Lemon Cranberry Scones

Cranberry with orange is the usual Christmas citrusy and zesty combination when you want an alternative to the sweet chocolate festive flavours. But if you like an added kick, lemon is the perfect pairing.

By adding lemon juice and lemon zest to the cranberries in the dough, as well as drizzling the lemon glaze on top, the whole thing is pretty tart.

Try stirring through some white chocolate chips for something a touch sweeter, or go for a vanilla glaze instead.

2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (divided)
1/2 cup low fat buttermilk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups Ultra grain flour (or 1 cup white, 1 cup white whole wheat)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp chilled butter (must be cold cut into small pieces)
3/4 cup dried sweet cranberries or cherries

• Position rack in top third of oven; 
• Preheat oven to 375F°.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Make glaze by combining 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Combine buttermilk, remaining lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• Combine flour, baking powder, salt, in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• Cut in chilled butter with a pastry blender, or you could use 2 knives, until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
• Gently fold in cranberries or cherries.
• Add buttermilk mixture, stirring just until moist. (dough will be sticky)
• Place dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly four times with floured hands.
• Form dough into an 8-inch circle onto baking sheet, about 3/4" thick. 
• Using a knife, cut dough into 10 wedges (do not cut all the way through).
• Brush lemon glaze over dough.
• Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
• Serve warm or room temperature.

Recipe: Skinny Taste