Cranberry: Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones

This time of year I take advantage of the access to fresh cranberries by subbing them for the dried or jellied versions when possible. This recipe for fresh cranberry chocolate scones is an adaptation of my standard scone recipe that I usually use with dried fruit – currants, golden raisins, cherries, or dried cranberries.

Scones originate with the culinary fare of Scotland, Ireland and England and are linked to the Welsh tradition of cooking small yeast cakes on bake stones and griddles.

Although scones are not a part of the usual Thanksgiving fare, they certainly are lovely with a cup of tea or coffee any time of day.

Did I mention that traditionally scones are not laden with lots of sugar? For American taste buds, think more about the sweetness of a biscuit rather than those sweet, frosting covered scones found at the market and coffee shops.

Originally, scones were made with oats, shaped into a large round that was cut into wedges. More often these days, classic scones are made with flour and use currants or raisins and are eaten plain or smeared with clotted cream or preserves.

This version capitalizes on fresh, tart cranberries and also calls for chocolate – a combo I adore. I eat them plain – no extra cream, preserves or butter.

One other fact I must mention, scones are best when freshly baked. The recipe below makes a dozen or 14 wedges. If you want to freeze some to bake later, see the instructions about flash-freezing below.

Tidbits on Cranberries:

  1. Cranberries are closely related to blueberries, lingonberries and cowberries.
  2. Cranberries are tested for firmness by their bounce, which explains why they are also referred to as “bounceberries.” Those that do not bounce are discarded.
  3. Cranberries stay fresh longer than other berries because they have a waxy skin.

Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones

Makes 12 or 14 (3 inch scones)

Fresh cranberries make these scones standout, although they are also delicious using the dried version.

Coarsely chop cranberries – o not overly chop by hand/food processor. It’s a nice surprise to the palate to get a chunk of cranberry.

Baking – the placement of the wedges on the baking sheet will yield different results in the scone texture – softer or crustier scones.

Ingredient

1 cup fresh cranberries*, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 oz dark chocolate, chopped**

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 egg white

Flour for dusting surface

1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Coursely chop cranberries by hand or use a food processor. In a small bowl, add cranberries and brown sugar; stir to coat. Set aside. Coursely chop chocolate. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl (or in a food processor pulse),whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives, until the largest pieces of butter are the size of small peas and the mixture resembles coarse meal. (Transfer to large bowl if using a processor) Add the cranberries and chocolate.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk egg and mix in heavy cream. With a spatula or a fork, add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined – barely starting to form a ball. Dump onto a lightly-floured surface and with lightly-floured hands divide into 2 balls; lightly pat each into rounds (about 1 inch-thick, 6 inch diameter rounds). (Minimize adding extra flour and overworking the dough – your scones will be lighter).
  5. Cut each round into 6 or 8 wedges. Brush with egg white and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Using a large spatula, carefully transfer wedges to baking sheet. Texture: for softer sided scones – allow wedges to touch or separate by ¼ inch (sides will not be as golden when cooked); for crustier scones – separate wedges on baking sheet by 1 1/2 inches.
  6. Bake for about 15 – 18 minutes, until the top of the scones turn lightly golden. Watch the bottoms do not overcook. Serve fresh from the oven and store in an airtight container.

Freezing unbaked scones: Freeze cut wedges uncovered on a cookie sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once firm, put them in a freezer bag and return to the freezer. When ready to bake, remove from freezer, let them sit on the kitchen counter uncovered while the oven preheats. Place scones onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper and bake, adding an additional 3 to 5 minutes – watch closely the final few minutes.

Variation

*Cranberries:  substitute with ½ cup dried cranberries and omit the brown sugar

**Chocolate:  Approx. 1/3 – 1/2 cup dark bittersweet chocolate chips

Zest:  add two teaspoons lemon or orange, in lieu or addition to chocolate.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Print & If you liked this post, please share:
  • Print
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Google Bookmarks

Tags:

22 Responses to Cranberry: Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones

  1. Susan says:

    I really appreciate the instructions for freezing the unbaked scones. These would be great for a brunch and the more I can do ahead of time, the better!

