Cranberry Orange Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 packed tablespoon orange zest from about 1 orange
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. Set a rack in the center of the oven, then heat it to 400 degrees F. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, use your fingers to work the orange zest into the sugar until it smells bright and citrusy, then put it aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt so everything is evenly mixed. Add the orange sugar and cranberries, and stir them through the dry ingredients.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together; yes, your hands are very good at this job.
5. Move the dough to a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle 3/4-inch thick. Cut rounds with a 1-inch biscuit cutter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Paint the tops with melted butter. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers are just baked. Give them 5 minutes to cool, then move them to a wire rack so they can cool all the way.