface.
Knead the dough gently about 10 times.
Divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a 6-inch diameter circle that is approximately 0.5 inch thick.

Glaze

Brush the circles with half and half, and sprinkle with sugar.
Cut each circle into eight pie-shaped wedges.
Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are barely touching.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are puffy and golden.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries.
Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which can result in tough scones.

- Use cold butter when cutting it into the dry ingredients to ensure a flaky texture.

- Don't overmix the dough once the wet ingredients are added, as this can lead to dense scones.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream or butter.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.

- Knead the dough gently to avoid overworking it.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour.

- Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough for Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake the scones in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of orange juice for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones are a good source of vitamin C from the orange zest and juice.

Alergens

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones contain dairy (butter) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones are a flavorful and satisfying baked good that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a balance of tart cranberries, citrusy orange, and crunchy walnuts, these scones are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I had just finished baking a batch of my famous pumpkin bread. As I flipped through the pages of my well-loved cookbook, I stumbled upon a recipe for Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones. The combination of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy walnuts sounded absolutely divine.

I decided right then and there that I had to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I mixed the dough and shaped it into delicate triangles, the sweet and citrusy aroma filled the air. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the scones finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe. The tender crumb, bursting with plump cranberries and crunchy walnuts, was simply irresistible. I savored every bite, washed down with a steaming cup of tea. It was the perfect treat for a chilly afternoon.

As I enjoyed my scones, I couldn't help but think back to how I had come to acquire this recipe. It was not something I had learned from my own mother or grandmother, as so many of my beloved recipes had been. Instead, it was a gift from a dear friend who had traveled to England and brought back a cookbook full of traditional British recipes.

My friend had raved about the scones she had tasted in a quaint tea shop in the English countryside. She had been so taken with them that she had asked the owner for the recipe, and he had graciously shared it with her. Knowing my love for baking, she had passed the recipe on to me, knowing I would appreciate it.

I was touched by her thoughtfulness and eager to try my hand at making these British delicacies. I followed the recipe to the letter, savoring every step of the process. And when I finally tasted the scones, I knew they were something special.

Since that day, Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones have become a staple in my baking repertoire. I have made them for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and tea parties. They never fail to impress, their bright flavors and buttery richness delighting all who taste them.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch more orange zest here, a handful of toasted walnuts there. But the essence of the scones remains the same: a perfect balance of sweet and tart, tender and crumbly.

As I sit here, enjoying a freshly baked batch of scones, I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special occasion or a beloved tradition. And each one brings joy and comfort to those who taste it.

I know that one day, I will pass on the recipe for Cranberry-Orange Walnut Scones to someone special in my life, just as my friend did for me. And I hope that they will find as much joy in making and sharing these scones as I have.

But for now, I will savor every bite of these delicious scones, grateful for the gift of good food and good friends. And I will continue to fill my kitchen with the scents and flavors of love, passed down through generations and shared with all who come through my door.