Name: Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Large eggs; Avocado oil; Pure maple syrup; Orange zest; Pure vanilla extract; Almond flour; Tapioca flour; Baking powder; Baking soda; Sea salt; Dried cranberries; Powdered sugar; Water or orange juice

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The aroma of freshly baked scones fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons you to gather around the kitchen table. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, crumbly scone bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, all while sipping a cup of your favorite tea. These Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that can instantly brighten your morning or elevate your afternoon snack time. It reminds me of cozy Sunday mornings spent with my family, savoring homemade treats as we caught up on the week’s highlights.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones

As the seasons change and autumn descends, there’s something truly special about baking with seasonal ingredients. The vibrant zest of oranges perfectly complements the sweetness of cranberries, making these scones an irresistible addition to any festive occasion. They also pair beautifully with a light drizzle of icing, which you can whip up in just minutes. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making these Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep these scones in just 15 minutes and bake in 18 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the tangy brightness of orange zest combined with sweet, chewy cranberries.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red and orange hues make these scones a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with tea or coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and dairy-free, these scones fit a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Large eggs: Essential for binding the scone dough and providing richness. Room temperature eggs work best for incorporation.
Avocado oil: A wonderful substitute for butter, offering healthy fats and moisture. You can also use melted coconut oil if you prefer.
Pure maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor; honey or agave syrup are good alternatives too.
Orange zest: Fresh zest from navel oranges adds brightness; make sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth to the baked goods.
Almond flour: A gluten-free alternative that creates a tender texture. Be mindful not to substitute with regular flour.
Tapioca flour: Provides needed structure and a light texture; cornstarch can be used as a substitute.
Baking powder and baking soda: These help the scones rise, ensuring a light and fluffy crumb.
Sea salt: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing sweetness and balancing flavors.
Dried cranberries: Sweet and tart, these little gems add bursts of flavor; replace with raisins or dried cherries if desired.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, lending a sweet finish that complements the scones perfectly.
Water or orange juice: Use for thinning the glaze to your desired consistency.

How to Make Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup allows for even baking and easy cleanup. The sweet smell of cranberries and oranges will soon fill your kitchen, so make sure you have your ingredients ready to go!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and a fluffy scone texture. Take a moment to appreciate the nutty aroma of the almond flour—it’s a beautiful start to your baking journey!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, avocado oil, maple syrup, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and glossy, creating a delightful contrast to the dry ingredients. The scent of fresh orange zest will tantalize your senses, inviting you to mix everything together.

Fold Together Gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. It’s okay if the dough is still a bit crumbly; that’s what helps create those delicious, flaky layers!

Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The vibrant red pops of color will add visual appeal to your scones. Plus, each bite will be a lovely surprise of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the citrusy notes.

Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out portions of the dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. For a rustic look, you can flatten them slightly with your palm. Just envision how delightful they’ll look when they puff up in the oven!

Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops feel firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as every oven can be a bit different. The heavenly aroma wafting through your home will be your best indicator that they are close!

Cool and Glaze: Once baked, allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before preparing the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with either water or fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the scones for that extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated, where they’ll last about a week. If you decide to freeze them, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. They might lose a bit of their original texture in the freezer, but a quick refresh in the oven will revive their deliciousness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the dough; it leads to dense scones instead of fluffy ones.
Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter that incorporates easily.
If you like extra texture, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your personal preference.
To save time, you can prep the dough ahead and bake fresh scones on demand.
Experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile!

These Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones aren’t just about taste; they’re about bringing family and friends together over a shared love for delicious baked goods. Their delightful blend of flavors and textures makes them perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy breakfast gathering or an elegant afternoon tea.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries can be used, but they’re much more tart. You may want to increase the amount of maple syrup to balance their sharpness. Just chop them coarsely before adding them to the dough for the best results.

Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just be sure to shape your scones before refrigerating. When you’re ready, bake them fresh for a warm, delightful treat!

How can I make these scones sweeter?

If you’re looking for a sweeter scone, consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of maple syrup to the wet ingredients or topping them with additional glaze after baking for that sweet finish.

What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

For optimal freshness, keep the scones in an airtight container. If you need to store them longer than three days, freezing them is a great option. Just remember to reheat them for a few minutes before enjoying to bring back their delicious texture!