Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

This delightful Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones recipe delivers the perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright orange flavor in a tender, crumbly scone. Ready in under 30 minutes, these gluten-free treats are perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. The orange glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tangy cranberries!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Gluten-free flour blend: Creates the perfect structure for our scones. Look for a blend with xanthan gum already included for best results.
• Baking powder: Provides the lift that makes these scones light rather than dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity that pairs beautifully with the cranberry and orange.
• Granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Coconut oil: Must be cold and solid to create those perfect flaky layers. This is our vegan substitute for butter.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and adds aromatic sweetness.
• Orange zest: Contains the essential oils that give that true, vibrant orange flavor.
• Orange juice: Adds moisture and reinforces the orange flavor throughout the scone.
• Fresh cranberries: Bring tartness, color, and juicy bursts of flavor that really make these scones special.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

Want to customize these scones? Here are some delicious options:

• Berry Switch-Up: Replace cranberries with blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries for a different fruit experience.
• Citrus Swap: Try lemon or lime instead of orange for a different citrus profile.
• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/3 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Upgrade: Add 1/3 cup of vegan chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
• Spice It Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for more complex spice notes.

How to Make Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, orange zest, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Step 2: Cut in the Coconut Oil

Add the cold coconut oil to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the oil into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs about the size of peas. For easier processing, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Add the vanilla extract and begin incorporating orange juice, starting with 1/8 cup. Add more juice gradually, just until the mixture comes together as a dough. Be careful not to overmix or add too much liquid – the dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Shape

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the scones to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-17 minutes, until the edges are light golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Glaze While Warm

While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 2 tablespoons of orange juice with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. As soon as the scones come out of the oven, drizzle or brush the glaze over them. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

How to Serve

These Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones make a fantastic morning treat or afternoon indulgence. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast Pairing:

Serve with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. A dollop of vegan butter or coconut yogurt on the side adds a lovely creaminess.

Brunch Spread:

Include these scones as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, vegan yogurt parfaits, and savory options like tofu scramble.

Dessert Option:

For a light dessert, serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream and additional fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may soften over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

Freeze baked and completely cooled unglazed scones for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked cut scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.

Reheating

For room temperature scones, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For frozen baked scones, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh glaze after reheating for the best flavor and appearance.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones are a little taste of bakery-quality comfort that you can easily create at home. The bright pops of cranberry and orange zest make them special enough for holiday mornings but simple enough for everyday enjoyment. Don’t be intimidated by scones – this foolproof recipe delivers tender, flaky results every time, even for beginners. Give them a try this weekend – your breakfast table (and everyone around it) will thank you!

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