Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
There’s something truly magical about pulling a batch of Cranberry Orange Scones fresh from the oven. The golden exterior, tender crumb, bright pop of citrus, and chewy jewels of cranberry create an irresistible harmony—delicious at breakfast, teatime, or a holiday brunch. If you love a treat that’s both cozy and vibrant, these scones are about to become your new favorite. They feel fancy enough for guests but are genuinely easy enough for a lazy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create a scone that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each element here works its own little magic, from buttery richness to fruity zing and soft, flaky crumb. Here’s what you’ll need, and why.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these scones, providing structure while keeping them tender and light.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten each bite and enhance the cranberries’ natural tartness.
- Baking powder: The secret to getting that bakery-style rise and a pillowy interior.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and pulling all the flavors together.
- Orange zest: This is where the scones get their bright, fresh citrus flavor—be generous!
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cutting in cold butter ensures a flaky, soft texture; the little bits of butter melt as the scones bake.
- Dried cranberries: Their chewy tang plays off the orange zest and brings a pop of color to every wedge.
- Heavy cream: Helps bind the dough and makes the scones rich and moist, never dry.
- Large egg: Adds structure and a comforting richness to the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives a lovely warmth to the scones.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze; offers silky sweetness that drapes beautifully over the warm scones.
- Orange juice: Lifts the glaze and intensifies that citrusy finish—use freshly squeezed for best flavor!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key: a hot oven gives the scones their lovely rise, and the parchment makes cleanup a breeze. By getting these set up first, you can move seamlessly from mixing to baking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and fragrant orange zest. Whisking not only blends everything evenly but also helps to aerate the flour, setting you up for those pillowy, tender Cranberry Orange Scones.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until you get a crumbly texture with pea-sized bits. This is the secret to flaky scones—the little lumps of cold butter create tiny pockets of steam as they bake.
Step 4: Add Cranberries
Stir in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re distributed through the flour mixture. This ensures that every bite is studded with sweet-tart fruit, and the orange zest plays off their flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Combining the wet ingredients first guarantees an even blend and a dough that comes together smoothly.
Step 6: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a fork or spatula just until the dough starts to come together—don’t overmix, or your Cranberry Orange Scones could turn dense instead of tender.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Gently transfer them to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each scone for even baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top. They should smell delightfully buttery and citrusy—a sure sign they’re nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 9: Glaze and Finish
While the scones cool just slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make a glossy, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm or cooled scones so it seeps into all the crevices. This final touch gives your Cranberry Orange Scones that sweet shine and lovely citrus note in every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones
Garnishes
Fancy a little flourish? After glazing, sprinkle on more orange zest or a handful of finely chopped dried cranberries for a pop of color and extra citrusy aroma. A dusting of powdered sugar looks beautiful if you want your Cranberry Orange Scones to feel fit for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
These scones are wonderful with a slather of clotted cream, whipped mascarpone, or a pat of good butter. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside soft scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad—the bright flavors of the scones balance richer or more savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, create a “scone board” by arranging your Cranberry Orange Scones on a large platter with bowls of jam, honey, and citrus curd. At tea time, cut scones into smaller triangles for bite-sized treats. Or, wrap up individually in parchment and twine for sweet edible gifts during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their soft, moist texture holds up beautifully—just be sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
Cranberry Orange Scones freeze exceptionally well. Once cool, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. When a scone craving hits, you’re just minutes away from a treat!
Reheating
To refresh scones, pop them in a 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave for 15–20 seconds, but the oven keeps the exterior crisp and the inside tender—almost as good as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Orange Scones with fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! Simply chop fresh cranberries and toss them with a teaspoon of sugar before mixing into the dough. They’ll add a bright burst of tartness and look gorgeous in each scone.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, if you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a slightly different richness. Avoid skim milk, as it won’t give you the same tender crumb.
What can I do if I don’t have a pastry cutter?
No problem—a couple of butter knives or clean hands will work just fine to “cut” the cold butter into the flour. Just work quickly to keep everything chilly for light, flaky scones.
How do I prevent dry scones?
The biggest trick is not to overmix the dough—stir just until everything is combined. Also, make sure your measurements (especially the flour) are accurate; spoon and level rather than scoop to avoid packing in too much.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Scones ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dough, cut into wedges, and freeze unbaked on a tray. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh scones whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and seriously delicious, these Cranberry Orange Scones are sure to hit the spot. I hope you’ll give them a try—whether you’re baking for brunch, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself to a bright spot in your day. Warm, fragrant scones are always a joy, and this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.
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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful breakfast treat with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor. They are easy to make and great for holiday mornings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cranberries.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Shape and bake: Turn the dough out, shape into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake for 16–18 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze. Drizzle over scones before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried by chopping and tossing with sugar.
- Scones can be frozen and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
