Cranberry Orange Scones

Just want to say "Hi" to everyone!

I already posted this on my blog, but this is my absolute favorite recipe for scones. I saw it on a Barefoot Contessa episode a couple years ago and have been making them every since.

Ingredients
4 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 cup dried cranberries (I use 2 cups of fresh or thawed cranberries, quartered)
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash (I use any leftover heavy cream)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
4 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the baking powder, salt and orange zest.


2. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy!


3. Combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of flour, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.


4. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead. Divide the dough in half. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Repeat with the second half of dough.


5. Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch. Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones.