Cranberry Scones

Photo Credit: Annie's Eats

I came across this recipe on Annie's Eats several weeks back, and instantly knew I wanted to try them. I, by nature, shy away from baking because it seriously.intimidates.me.  However, I keep finding delicious recipes that whet my appetite to try my hand at it.  So, my sister-in-law decided to try to tackle these babies together today for some pre-Thanksgiving Day baking!  Now, they were not a traditional scone texture, but they were divine!

It was so simple to follow this recipe, and even though the dough didn't turn out like it should have, I have gained some confidence for baking another batch of scones!  I can't wait.  Until then, try these scrumptious cranberry scones.  They tasted wonderful!

Cranberry Scones

Yield: 8-10 scones


Ingredients:
1½ tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup plus 3 tbsp. sugar, divided
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
6 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1¼ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1 cup heavy cream
Additional sugar for sprinkling
Slivered almonds (optional)


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a food processor, combine the lemon zest, flour, ½ cup of sugar, baking powder and salt.  Pulse briefly to blend.  Add in the cold butter pieces and pulse again briefly until the mixture resembles coarse meal and the butter pieces are no larger than peas.  Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, toss together the chopped cranberries (I ran mine through the food processor for a brief few seconds) and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar.  Stir this into the flour-butter mixture.

In another small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the egg, egg yolk and heavy cream; whisk to blend.  Add the liquid ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until all the dry ingredients are moistened.  Knead gently to be sure the dough is evenly mixed, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Place a 2½- or 3-inch round biscuit cutter on the lined baking sheet.  Scoop some of the dough inside the cutter and pat down gently to form a 1-inch thick round.  Repeat with the remaining dough, placing the rounds 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle lightly with additional sugar.
Bake in preheated over until light golden brown for 15-20 minutes.

**To freeze before baking, flash freeze at this point.  Place the baking sheet with the shaped scones into the freezer and chill until frozen.  Transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag and store until ready to bake.
**If baking from the freezer, add approximately 5 minutes to the original baking time.


***At the last minute, I decided to add some slivered almonds to the tops of my scones!  It was a GREAT little addition if you happen to have some on hand!  I'll DEFINITELY do it the next time.