I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe
If you are looking for a truly heartwarming and delicious treat to make for your loved ones, the I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe is an absolute must-try. These scones perfectly balance buttery richness with the tangy brightness of cranberries, delivering a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. They are as delightful to bake as they are to savor, making any morning or afternoon a little more special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to way to spread a little love through food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a starring role to create that perfect scone texture and flavor. You’ll love how these everyday essentials come together to craft something truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy scone crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides the gentle lift necessary for light, fluffy scones.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the scones from tasting flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm aromatic touch that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Cold butter is key for flaky layers that melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional): The star of the show, giving the scones their signature cranberry zing.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing): A rich liquid that enriches the dough, keeping it moist and tender.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and sweetness into every bite.
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for brushing): Creates a beautiful golden finish on top of the scones.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to your baked scones.
How to Make I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your scones bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple start sets you up perfectly for the delicious steps ahead.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, if you’re using it. This dry mix will give your scones that perfect rise and gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture with small pea-sized pieces of butter. These little pockets of butter are what make your scones flaky and tender once baked.
Step 4: Add Dried Fruit
Gently fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins if you prefer). Their tart burst of flavor adds a wonderful contrast to the rich dough, instantly uplifting this scones recipe to something truly memorable.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. This creamy mixture brings moisture and richness that balance perfectly with the dry ingredients.
Step 6: Form Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until they just come together. Be careful not to overmix—as soon as the dough holds together, stop. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should easily hold shape when formed.
Step 7: Shape Scones
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a 1-inch thick circle. For a special touch, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your scones — perfect for sharing love with every bite. If you don’t have a heart cutter, a round cutter or wedges work just fine too.
Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle
Place the shaped scones on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of extra cream or milk to help them develop a gorgeous golden crust. For a little sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
Step 9: Bake and Cool
Bake your scones for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to set up before serving. The aroma alone will make it impossible to wait!
How to Serve I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of clotted cream or a smear of your favorite jam makes these scones shine even brighter. Fresh berries on the side not only add vibrant color but also complement the fruity cranberries inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a cup of rich coffee or a soothing tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also go wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt if you want to balance sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve these scones on a decorative platter garnished with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary. Layer them in a tiered stand at brunch or gift-wrap a few in parchment tied with twine to share your love in an edible package.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender and fresh so you can enjoy bits of homemade love even after your baking day.
Freezing
To save them for longer, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen scones maintain their delightful texture for up to three months—perfect for whenever you need a quick baked treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes their crispness and redistributes warmth, making them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much juicier and contain more moisture, which can affect the dough consistency. If you want to try fresh, chop them finely and use a bit less liquid, but dried cranberries work best to keep the perfect texture in this I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, but keep in mind the scones might be slightly less rich and tender. For best results, stick with heavy cream to achieve that flaky, moist crumb everyone loves.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with added xanthan gum according to package instructions. The texture might vary a bit, but the flavor from cranberries and butter will still shine through beautifully.
How do I keep scones from becoming dry?
Do not overbake your scones—once they’re golden, pull them out immediately. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, which can create toughness. Using cold butter and cream helps keep them tender and moist.
Is there a way to make these vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a quality vegan butter and use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). The I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe adapts well for vegan eaters.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe is more than just baking; it’s creating a little moment of joy to share with those you care about. The balance of buttery dough and bright cranberries coupled with the ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible scones. You’ll be spreading love with every warm, tender bite.
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I-Love-You Cranberry-Infused Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These I-Love-You Scones are tender, buttery treats perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, cream, and dried cranberries or raisins, these scones feature a hint of cinnamon and a sweet crunchy sugar topping. Baked to golden perfection, they’re delightful served warm with clotted cream, jam, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Butter
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon until well combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- Add Dried Fruit: Gently fold in the dried cranberries or raisins if using, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out scones; if unavailable, use a round cutter or cut the dough into wedges.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Place the shaped scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream or optional milk. Sprinkle with coarse sugar to add a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with clotted cream, jam, or fresh berries for a classic treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky, tender scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones.
- Cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- Customize by swapping dried cranberries with raisins or other dried fruits.
- Heart-shaped cutters add a charming touch, but wedges or rounds work just as well.
- Brush tops with cream for richer scones or milk for a lighter option.
- Coarse sugar on top adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Serve freshly baked scones warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
