Did you know what a scone was before you ever bought one at a Starbucks?
I did not.
And I certainly never imagined myself the type of person who would a) learn to make a scone from scratch, b) enjoy it thoroughly, c) become the person my whole family counts on to make scones every year at Christmas.
However, there is hope for us all. My dad's dad's sister, known to my family as Auntie Chris, came from out of town to celebrate Christmas with us years ago and baked her buttermilk scones multiple times while she was here. They were a hit. The following year I asked her for the recipe since I knew she wouldn't be coming to Colorado, and I figured I could probably follow instructions well enough to make a decent scone.
Nearly ten years later, I'd say I've mastered that bad boy.
So today I'm sharing the recipe and some photos of my scone-crafting process step-by-step, in hopes that I can encourage anyone else out there who believes that a scone can only ever be purchased from a Starbucks pastry case. Like I said, there is hope for us all.
Auntie Chris' Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
1) In a large bowl, mix together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
2) Cut 6 tablespoons of chilled butter into 1/4 inch cubes, then cut into flour mixture
3) Add:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- Zest and juice from one whole orange
4) Mix together until combined
5) Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until tops are lightly browned
6) Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
