Easy Homemade Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Soft and buttery cranberry orange scones dance with bright citrus notes that spark joy in every bite.

The delicate pastry emerged from my kitchen experiments after countless mornings of mixing and testing.

North American baking traditions inspire this delightful treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

Zesty orange zest weaves through tender crumb, creating a harmonious balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Crisp edges give way to a pillowy interior that melts on your tongue with remarkable smoothness.

Winter mornings become magical when you break apart these scones and savor their delicate layers.

Brew some coffee and let these scones transform an ordinary breakfast into a memorable moment.

Cranberry Orange Scones for Bright Morning Baking

• Cranberry-packed scones are perfect for busy mornings and last-minute guests.
• Bursting with zesty orange and tart cranberries, these scones celebrate winter and holiday taste profiles.
• Novice bakers can confidently create bakery-style pastries with minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Enjoy as a delightful breakfast, afternoon tea companion, or elegant dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Orange Scones

• Flour: Base for the scone structure, all-purpose works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Heavy Cream, Egg: Provide moisture and richness to the scones.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives depth and warmth to the scone taste.

• Cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and beautiful color.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze.
• Orange Juice: Thins the glaze and adds extra citrus note.

• Butter: Creates flaky, tender texture in the scones, must be cold for best results.

Instructions to Mix and Bake Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 400F (200C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Transform Butter

Drop cold, chunked butter into the dry mix. Squeeze and press the butter using your fingers or a pastry tool until the mixture looks like rough sandy crumbs.

Step 4: Blend Liquid Elements

• Heavy cream
• Egg
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until completely smooth.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour liquid ingredients into dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Softly fold in cranberries. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated to keep scones light and fluffy.

Step 6: Shape the Treats

Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted surface. Gently knead a few times. Press into a circular shape about 1 inch thick. Slice into 8 triangle sections. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Prep for Baking

Lightly brush scone tops with additional heavy cream.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide into preheated oven. Bake 15-18 minutes until tops turn golden brown.

Step 9: Create Zesty Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Stir until glossy and smooth.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Allow scones to cool briefly. Drizzle with orange glaze. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Moist Interiors and Crisp Tops

• Freeze Butter for Flakiness: Chill butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting into the flour to create ultra-flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stop stirring the dough as soon as ingredients are just combined to maintain a light, delicate scone structure and avoid tough results.
• Customize Cranberry Options: Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or replace them with other berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries for variety.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to ensure proper binding and texture.
• Quick Zesting Trick: Roll orange on the counter before zesting to release more oils and maximize the citrusy flavor in your scones.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Scones

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
• Warm scones at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original texture and bring back their delightful crispness.
• Quickly reheat for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking to avoid making them tough or rubbery.

Drinks That Pair Well with Orange Cranberry Scones

• Choose Earl Grey or orange-infused black tea to mirror the scone's bright citrus notes, enhancing the orange zest and cranberry flavors with a warm, aromatic companion.
• Pair with clotted cream or mascarpone cheese to balance the scone's slightly crumbly texture, adding a luxurious, smooth counterpoint that highlights the pastry's delicate sweetness.
• Serve alongside raspberry or apricot preserves to introduce an extra layer of fruity complexity, creating a delightful flavor contrast that complements the scone's tangy cranberry profile.
• Select a light, crisp prosecco or sparkling rosé to cut through the scone's richness, providing a refreshing effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways to Add a Twist to Your Scone Batch

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones: Substitute butter with coconut oil, heavy cream with almond milk, and egg with a flax egg to create a plant-based version that's equally scrumptious.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Orange Scones: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce the overall sugar content for a healthier alternative that still delivers great taste.
• Dairy-Free Cranberry Orange Scones: Swap heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and coconut oil, creating a lactose-free option that keeps the scones moist and flavorful.

Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 hours 33 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Buttery cranberry orange scones invite warmth from British baking traditions with delightful citrus-tart notes. Breakfast pastry perfection emerges through simple ingredients and careful technique, promising delicious moments when golden edges meet sweet-tangy crumbles.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (90 g) fresh or dried cranberries
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Heavy cream (for brushing)

Orange Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick cooking environment.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation for the scones.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to break down the butter until the texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
4. Whisk heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a separate container, blending the liquid ingredients into a fragrant mixture.
5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry components, stirring minimally to maintain a tender dough consistency.
6. Carefully integrate cranberries into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading gently to create a cohesive mass.
8. Shape the dough into a circular form approximately one inch thick, then divide into eight equal wedges.
9. Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between each piece.
10. Delicately brush the scone tops with additional heavy cream to enhance golden browning.
11. Bake in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 15-18 minutes until the surfaces achieve a rich, golden hue.
12. While cooling, prepare a zesty glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and additional zest.
13. Once slightly cooled, drizzle the vibrant orange glaze over the scones, creating an appealing finish.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Freeze butter beforehand for extra flaky texture that melts perfectly during baking.
• Swap fresh cranberries with dried ones if fresh are unavailable, reducing moisture content slightly.
• Keep ingredients cold to ensure maximum rise and tender scone consistency, especially when handling butter and cream.
• Customize recipe by substituting gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour, maintaining similar measurements for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1518 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg