Sparkly Cranberry Scones
My friends, it’s cranberry season. As such, in celebration of the first snowfall here in CT we whipped up some sparkly cranberry scones. I’ve experimented quite a bit with this particular scone recipe. Aside from the cranberries and nutmeg, the base recipe remains the same. Scones sound intimidating, but this recipe is easy and comes out fantastic every time! Even if you are a scratch baker, like me, and eyeball some measurements. Do yourself a favor and bake these immediately. Especially if it’s snowing.
2/3 cup whole wheat flour (if you’re into that, otherwise white flour is fine)
1/2 cup white flour
3 tbsp brown sugar (these can be heaping, of course)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon (at least! Or, if you’re like me, you’ll add a bucket)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Pinch salt
1 egg white
1 carton plain Greek yogurt (non fat or full)
3 tbsp butter melted
1 tsp vanilla (which I never have because it’s expensive so I generally leave this out)
1/2 cup cranberries
White sugar for sprinkling
Whisk the yogurt, eggs, and melted butter in a bowl.
Whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold in the cranberries. Knead the dough a couple of times until all the ingredients are mixed. Shape into a 1 inch disc. Cut into 6 triangles. Sprinkle with white sugar. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet on 425 for about 20 minutes.
Eat them all. 🤩
If you're looking to elevate your breakfast or afternoon tea, sparkly cranberry scones are a wonderful treat that blend tart cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Using a mixture of whole wheat and white flour adds a pleasant texture and a hint of nuttiness, while Greek yogurt keeps the scones moist and tender without relying solely on butter. The addition of baking powder and baking soda ensures they rise perfectly, creating that classic flaky scone crumb. When mixing the ingredients, gently folding in the cranberries helps prevent them from bursting and turning the dough a purple hue. One tip for baking is to chill the dough briefly before shaping it into the disc; this makes cutting easier and helps maintain the scones’ shape during baking. Sprinkling white sugar on top before baking adds a subtle sparkle and a delightful crunch to the crust. These scones are best served fresh and warm from the oven, especially on snowy days when a comforting homemade baked good feels just right. For variations, try adding orange zest to complement the cranberries’ tartness or swap out brown sugar for maple syrup in the dough for a deeper sweetness. You can also substitute frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available, just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. These sparkly cranberry scones are not only straightforward to prepare but also showcase how simple ingredients can combine into a festive, delicious treat perfect for chilly weather and celebrations alike.
