There’s something enchanting about the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: golden-brown tops glistening with a sweet orange glaze, bursting with vibrant cranberries, and tantalizing your taste buds with every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll find with this delightful recipe for Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones, a dish that transports your senses straight to a cozy café corner.
Whether you’re gearing up for a warm weekend brunch, entertaining friends for tea, or simply indulging in a mid-afternoon treat, these scones are the perfect companion to a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Imagine spending an afternoon baking these delightful morsels and basking in the sweet, citrusy aroma that fills your home, setting the perfect mood for what’s sure to be a memorable gathering.
Why You'll Love This Starbuck's Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
- This incredible Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones:
3 ¼ cup plain flour – All-purpose flour creates the ideal texture for these scones, ensuring they rise beautifully without too much density.
1 cup cranberries – Fresh or dried cranberries bring a delightful tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange.
1 cup heavy cream – This ingredient provides moisture and richness, leading to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth scone.
¾ cup butter – Chilled butter should be cut into the flour for that signature flaky, buttery texture that makes scones irresistible.
⅓ cup sugar – A little sugar enhances the flavor without overwhelming the scone’s natural sweetness.
1 orange – Both the zest and juice from this fruit brighten up our recipe, giving these scones a fresh, citrusy zing.
3 teaspoons baking powder – This leavening agent is crucial for achieving the fluffy, light texture we all love.
½ teaspoon baking soda – This extra boost helps the scones rise even more and creates a tender crumb.
⅛ cup orange peel – Optional, but utilizing fresh orange peel amps up the flavor profile considerably.
4 tablespoons cranberry sauce or jam – This is optional, but spreading some between layers adds a delightful surprise of sweetness.
¼ teaspoon salt – A touch of salt enhances the overall flavors of the scone.
¼ cup icing sugar – For a sweet drizzle on top that completes the scone’s appeal.
2 tablespoons orange juice – Whisked with icing sugar for a luscious glaze that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
How to Make Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones:
Step 1: Zesting and Juicing
Start by zesting the orange, capturing all those aromatic oils. Next, squeeze the juice out of the orange, setting it aside to mingle with the icing sugar later.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until well-blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 3: Incorporating the Butter
Take the chilled butter and cut it into small cubes. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. Imagine each crumb as a little bundle of joy waiting to become a scone.
Step 4: Making the Dough
Pour in the heavy cream and give it a gentle stir to combine, forming a soft dough. Then sprinkle in the orange zest and optional orange peel, followed by the cranberries. Fold in these vibrant ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Shaping and Cutting the Scones
Divide the dough in half and pat each half into an 8-inch round on a lightly floured surface. If using, spread cranberry sauce or jam over one layer before topping with the second. Cut the rounds into wedges, placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment.
Step 6: Baking the Scones
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Once heated, load the scones into the basket and air fry for about 5 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 160°C and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until risen and golden.
Once baked to perfection, let the scones cool completely. For a sweet finishing touch, whisk together the icing sugar with the orange juice and drizzle it over the cooled scones. Serve with your favorite tea or coffee for an unforgettable experience!
Indulge in these tasty Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones, and prepare to bask in the compliments that will surely come your way. Your kitchen will not only smell divine, but it will be alive with joy and laughter—a true testament to the magic of homemade treats. Enjoy!
You Must Know About Starbuck's Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
- This showstopping Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by zesting the orange and preparing the dry ingredients first. Mix wet ingredients separately to ensure consistency. Combine everything efficiently, and use the air fryer or oven to bake them golden and fluffy.
Add Your Touch to Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth. You can also experiment with different jams in the middle for a fun flavor surprise. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Store uneaten scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Starbuck's Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
- This professional-quality Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
When I first made these scones for a brunch gathering, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them, declaring them better than any café! It felt amazing to impress everyone with just a little baking magic.
FAQs About Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
What is Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones?
Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones are delightful baked goods that mimic the popular scones served at Starbucks. These scones combine the bright flavors of fresh orange and tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. They’re fluffy, buttery, and often topped with a sweet icing glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily make them at home, enjoying that café experience without leaving your kitchen.
How do I make the texture perfect for scones?
To achieve the perfect texture for your scones, use cold butter and heavy cream. Cold butter creates a flaky texture when it’s cut into the dry ingredients, while the heavy cream helps bind the mixture without creating tough dough. Mix your ingredients until they’re just combined; overmixing can lead to dense scones. Also, consider folding in the cranberries and orange zest carefully to maintain that light and airy consistency that is so desirable in scones.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. If you want a different fruit flavor, consider swapping the cranberries with blueberries or raspberries. You could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Additionally, if you’re looking to make it dairy-free, you can use non-dairy milk and substitutes like coconut oil instead of butter, although this may slightly change the texture.
How do I store Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones?
To store your delicious scones, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, and then place them inside a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Conclusion for Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Starbuck’s Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones are not only easy to make but also bring a delightful taste of your favorite café right into your home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these scones are perfect for any occasion. They boast a lovely balance of tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the orange, topped off with a glaze that adds a beautiful finish. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these scones for your next gathering or treat yourself to a homemade delight today!
Starbuck's Copycat Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Zest an orange and squeeze juice from it.
- In a mixing bowl take flour and add sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk everything until well combined.
- Add in the chilled butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add heavy cream and gently mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in orange zest and orange peel if using. Tip in the cranberries.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Pat dough into an approximately 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cranberry mixture/sauce/jam and set the top layer.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into separate wedges or use a pastry cutter for shape of your choice.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 C for 5 minutes. Place scones into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes on 180C.
- Reduce the heat to 160C and air fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the top of the scones are lightly golden.
- Remove and let it cool completely.
- Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until light golden and risen nicely.
- Whisk together icing sugar and orange juice for the glaze.
- Once the scones have baked and cooled, drizzle over the glaze and serve!
