If you’re craving a bright and buttery treat that perfectly balances tart cranberries with zesty orange, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe. These scones are wonderfully flaky and tender, bursting with vibrant flavors that make them the perfect pick-me-up at breakfast or alongside your afternoon tea. With an irresistibly simple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and citrus, this recipe consistently feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Once you try these, they’re bound to become a cherished staple in your baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role whether it’s lending texture, flavor, or a pop of color that makes every bite exciting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is our base, providing structure and the classic scone crumb.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for a light and fluffy rise in the oven.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Brings vibrant citrus aroma and bright flavor to the batter.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates flaky layers and richness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Impart tart bursts of flavor and beautiful color.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: Moistens the dough while contributing to tender texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and adds a lovely sweetness.
- For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons orange juice combine to create a smooth, citrusy glaze that finishes the scones beautifully.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined. This helps distribute all the flavors smoothly throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This step is crucial for getting those tender, flaky layers we all love in a scone.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries
Stir in the dried cranberries gently to spread them evenly. They will bring delightful bursts of tartness and a tempting reddish glow to your scones.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients will bind the dough and add richness, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together until just combined. Try not to overmix — the dough should hold together but remain tender.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Transfer these to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they can rise and bake beautifully.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the scones for 16 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye out for a light golden color on top and edges. This signals they are perfectly tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside.
Step 8: Glaze and Cool
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to get a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the warm or cooled scones to add a glossy, citrusy finishing touch.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe, consider sprinkling a few finely chopped fresh cranberries or additional orange zest on top of the glaze right after drizzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty snow-kissed look for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These scones pair wonderfully with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of honey butter. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries alongside bring freshness and color. A hot cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee is the ideal companion to highlight the citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread that wows, arrange the scones on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by small bowls of jams, curds, and whipped cream. Alternatively, serve alongside sparkling champagne or a mimosa for a celebratory twist that matches the festive flavors in the scones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist yet preserves their delicate texture so you can enjoy them fresh the next day.
Freezing
The Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each cooled scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover scones back to life, reheat them in a 325°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This warms them through evenly and restores that flaky, tender crumb you love almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh cranberries, simply chop them and toss with a teaspoon of sugar to balance their tartness before adding to the dough. This will add a juicier, fresher burst of flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that heavy cream contributes to the scones’ tender crumb and richness. Using lighter dairy may result in a slightly less flaky texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe, substitute the butter with a cold vegan butter alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use a flax or chia egg in place of the large egg.
Why should the butter be cold?
Cold butter creates steam during baking, which helps the scones puff up and develop those beautiful flaky layers. If the butter melts too early, you may get a denser, less tender texture.
How long do these scones keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these scones taste best within two days. For longer freshness, freezing is your best bet, maintaining delicious flavor for months.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe truly captures the joy of a bright citrus twist paired with the cozy comfort of homemade pastries. Whether for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a festive brunch, these scones deliver a deliciously memorable experience. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to baked treats to share with friends and family.
Print
Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, buttery, and bursting with the bright flavors of fresh orange zest and sweet dried cranberries. Perfectly golden and glazed with a citrusy orange icing, they make an ideal breakfast or brunch treat that’s both festive and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until well combined. This forms the base for your scones and distributes the orange flavor evenly.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or clean fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial for a flaky texture.
- Add cranberries: Stir in the dried cranberries to the crumbly mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape and cut scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 even wedges. Carefully transfer the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for rising.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the orange juice quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Remove the baked scones from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the orange glaze over warm or cooled scones before serving for a bright, sweet finish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries; simply chop them and toss with a teaspoon of sugar to balance their tartness.
- These scones freeze well; wrap them tightly and reheat in the oven to refresh their texture.
