Weight Watchers Cranberry Scones
Delightful cranberry scones with a hint of orange and currants, perfect for breakfast or tea, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness with a flaky texture.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (reserved for work surface) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated orange peel ⓘ
- 2 1/4 teaspoons double acting baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 cup reduced calorie margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cranberries ⓘ
- 1/4 cup currants ⓘ
Instructions
- Using a fork, in a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, orange peel, baking powder, and baking soda.
- With a pastry blender, cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cranberries and currants to the mixture.
- Stir to combine.
- Add buttermilk and vanilla to the flour mixture and stir to combine; the mixture will be dry.
- Form the dough into two equal balls.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sprinkle a clean work surface with 1 tablespoon of the reserved flour.
- Work one dough ball into a 6-inch circle about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cut the circle into 6 equal wedges.
- Place the wedges on a nonstick baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
- Repeat the procedure with the remaining dough and flour.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the scones to a wire rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your margarine is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you don't have currants, you can substitute with raisins or omit them altogether. To add a bit of spice, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the sugar slightly or drizzle with honey after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are perfect for brunch and pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them with a dollop of clotted cream or butter for added richness. They also complement a fresh fruit salad beautifully. For a delightful dessert, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones in a resealable bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weight Watchers Cranberry Scones contains roughly 233 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they may be more tart than dried cranberries. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the tartness of the fresh fruit.
What can I substitute for reduced calorie margarine?
You can substitute reduced calorie margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, vegan margarine works well as a substitute without compromising texture.
How can I make these scones healthier?
To make these scones healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, consider reducing the sugar content or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adding nuts or seeds can also increase the nutritional value.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).