Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Bright, buttery, and bursting with citrusy sunshine, the Best Cranberry Orange Scones are my go-to treat for any brunch gathering or cozy weekend breakfast. Each bite strikes that magical harmony between tangy orange zest and sweet, chewy cranberries, all held together in a perfectly tender crumb that feels as comforting as warm slippers on a chilly morning. With a finishing drizzle of fresh orange glaze that glistens in the sunlight, these scones are just as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re planning a leisurely family breakfast or need a pick-me-up treat with your coffee, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of pantry staples and citrus can transform into these fragrant, bakery-worthy scones. Every ingredient in this recipe was chosen for a reason, coming together to create that unmistakable taste, flaky texture, and gorgeous color that sets the Best Cranberry Orange Scones apart.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the perfect scone texture.
- Granulated sugar: Lends just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the citrus.
- Baking powder: Gives the scones that irresistible rise and airy lightness.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the fresh flavors.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth bite—keep it cold!
- Orange zest: Packs a punch of fragrant, orangey brightness into every bite.
- Dried cranberries: Adds tart, chewy little pops of flavor dotted throughout your scone.
- Heavy cream: Creates rich, moist dough and helps the tops bake up gorgeous and golden.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together for a classic scone crumb.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle undertone that rounds out the citrus and berry flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Whisks up into a silky, sweet glaze that finishes each scone beautifully.
- Fresh orange juice (for the glaze): Gives the glaze extra zing and bright flavor.
- Orange zest (for the glaze): Takes the glaze from good to unforgettable.
How to Make Best Cranberry Orange Scones
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Preheat Oven
Line a baking sheet with crisp parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures no sticking. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). The consistent heat gives your Best Cranberry Orange Scones their golden edges and fluffy interiors.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Now, add your cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a texture like coarse, crumbly sand. Cold butter is non-negotiable here—it works magic to create those lovely flaky scone layers.
Step 3: Add Zest and Cranberries
Next, sprinkle in the fragrant orange zest and stir through the dried cranberries. With every mix, you’ll start to see flecks of orange and ruby red berries peeking through the dough. It’s already smelling irresistible!
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a smaller bowl, whisk together heavy cream, one large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this golden mixture over your dry ingredients. Gently mix just until the dough comes together—stop as soon as there are no dry patches left. Overmixing can make scones tough, and we want only feather-light scones here.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
Dust your counter with a little flour, then turn the dough out and gently knead it three or four times. Pat it into a thick, round disk about one inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut your circle into 8 even wedges, just like slicing a pizza. Each piece is perfectly portioned for a generous scone.
Step 6: Bake
Place the wedges onto your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space for spreading. Brush the tops with a splash of cream to encourage that golden brown crust. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until your Best Cranberry Orange Scones are golden, lofty, and a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
After baking, transfer your scones to a wire rack so they cool and don’t get soggy bottoms. While you wait, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and zest to make a dreamy glaze. Once scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops and watch it set into a sweet citrusy sheen.
How to Serve Best Cranberry Orange Scones
Garnishes
A flourish of extra orange zest or a handful of sugared cranberries scattered on top gives your Best Cranberry Orange Scones a bakery-style finish. You can even sprinkle a touch of coarse sugar for sparkle and crunch—everyone loves that “gourmet” touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with thick Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or even a dollop of clotted cream for pure luxury. They’re delightful next to a cup of hot tea, a latte, or a tall cold glass of milk—whatever makes your morning feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your scones on a pretty cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, tuck them into a linen-lined basket for a homey touch, or wrap individual scones in wax paper and ribbon for the sweetest edible gift. For parties, slice the scones into 16 mini wedges for bite-sized treats. The Best Cranberry Orange Scones are as charming as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Best Cranberry Orange Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep their texture at its best, pop in a small piece of bread to absorb excess moisture—or better yet, enjoy them while they’re fresh!
Freezing
These scones freeze like a dream. For best results, freeze them unglazed and tightly wrapped, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready for a scone fix, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving. They’ll keep their flavor and fluff for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive day-old Best Cranberry Orange Scones, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for five to seven minutes. This restores that just-baked softness, making your scones taste freshly made all over again. If reheated after glazing, expect the glaze to get delightfully gooey.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries bring a burst of tartness and color. Chop them roughly and toss with a teaspoon of sugar before adding to the dough. Because they’re more tart and contain more moisture, the texture may be a bit softer, but the scones will be just as delicious.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the final scone will be a little less rich and moist. If you do swap, I suggest adding a tablespoon of melted butter to mimic some of that creaminess.
How do I make scones extra fluffy?
The secret is cold butter and a gentle hand. Don’t overmix or over-knead! Working quickly will help keep the butter from melting into the dough before baking, which is the key to those lovely flaky layers in the Best Cranberry Orange Scones.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dough, shape, and cut the scones, then refrigerate them (covered) overnight. Pop them in the oven straight from the fridge when you’re ready to bake; they may need an extra minute or two to bake up tall and golden.
Do I have to use the orange glaze?
While the orange glaze adds an irresistible sweet-tart zing, the Best Cranberry Orange Scones are lovely on their own or even with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Personalize the topping however you like!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy the Best Cranberry Orange Scones—they bring sunshine and joy to any morning, busy or lazy. I can’t wait for you to experience how easy and satisfying these homemade scones can be. Give them a try, share them with someone you love, and let their citrus-kissed flavor brighten your day!
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Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect balance of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and buttery pastry, topped with a sweet orange glaze. They make a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the orange glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in orange zest and cranberries.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough: Turn dough onto floured surface, gently knead, pat into 1-inch thick circle, cut into wedges.
- Bake: Transfer to baking sheet, brush with cream, bake for 16–18 minutes until golden.
- Prepare glaze: While scones cool, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones.
Notes
- For extra citrus punch, use fresh orange juice-soaked cranberries instead of dried.
- Scones freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze before glazing. Thaw and warm before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
