Name: Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon table salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold, cut into small cubes; 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen; 3 tablespoons orange zest; ¾ cup heavy cream, very cold; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon heavy cream, very cold (for brushing); 2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional, for topping); ¾ cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 to 4 tablespoons orange juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a breakfast treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a burst of sunshine, this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, flaky scones filled with juicy cranberries and brightened by fragrant orange zest, baked to a beautiful golden brown. These scones are simple, quick to make, and utterly irresistible, bringing a fresh twist to a classic scone that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting a brunch with friends, these cranberry orange scones add a splash of color and a joyful pop of flavor to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a mixture of light creamy liquid with small scattered pieces of bright orange zest floating on top. Next to the bowl, there are two slices of fresh orange with visible juicy texture and vivid orange color. Some small bits of white powder are lightly spread around the bowl on the surface. The lighting highlights the smooth texture of the liquid and the freshness of the orange slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing complicated here, just a handful of accessible ingredients that work wonderfully together to create the light and flavorful scones you’ll love. Each item plays a crucial role in texture, flavor, or appearance, promising a beautifully balanced treat from start to finish.

All purpose flour: The base providing structure and a tender crumb when mixed just right.
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
Table salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
Unsalted butter: Very cold and cubed to create flaky layers and rich taste.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, they bring a burst of juicy tartness throughout.
Orange zest: Loads of zest infuses every bite with a bright, citrusy aroma.
Heavy cream: Very cold, it adds moisture and richness for tender scones.
Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a warm sweet note.
Sanding sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a sparkly, crunchy finish.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): The sweet base for the orange glaze topping.
Orange juice (for glaze): Adds tang and helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your scones will bake evenly without sticking. Next, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients first creates an even base, making sure every scone rises beautifully.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Now comes the fun tactile part. Using a pastry cutter, work the cold, cubed butter into your dry mixture. Stop when you have a handful of pea-sized butter chunks still visible inside the dough. These little pockets of butter are what create layers and flakiness when the scones bake, so resist mixing too much!

Step 3: Add Cranberries and Orange Zest

Gently fold in the cranberries and fresh orange zest. Coating the berries with the flour mixture ensures they don’t sink to the bottom as you mix. This step adds the signature fruity brightness and lovely pops of red that make these scones feel festive and fresh.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together cold heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your scones tender and light.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 6-inch round disc. This shape allows for easy, even wedges. Use a large knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 6 equal wedges. These classic triangular scones will bake evenly and look beautiful when served.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the scones to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little cold heavy cream to encourage browning and add a sprinkle of sanding sugar if you want that extra sparkle and crunch on top. It’s these small touches that make your scones look bakery-worthy.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your scones for 16 to 19 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Rotate your baking sheet halfway for even baking. The scent of baking orange and cranberry will fill your kitchen, building excitement for the deliciousness ahead.

Step 8: Make the Orange Glaze

While the scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or juice as needed. This glaze adds a glossy, zesty finish when drizzled over the warm scones, making each bite irresistibly bright and sweet.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

The image shows six golden-brown scones arranged in a circle on a round black wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each scone is triangular with a crumbly texture on top, sprinkled with sugar crystals, and dotted with bright red cranberry pieces that create small bursts of color throughout the light beige dough. The scones have slightly crisp edges with softer, crumbly centers visible. The overall look is rustic and homemade with a warm, inviting color palette. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Drizzle your scones with the homemade orange glaze for a shiny, citrus-kissed finish that makes every bite sing. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional sanding sugar or a few fresh orange zest curls on top after glazing.

Side Dishes

These scones are a star on their own but pair beautifully with a side of whipped cream, clotted cream, or a smear of tangy cream cheese. Fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed berries complements the tart cranberry flavor perfectly and adds freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these scones on a pretty platter garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices to highlight their ingredients. For a brunch spread, place them alongside tea or coffee in charming teacups, turning your simple baked goods into a delightful celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cranberry orange scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from drying out while keeping the crumb wonderfully soft and the flavors fresh.

Freezing

Cranberry orange scones freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive your scones, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 7 to 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crisp and the interior soft, almost like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are a great option year-round. Just make sure to toss them in flour before mixing to prevent them from bleeding too much into the dough.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, but know that the scones might be slightly less tender and rich. For the best texture, heavy cream is recommended.

How do I make sure my scones are flaky and not dense?

The key is using very cold butter and not overworking the dough. Keep mixing to a minimum after adding wet ingredients so the texture stays light and flaky.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, and dried fruits like cherries or apricots can complement the cranberries and orange beautifully. Just keep the total amount consistent to not alter the dough too much.

Should I serve these scones warm or at room temperature?

They are delicious both ways! Fresh from the oven, they have a wonderfully warm, tender crumb, but they also taste great at room temperature with that perfect balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is a delightful way to brighten up your mornings or impress guests without fuss. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake these scones that are bursting with flavor and flaky perfection. Go ahead and try making them — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!