Cranberry Orange Scones

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, creating a light, flaky, and buttery scone perfect for breakfast or tea time. With a tender crumb and a hint of sweetness, these scones pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – The tartness of cranberries complements the bright citrusy orange zest.
• Flaky and Buttery – A tender scone with the perfect crumbly texture.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Great for Any Occasion – Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat.
• Customizable – Add nuts, glaze, or spices for extra flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• Fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
• Orange zest
• Heavy cream (or buttermilk)
• Vanilla extract
• Egg (for binding)
• Optional: Powdered sugar and orange juice for glaze

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter – Using a pastry cutter or fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest – Stir in fresh or dried cranberries and orange zest.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg.
6. Form Dough – Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
7. Shape and Cut – Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a disk, and cut into 8 wedges.
8. Bake – Place scones on the baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Cool and Glaze – Let scones cool before drizzling with optional orange glaze.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 scones
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
• Glazed Scones – Drizzle with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
• Spiced Version – Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for a few minutes to plump them up.

How do I keep my scones from being dry?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with buttermilk or a mix of milk and yogurt.

Can I make mini scones?

Absolutely! Cut the dough into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Should I brush the tops before baking?

Brushing with heavy cream or an egg wash gives a golden, crisp exterior.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes! Blueberries or raspberries work well as a substitute for cranberries.

How do I get a flaky texture?

Using very cold butter and handling the dough minimally ensures flakiness.

What pairs well with these scones?

Enjoy with clotted cream, honey, or a warm cup of tea.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and tangy baked treat. They are simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. Give them a try and enjoy homemade scones that rival any bakery version!

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