Title: Satisfyingly Sweet Cranberry Maple Scones
Time:
– Servings: 8 scones
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Baking Time: 18 minutes
– Total Time: 33 minutes
Introduction
Bake your day a little sweeter with these incredible Cranberry Maple Scones. Soft, tender, and bursting with the flavors of tart cranberries and sweet maple syrup, these scones are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any moment in between. Let’s get baking!
Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Maple Scones are delightfully simple to make, perfect for both new and experienced bakers. Their balance of sweet and tart flavors makes them a pastry worth craving. Plus, they’re perfect for making use of that maple syrup sitting in your pantry!
How to Make Cranberry Maple Scones
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the dried cranberries into the flour and butter mix.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the egg.
6. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Now, shape the dough into a circle that’s about 1 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 8 wedges and place on your prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes. The scones should appear golden brown when done.
9. Remove from the oven and let scones cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Maple Scones
Serve these scones warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a generous spread of butter. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
How to Store Cranberry Maple Scones
Store these scones in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips to Make Cranberry Maple Scones
– Make sure your butter is cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients. Cold butter will make your scones flaky and tender.
– Don’t overmix your dough; stopping when just combined will give you a softer scone.
– Allow your scones to cool down a bit before applying any toppings or they will melt off.
Variations
Try replacing the dried cranberries with fresh cranberries for a more tart flavor. You can also try adding a hint of citrus by including some lemon or orange zest in your dough.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A1: Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will add a more tart flavor to your scones.
Q2: Can I freeze these scones for later use?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the baked scones. Ensure they’re completely cooled before storing them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Q3: What can I use instead of maple syrup?
A3: You can substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup. However, this will slightly change the flavor profile of your scones.