Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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If you adore the bright, zesty burst of citrus paired with the sweet tartness of cranberries, this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe will become a fast favorite in your kitchen. These scones are perfectly tender, flaky, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. With a buttery crumb and a luscious orange glaze, every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feel both elegant and comforting. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe, you’ll want to bake a batch again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making these scones shine. Each one plays a vital role — from the flaky texture to the lively citrus notes and pop of cranberry color, they all come together harmoniously.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that provides structure and a tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for light and fluffy rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates that wonderfully flaky texture when cut into the flour.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and boosts tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Delivers a fresh, aromatic citrus punch.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: Brings vibrant bursts of tartness and color.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Base for the sweet, glossy orange glaze.
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed): For a zesty, refreshing glaze with natural sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Incorporated into the glaze for added citrus brightness.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is where your scones get their foundational flavor and rise from.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because the cold butter’s small pieces create the flaky layers that are signature to perfect scones.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. This mixture adds richness, moisture, and fragrant citrus notes that make the scones pop. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.

Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in your fresh or dried cranberries, folding just until they’re evenly distributed. This step ensures each wedge has bursts of tart fruit without breaking down the dough’s delicate structure.

Step 5: Shape the Scones

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch-thick disc. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for expansion.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with a little heavy cream to help achieve a golden, slightly glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones have risen and are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack to prepare for glazing.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this bright, sweet topping generously over the cooled scones to elevate their flavor and add a lovely shine.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of additional orange zest or a few fresh cranberries on top of the glaze for extra color and an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also lend a snowy appearance that’s perfect for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or fresh-brewed coffee. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside clotted cream or a smear of tangy cream cheese. Fresh fruit or a light salad makes a refreshing accompaniment if you’re enjoying these scones for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these scones warm in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin to brighten the table. You can also layer them on a cake stand for a festive spread or pack a few in a pretty box as a thoughtful homemade gift that shows you care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out while preserving their tender crumb and fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these scones later, freeze them after baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months, letting you enjoy a homemade treat anytime.

Reheating

To warm frozen or refrigerated scones, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method refreshes their flaky texture without drying them out, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Both fresh and dried cranberries work well in this recipe. Dried cranberries will add a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, while fresh cranberries offer a juicier, tarter bite.

Is it okay to substitute orange zest with lemon zest?

You can substitute lemon zest if you prefer a different citrus note, but it will change the flavor profile. Orange zest provides a sweeter, more fragrant quality that pairs perfectly with cranberries in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with a thick dairy-free milk like coconut cream or almond creamer. The scones might be slightly different in texture but still delicious.

Why should the butter be cold?

Cold butter is key for creating flaky layers in scones. As it melts during baking, it creates pockets of steam that puff up the dough, resulting in that light and tender crumb we all love.

Can I add nuts to this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty depth. Just fold them in along with the cranberries so every scone gets a balanced mix of flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is truly a gem that combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite. The harmonious marriage of tangy cranberries and bright citrus zest makes it a special treat perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope you’ll give these scones a try and create many warm, delicious moments over a steaming cuppa. Happy baking!

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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 34 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with fresh cranberry and bright orange flavors. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these scones feature a buttery dough enhanced with orange zest and a sweet-tart glaze drizzled on top. They bake up golden and crisp outside, soft and flavorful inside, making a delightful accompaniment to your favorite warm beverage.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold in the cranberries, whether fresh or dried, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
6. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch-thick disc, then cut into 8 equal wedges. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
7. Brush with Cream: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with additional heavy cream to promote a golden, shiny crust during baking.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
9. Make the Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones and serve warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Notes

• Use cold butter to ensure flaky layers in the scones.
• Fresh cranberries provide a tart burst, while dried cranberries add sweetness; choose based on preference.
• Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones.
• The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice.
• Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American