  2. I love scones and these look delicious with cranberries and chocolate. I have also been baking often with cranberries since I saw the fresh ones recently in the supermarket;)

  3. You have so many fantastic posts…I don’t know where to start.

    Luv these scones. I haven’t been very successful with scones. I think I’ve figured out why just recently and look fwd to trying your lovely cranberry chocolate scones!

  4. @Christina: scones are pretty forgiving like biscuits, the secret (for me) is not overworking the dough. This version is not overly sticky – as some, but if you find the dough to dry to come together – add another tablespoon of cream. You’re an awesome baker, so I have not doubt you will nail ’em.

  5. Donna says:

    *Sigh* — these lovelies make me rethink the 3# bag of fresh cranberries I passed up at Sam’s Club yesterday.

  6. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Barbara Kiebel, ForkFingersChopstick. ForkFingersChopstick said: Fresh cranberry chocolate scones – no dried fruit here. http://bit.ly/9jaxDL […]

  7. Lea Ann says:

    I’m not a baker, but have been known to whip up a batch of scones every once in awhile. I love this recipe! Another bookmarked. Really nice photos. I’m so glad we got to meet last week, I’m loving your blog.

  8. These scones look fantastic! I’m just getting into this whole cranberry craze and haven’t had them with chocolate yet…I think I found the perfect recipe to try :)

  9. LimeCake says:

    Man i love scones! I wish I made them more often. Love the cranberry in these! Delicious!

  10. what a lovely batch of scones..they look so festive:) thanks for sharing.

  11. I go nuts for a good scone, and these look fab. Love that big chunk ‘o chocolate hanging out of the top pic!

  12. Wow these are gorgeous, they look amazing! I love scones, can’t have enough for breakfast!

  13. sippitysup says:

    You know depending on where in GB you reside even the pronunciation of Scone is different. Not that it matters… Terrific post. GREG

  14. Kathi says:

    Looks yummy Andrea. I printed it and will make just as soon as I get to town to buy some cream!

  15. Frugal in WV says:

    Made these yesterday and they were delicious! Thanks for the recipe, love finding new food sites :)

  16. Imelda says:

    My little sons and I tried this this morning. The scones are great. Thanks for the recipe. :-)

    Best regards, Imelda

  17. FROM THE CHOPPING BLOCK TO THE STOMACH: A CRANBERRY STORY…

    It was Immaculate Conception Day and we had school off.  We suddenly had time to do some baking.  Baking is a job that I happily set aside for my Husband.  He is happy to do it with the children.  Me?  I’d love some bonding ti…

  18. […] Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones […]

  19. […] or until the tops are golden brown.  Store in an airtight container.   adapted from: Fork Fingers Chopsticks Go ahead & […]

  20. HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY IN MCLEAN|ARLINGTON |ANNANDALE|LORTON VA|POTOMAC|BOWIE|GAITHERSBURG|UPPER MALBORO|CHEVERLY,|MD|”Home in Alexandria|Virginia|Health in Alexandria|Care in Alexandria|Home Health Care in Alexandria|In-Home Care in Alexandria|Serv…

    “[…]Cranberry: Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones | Fork Fingers Chopsticks[…]”

  21. Joba says:

    I’ve always loved fall, but this smuemr has been horribly dry and hot here in Arkansas. We’ve had 108 quite a few times this smuemr. I will be looking forward to those cool mornings and evenings. There is something about the cool air that sends tingles down my spine. Fall means that Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are soon to follow.

  22. . Great Expectations Home Health Care Agency In Annandale, Alexandria (Old Town), Arlington, Mclean, Woodbridge, Manassas, Fairfax City And County In VA And Prince George’s Cheverly, College Park , Baltimore City/County, Charles County, Bethesda – C…

    “[…]Cranberry: Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Scones | Fork Fingers Chopsticks[…]”

Post Your Comment