Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Ensuring these dry ingredients are well combined is essential. It helps in creating that fine texture you want in your scone.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Cream Cheese
- Cut the cold butter and cream cheese into small chunks and add them to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want little pieces of fat distributed throughout to achieve flakiness.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the orange zest, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and orange essence. Whisk them together until fully mixed. Next, pour this mixture into your flour blend. Stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
- Now's the time to fold in your dried cranberries or walnuts. This adds a little surprise with each bite!
Step 6: Shape the Scones
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to shape them. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring ample space between them.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
- While the scones are cooling, mix the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle or spread this glaze over your cooled scones.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges to get the best flavor.
- Cold Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure they are cold before you start mixing. It helps create that flaky texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overworking can lead to tougher scones.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to try different add-ins like chocolate chips or different nuts.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before shaping.
