Cranberry and White Chocolate Scones

Julesong's Note:

Washington State produces large numbers of cranberries. This delicious recipe featuring them is from the Inn at Barnum Point, Camano Island, Washington.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 scones

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter , cut into pieces
• 6 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 large egg , beaten
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries or ½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (or pieces)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a bowl by hand or using an electric mixer, blend together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter.
3. Add the half and half, beaten egg, cranberries (I like the dried ones), and the white chocolate chips, and stir until the dough holds together.
4. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead for 2 minutes.
5. Form into a 1/2-inch thick round, then cut the round into 8 wedges (you can also make two smaller rounds of smaller wedges, if you like).
6. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil, then transfer the wedges to the sheet.
7. Bake the scones at 400 degrees F for 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Reviews

[ikotka]

Delicious, moist, fast, and oh so easy! I used frozen cranberries which I had coated in a bit of flour and defrosted earlier in the day. The times are accurate too, it took me exactly 30 min's to prep, mix and bake.
There were a couple times when I thought for sure I had botched the recipe, the dough was too sticky making it difficult to knead it, but I kept on, and they turned out perfect.
Also I brushed the top with a powdered sugar glaze. But it really didn't need it.
Update: I've played around with this recipe and still love it! I've subbed blueberries, added wheat germ, used milk instead of 1/2 and 1/2 etc. Always delicious, moist, fluffy and full of flavor. No need to 'knead' for so long (since I've used juicy blueberries it just gets everywhere) just make sure to have it thoroughly mixed.

[TexasToast R]

So delicious! I cut the butter to 4 Tablespoons, and used 2% milk instead of half and half as that is what I had on hand. I also did a slightly different mixing method than stated in the recipe. I cut the butter into the dry ingredients using the food processor, then mixed the wet ingredients separately. I combined the dry and wet ingredients and just mixed until combined (did not knead for two minutes). Most scone recipes recommend not to overwork the dough, so that is the reason I chose that method. They turned out tender and fluffy. I brushed a little melted butter over the tops before serving. Heavenly!

[Chef #1223280]

these were AMAZING! I made them for work and they sold like hotcakes! I brushed egg wash ontop before baking (1 egg, 2tablespoons of half half) and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They have GREAT flavor!