Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones

Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones: A Perfect Treat for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Scones are a fantastic addition to any gluten-free baker's repertoire. These Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, boasting a delightful flaky, buttery crumb and irresistibly crunchy edges, everything you want in a scone but made gluten-free. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a symphony of flavors that's both comforting and festive. A simple sweet orange glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

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These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon treat. They fit seamlessly into a gluten-free lifestyle, offering a satisfying and delicious alternative to traditional baked goods.

Baking Insights for Gluten-Free Scones:

• Flour Power: Choosing the right gluten-free flour blend is key. Opt for a blend that provides structure without being too dense or gummy. Blends with a higher proportion of rice flour or tapioca starch often work well.
• Cold is Gold: Keeping your ingredients, especially the butter, cold is essential for creating that coveted flaky texture. Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a lighter, more tender scone.
• Gentle Touch: Overmixing gluten-free dough can lead to a tough final product. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the best results.
• Freshness Matters: Using fresh ingredients like orange zest and cranberries will significantly enhance the flavor of your scones.

With a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can enjoy warm, delicious, and gluten-free cranberry orange scones any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.

Let's Bake Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones!

Scones are simpler than you think, and you don't need fancy equipment! Grab a few bowls, a whisk, a flexible spatula, a zester for orange zest, a pastry brush, and a sharp knife. That's all you need for a batch of these delicious Cranberry Orange Scones.

Before you start: Remember that gluten-free baking can be a little different than traditional baking. For this recipe, I recommend using a gluten-free flour blend that is heavy on the structure, like Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1. If your blend doesn't contain xanthan gum, add 1 teaspoon to help with binding.

Here’s how to make these delightful treats:

1. Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 300 grams of gluten-free flour, 14 grams of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Set aside.
3. Cranberries: Rinse 100 grams of fresh cranberries and pat them dry. Remove any that are past their prime. Roughly chop them with a large knife, especially if they're large. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw, but still give them a rough chop if possible.
4. Infuse the Sugar: In a large bowl, combine 100 grams of granulated sugar and about 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing its fragrant oils.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: Add the flour mixture to the orange-infused sugar and stir well. Cut 113 grams of cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients. Alternatively, use a box grater to grate the frozen butter. Use a fork, pastry blender, or your clean hands to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
6. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 125 grams of buttermilk, 1 cold large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 25 grams of fresh-squeezed orange juice until frothy. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mixture. Add the chopped cranberries and gently stir everything together with a spatula. The dough will look shaggy – that's okay!
7. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently knead it for about 30 seconds until it just comes together. Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle, about ¾" to 1" thick. Don't make it thinner than ¾", or you'll end up with flat scones. If the dough is too sticky, add 10-15 grams of additional gluten-free flour.
8. Chill: Place the uncut dough in the fridge for at least 10 minutes (or up to 48 hours). Chilling helps the butter firm up, resulting in flakier scones. Meanwhile, fully preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. Cut and Bake: Once the oven is preheated, remove the dough from the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut it into eight equal wedges. Arrange the scones on the baking sheet, brush the tops lightly with buttermilk, and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 22-26 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Cool and Glaze: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool completely for at least 15 minutes before glazing. If the scones are too warm, the glaze will melt.

Sweet Orange Glaze:

Make sure the cranberry orange scones are completely cooled before topping them with this simple orange glaze. To make the glaze, combine 120 grams of powdered sugar and 30-40 grams of fresh-squeezed orange juice in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Using a spoon, drizzle it over the top of the scones. Garnish with additional orange zest if you like. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Storage:

Scones taste best on the day they're baked. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh, microwave at 50% power for about 30 seconds before serving. You can freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature. Note that the glaze may become sticky during freezing. For best results, freeze the unbaked, cut scones. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 4-6 minutes to the baking time.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones: The Perfect Holiday Treat

Enjoy these delightful Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. These scones boast a tender, flaky crumb with crunchy edges, bursting with the flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange.

Ingredients

Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Scones

• Zest from 2 medium oranges, around 1 tablespoon
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 300 grams gluten free multipurpose flour
• 14 grams baking powder (1 tablespoon)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 113 grams unsalted butter, cold
• 125 grams buttermilk
• 1 large egg, cold
• 25 grams orange juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100 grams fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
• Raw Sugar
• Extra Buttermilk

Sweet Orange Glaze

• 120 grams powdered sugar
• 30-40 grams orange juice

Nutritional Information and Gluten-Free Benefits

These scones are crafted with gluten-free ingredients, making them a delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Here's a closer look at the nutritional benefits:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Utilizing a gluten-free multipurpose flour blend ensures that these scones are safe for those avoiding gluten. Many gluten-free flour blends are made with a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, offering a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, supporting immune health and providing a vibrant flavor.
• Orange Zest and Juice: Oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and adding a bright, citrusy note.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang to the scones, while also providing calcium and probiotics for gut health.

Please note that while these scones are made with gluten-free ingredients, it is important to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.

Substitutions and Modifications

Customize these scones to fit your dietary needs and preferences:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Use a plant-based butter substitute for the unsalted butter.
• Vegan: In addition to the dairy-free substitutions, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are not available, dried cranberries can be used. Rehydrate them by soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes before chopping and adding to the dough.
• Other Citrus: Experiment with lemon or grapefruit zest and juice for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Scones

• Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and buttermilk are cold. This helps create a flaky texture by preventing the butter from melting before baking.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough scones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking allows the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier scone.
• Even Baking: Cut the dough into uniform wedges to ensure even baking.
• Buttermilk Wash: Brushing the tops of the scones with buttermilk before baking adds a golden color and a slight shine.
• Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones and reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Enjoy these Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones as a delightful and wholesome treat!