There’s something truly irresistible about a warm, flaky scone bursting with bright citrus notes and tart cranberries, and that’s exactly what you get with the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe. This delightful treat manages to strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and zesty brightness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels both special and straightforward, these scones deliver beautifully with their vibrant orange glaze and that subtle sweetness from dried cranberries. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in bringing together the perfect scone. From the buttery richness to the fresh orange zing and chewy cranberries, every element contributes to a texture and flavor that’s truly memorable.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives scones their tender yet crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures your scones rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate citrus notes.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (½ cup): The secret to that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth scone texture.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a fragrant punch of bright citrus flavor.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Provide bursts of tart sweetness in every bite.
- Heavy cream (⅔ cup plus more for brushing): Keeps the dough rich and tender, while brushing helps achieve a golden crust.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds a lovely richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus and cranberry flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the silky-smooth orange glaze.
- Fresh orange juice (2–3 tablespoons): Creates the perfect flavorful balance in the glaze.
- Orange zest (½ teaspoon for glaze): Enhances the glaze with an extra burst of freshness.
How to Make Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for a flawless bake. Having your ingredients ready means you can move through the next steps smoothly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Adding the cold, cubed butter at this stage is critical—cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique traps little pockets of butter inside the dough, resulting in that coveted flaky texture as the scones bake. Then stir in the fragrant orange zest and the dried cranberries so that every bite later offers a perfect little surprise of tartness and citrus.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture gently into the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together—resist any temptation to overwork the dough, as that can make your scones tough rather than tender. The key is a gentle hand at this stage for the perfect crumb.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Next, pat it into a 1-inch thick circle—a shape that will give your scones beautiful, even baking. Cut this circle into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza, then transfer them carefully onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with some extra heavy cream to help them brown gorgeously in the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake the scones for 16 to 18 minutes until their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. While they cool on a wire rack, mix the powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and a bit of zest until you have a smooth, glossy glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled scones for that signature citrus sweetness and beautiful shine that makes this the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate these scones even further, try sprinkling a little extra orange zest or a few fresh cranberries right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch, enhancing both the look and flavor. The glaze already provides a lovely citrusy sweetness, so these garnishes just add a hint of fresh brightness and charm.
Side Dishes
Pair your scones with a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of clotted cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful brunch spread. They also shine alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a mimosa if you’re celebrating something special. These scones are versatile and taste wonderful whether you keep it classic or add these simple but tasty companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra wow factor, serve the scones stacked on a tiered cake stand with small bowls of preserves and whipped cream for guests to customize. You can even sandwich the scones with a little mascarpone cheese and orange marmalade for a decadent treat. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning, your presentation can really make this Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe feel like a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll keep their fresh, tender texture if you avoid refrigerating them, which can dry them out. If you plan to eat them later the same day, simply cover loosely with a clean towel and they’ll remain lovely and soft.
Freezing
These scones freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag before baking if you want to prep dough ahead of time, or freeze fully baked and cooled scones before glazing. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly. This makes the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe incredibly convenient for spontaneous treats or guests.
Reheating
Reheat scones briefly in a toaster oven or a warm oven set to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their flakiness and brings back that fresh-baked warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make scones chewy or soggy. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming for that extra citrus kick.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for the dried ones?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries can be chopped and soaked in a little orange juice to soften them before adding to the dough. This will give your scones a juicier burst of tartness and extra citrus flavor, making the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe even more vibrant.
Is it necessary to use cold butter in this recipe?
Yes, cold butter is key for flaky scones. When the butter melts during baking, it creates steam pockets that help produce that tender, layered structure. Using softened butter can result in denser, less flaky scones.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
While the texture might differ slightly, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain structure. The flavor combination remains just as delightful!
How do I prevent overmixing the dough?
Mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined—when you no longer see dry flour—then stop. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky but manageable. Overmixing develops gluten and can make scones tough, so gentle folding is your friend.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cherries or blueberries work beautifully with the citrus and cranberry flavors. Just be sure to adjust quantities so the scone dough doesn’t become overloaded and lose its tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress with a classic treat that feels both effortlessly elegant and deeply comforting, give the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe a try. These scones offer a prize-winning combination of flaky texture, vibrant flavor, and that irresistible citrus-cranberry harmony that will brighten any morning. Once you’ve baked and tasted these, you’ll know exactly why they hold a special place on my recipe list—and soon, yours too.
Print
Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful breakfast treat featuring a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright orange zest. Flaky and tender with a sweet orange glaze drizzle, they make an ideal brunch or afternoon snack, bursting with citrusy flavor and a buttery crumb.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients and cut in butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the orange zest and dried cranberries evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until combined smoothly.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape and cut scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with a bit of heavy cream.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare and drizzle glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones before serving for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- For an extra citrus punch, soak dried cranberries in fresh orange juice before adding to the dough.
- These scones freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze before glazing.
- To serve from frozen, thaw and warm them gently in the oven or microwave.
