There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones filling your kitchen! These are incredibly tender, with a delightful hint of sweetness and bursts of tangy cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon tea, or any moment you crave a simple, elegant treat.
📜 Ingredients
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
3/4 cup (180ml) full-fat milk, very cold
1 large egg, beaten (divided for dough and egg wash)
1/2 cup (70g) dried cranberries
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Stir in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/2 of the beaten egg into the cold milk. Reserve the other 1/2 of the beaten egg for the egg wash.
- Pour the milk-egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together, kneading briefly (no more than 5-10 seconds) until it just holds. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle or rectangle.
- Using a 2-inch round cutter (or a knife to cut squares), cut out the scones. Gather any scraps, gently re-pat, and cut more scones until all dough is used.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Transfer the baked scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the flakiest scones, ensure your butter and milk are as cold as possible. This helps create steam in the oven, leading to a light and airy texture.
Serve these delightful cranberry scones warm with a generous dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream and your favorite berry jam for an authentic tea-time experience!
