I’ve never really been a real fan of orange. I mean, I know it’s healthy and all, but I could never stand the flavor. It was always just too much for me. Too tangy, too concentrated, too MESSY. It wasn’t until a few months ago when I began to come out of my shell and enter the world of orange. I have a orange themed blog for crying out loud!
So I’m trying a few orange things, like orange juice, eating oranges (in season of course), and these amazing whole wheat cranberry orange scones.
The last time I made scones was back in December when I made these garlic and cheese scones. Let’s just say, I’m more likely to make cranberry orange scones when I get another scones request from my family. Not that I don’t love garlic and cheese scones. Because I do, with a passion. It’s just that these scones are, well, out of this world amazing.
From time to time, I find myself thinking about all kinds of scone possibilities. Peanut butter and chocolate scones, snicker-doodle scones, and even bacon and jalapeno scones. It just seems like one of those super adaptable foods, if you start with a basic scone dough.
I really believe that I’m in love with these scones. The tart little cranberries really bring the whole thing together. And the orange glaze that tops it all off really is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Definitely finger-lickin’ good.
Oh, you guys, these scones really made my day. It’s like a sweet biscuit, with a little orange tang in it, tart cranberries, and finished off with a sweet, tempting orange glaze that can’t beat. At all.
And the fact that they’re made with whole wheat flour definitely puts the icing on the cake. They’re not exactly healthy, but they’re a nice treat for someone trying to eat healthier. I used organic dried cranberries, but if you’ve got frozen or fresh ones, I’d love to hear about how it turned out.
I think I’ll change my name to Crazy Scone Girl and move to Virginia. Maybe. Just maybe. I’m convinced it’s a great idea. What do you think?
Here’s the recipe:
- 3½ cups whole wheat flour, plus ¼ cup whole wheat flour, separated
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 sticks (1 cup) cold butter, cubed
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 cup organic dried cranberries
- ½ cup homemade powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 3½ cups of flour, ¼ cup sugar, the baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles moist, coarse crumbs.
- Combine the eggs and heavy cream in a small bowl. Slowly pour the mixture into the bowl of the stand mixer while it's on low speed. Mix until just combined.
- Combine the dried cranberries and ¼ cup of flour, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until combined.
- Pour the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough into a ¾-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise. Cut each half into four, resulting in 8 squares/rectangles. Now cut each square in half diagonally, making triangles. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more scones.
- Brush the tops of the scones with an egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch.
- Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones. Serve immediately.
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love scones! Nothing like getting to eat a “dessert like” treat for breakfast. Orange and dried cranberry go so well together. Can’t wait to make these : )
Margaret Anne says
Thanks so much, Natalie. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family did.
Barb Bamber says
I bought a container of fresh squeezed orange juice today on a whim. It must mean spring is in the air! Your scones look perfectly lovely and spring-like as well! They must have tasted amazing!
Margaret Anne says
You’re so sweet! They tasted so great, I’ve already got a request to make them again this Sunday. Can you believe it? They were a huge hit at my house and I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog.
Julie V. says
I’m glad you like these even if oranges aren’t your thing. I personally love the combo. Thanks for sharing your whole wheat recipe! I love using it in so many things and look forward to these scones.
Michele says
Orange/Cranberry scones are my favorite.
When I am not in the mood to bake – or have little/ lack of time – Whole Foods ones are amazing.
But doesn’t sound like you : – ) Yours look so delish.
Katherines Corner says
Such a wonderful combination of flavors.Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
Gentle Joy says
These look so good… yum! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Shannon says
Oh man those look yummy! And whole wheat?! Awesome! Pinned!
Sherry says
These look fantastic! Just the flavors I want in a scone when the weather gets nippy! Thanks for joining HSH! I will feature this tomorrow at the HSH linky party!
mila furman says
I love scones!!! And yours sounds incredible!!! I cannot wait to try this!!! Thanks for linking up with us at #Foodie Fridays! You have been pinned!
Create With Joy says
Margaret Anne, these scones look amazing!
Congrats – you are one of our featured guests at this week’s Inspire Me Monday party at Create With Joy!
Bev says
I love scones! Thanks for this new recipe – sounds scrumptious!
Beverly says
I love scones and these look so yummy! Definitely will be making these.
Bev
Cathy Kennedy says
I made Blueberry Scones for the first time last Friday. The recipe was easy and delicious. Seeing this recipe featured on Inspire Me Monday makes me wanna give it a try. I think this would be perfect for the holidays. I may even have to try your Garlic Cheese Scones, too. Thanks for sharing the goodness! If I’m not following you then I will be sure to do so now! Have a tunetastic week!
Lou Lou Girls says
You are making me so hungry! Pinned. Lou Lou Girls