Easy Cranberry and White Chocolate Scones Recipe

Cranberry and White Chocolate Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate, baked into a tender, flaky scone. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special breakfast, these scones are easy to make and offer a beautiful balance of flavors.

Table of Contents

• Can Scones be Made in Advance
• Other Scone Recipes You’ll Love
• Ingredients for Cranberry White Chocolate Scones
• How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Scones
• Tips for the Best Scones
• Variations and Serving Suggestions
• Storing and Freezing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Connect with Me

There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked scone, especially when it’s filled with the seasonal flavors of cranberry and white chocolate. I remember the first time I made these scones for a holiday gathering—everyone was instantly drawn to the warm, golden brown pastries cooling on the counter. As a recipe developer with over a decade of experience, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to ensure the perfect texture and flavor every time. My goal is to make baking approachable and fun, so whether you’re new to scone-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to impress.

These flaky scones are easy to make and are sure to add a touch of gourmet sophistication to your breakfast or afternoon tea. I especially like to enjoy this simple recipe on Christmas morning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these scones are a foolproof way to impress and indulge.

Can Scones be Made in Advance

Yes, scones can be made in advance. You can prepare the dough, shape it, and then refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, you can put them directly into the oven from the fridge or freezer; just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming from the cold. This makes scones a convenient option for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients for Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

• 2 3/4 cups of flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tbsp of orange zest
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 4 oz of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp of heavy cream, for brushing
• 1/2 cup of milk (oat milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries (or 1 cup dried cranberries)
• 1 cup of white chocolate chips

How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Dough

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, orange zest, salt, and baking soda.
4. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins and Shape the Scones

7. Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate: Gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
8. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
9. Cut into Scones: Cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Scones

10. Brush with Cream: Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream to help them achieve a golden brown color during baking.
11. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool: Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Scones

• Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter helps create the flaky layers that make scones so delicious.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the scones tough, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, add them to the dough straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the dough.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Add a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Use Other Fruits: Swap out the cranberries for other dried or fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
• Perfect for Afternoon Tea: Serve these scones warm with clotted cream or butter and a cup of tea for a classic afternoon treat.

Storing and Freezing

Freezing: To freeze, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Storing: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Read more: How to Freeze and Thaw Scones

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. They add a slightly different texture but are equally delicious.

How do I prevent scones from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for a few minutes before baking can help the scones hold their shape and prevent them from spreading.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use oat milk or almond milk in place of regular milk.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry and White Chocolate Scones are a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, this scone recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite. As a recipe developer dedicated to creating approachable, delicious recipes, I’m excited to share this with you. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Happy baking!

Connect with Me

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