Cranberry Orange Scones

I love scones and quite often order them when I see them at a coffee or breakfast place.  I had some fresh cranberries to use up and decided to try this scone recipe.  Delicious!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients:

For the scones:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 T. baking powder
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 T. orange zest, finely grated
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. orange extract (optional)
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, do not thaw

For the egg wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. water
• 2 T. sparkling sugar, optional

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 T. orange juice
• 1 tsp. orange zest, finely grated
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions:

For the scones:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2.  In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom, mix well to combine.
3.  Cut the butter into small cubes then, using your finger, two forks or a pastry cutter, work it into the dough until it resembles a coarse meal.  The chunks of butter should be about the size of peas.
4.  In a glass measuring cup whisk together the egg, cream, vanilla and orange extract.
5.  Pour the liquid mixture into the center of the flour mixture. Then add the cranberries.  Use a  spatula to stir everything together until just moistened.  Don't worry if the dough looks shaggy!
6.  Empty the loose dough out onto a clean, lightly floured work surface.  Knead the dough a few times, then shape it into an 8 inch disc.
7.  Cut the disc into 8 even wedges and carefully transfer them to the prepared sheet, placing them, 2 inches apart.
8.  Lightly brush each scone with the egg wash.  Then sprinkle with sparkling sugar, if using.
9.  Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until light golden brown.
10.  Allow scones to cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with glaze (if using), and serve warm!

For the egg wash:

1.  In a small bowl whisk together the egg and water until well combined.

For the Glaze:

1.  In a small bowl combine the confectioners' sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Drizzle over scones.