Name: Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup avocado oil; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 cups almond flour; 1/4 cup tapioca flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon water or orange juice

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The aroma of freshly baked Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones fills the kitchen, inviting anyone nearby to indulge. Golden, flaky, and adorned with tiny bits of vibrant cranberries, these scones are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, reminiscent of cozy mornings spent with loved ones. I vividly recall weekends at my grandmother’s house, where we’d gather in the kitchen, sipping tea and sharing stories over warm pastries. Now, with every bite of these scones, I feel transported back to those cherished moments. Whether you’re preparing for a festive brunch or a simple afternoon snack, these delightful scones are sure to warm your heart. Get ready to experience your own sweet nostalgia with every delicious crumb!

Table of Contents

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

The beauty of these scones lies not only in their taste but also in their simplicity. If you’re looking for a quick and wholesome treat, you’re in luck! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 15 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of baking!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with zesty orange complemented by the sweetness of cranberries.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These scones are not just tasty but visually stunning with their warm, golden color and vibrant cranberries.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a breakfast treat, midday snack, or delightful addition to any gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, with easy substitutions available.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Eggs: Using large eggs gives structure and moisture to the scones while helping them rise just right. Be sure to use fresh eggs, preferably at room temperature for better integration into your batter.
Avocado Oil: Light and nutty, this oil adds moisture without overpowering flavors. If you’re out of avocado oil, melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil can work, too.
Pure Maple Syrup: Offering natural sweetness, maple syrup brings a depth of flavor. Avoid pancake syrup, as it’s usually filled with additives. Honey or agave syrup can substitute if preferred.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds brightness and aroma, making these scones sing with citrus flavor. If you can’t find fresh oranges, lemon zest can be used for a different twist.
Almond Flour: The star ingredient, almond flour, ensures a deliciously moist texture while being gluten-free. Make sure to use finely ground almond flour to achieve the best results.
Tapioca Flour: This gives the scones a nice chewiness. If you’re in a pinch, cornstarch can be a suitable replacement.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are essential for leavening and making the scones light and fluffy. Check for freshness to ensure they work effectively.
Sea Salt: A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cranberries and maple syrup.
Dried Cranberries: These provide a sweet-tart explosion in every bite. Feel free to use other dried fruits like cherries or apricots if you want to mix things up.
Powdered Sugar: This is for the glaze. Use organic powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and shine.
Water or Orange Juice: Either will bring the glaze together, but using orange juice intensifies that citrus flavor.

How to Make Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring your scones have an easy release after baking. The crispy edges of these scones contrast beautifully with the soft centers, making it essential to prepare your baking surface for optimal results.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This blend cultivates the perfect balance of taste and texture. Mixing these dry ingredients well guarantees even rising and flavor distribution throughout the scones. Think of it as creating a solid foundation for deliciousness!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, avocado oil, maple syrup, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mix adds moisture and depth to the scones, ensuring every bite is fragrant and delicious. Don’t rush this step – the integration here sets the stage for a harmonious dough.

Fold Together Gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold everything together using a spatula. Take care not to overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour left. Then gently fold in the dried cranberries, allowing them to distribute evenly without breaking apart. You’ll want to feel that excitement building as the dough starts to come together!

Scoop and Shape: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, portion out the dough onto the lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each scone, as they will spread a bit during baking. Pat each mound slightly to form a round shape, keeping them generous and inviting, ready to rise gloriously in the oven.

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The scent wafting through your home will be heavenly, so keep a close watch as they bake! This waiting period is when anticipation reaches its peak!

Prepare the Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and water or orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed – you want it pourable but not too runny. The glaze gives your scones a lovely shine, enhancing their appeal and delivering a final flourish of flavor.

Drizzle and Serve: Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or fork. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving. With each fluffy scone topped with that glaze, you’ll be ready to experience the joyful balance of flavors – perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your delightful Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones fresh, store them at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to three months! Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in a warm oven (about 350°F or 175°C) for 5-10 minutes; this will bring back their fluffy texture, though they will lose a little of the initial crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to avoid dense scones.
Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better, leading to a fluffy texture.
Watch the baked scones closely; you want those edges golden, but the centers should remain soft.
If your dough feels too dry, offer a splash more of the wet ingredients until it comes together nicely.
Make the dough ahead of time! You can refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight and bake fresh scones in the morning.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the almond flour with regular flour?

Absolutely! While almond flour provides a unique flavor and texture, you can use all-purpose flour if you’re not following a gluten-free diet. Just note that the baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

How can I make these scones sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the maple syrup slightly or add a few more cranberries! You can also incorporate more sweet glaze at the end to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), and use a plant-based oil instead of avocado oil. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll taste fantastic!

What’s the best way to enjoy these scones?

These scones are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a dollop of butter or fruit jam. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee complements their flavors perfectly, enhancing that cozy feel every bite brings.

By gathering these ingredients and following each step, you’ll create a batch of Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Scones that not only brings joy to your taste buds but also connects you to sweet memories and warm moments shared with others. Happy baking!