If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that bursts with bright citrus and sweet tartness, you’ve just found the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe that will light up your mornings and impress anyone lucky enough to share your brunch table. These scones are perfectly flaky, tender, and packed with juicy dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest, finished off with a luscious orange glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to scones, this recipe is straightforward, wonderfully rewarding, and destined to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is all about balancing simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to produce incredibly flavorful scones with the perfect texture. Each component has a special role, from the tangy cranberries to the buttery richness and aromatic orange zest—trust me, these ingredients are kitchen essentials you’ll want on hand.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, flaky scones, providing structure and softness.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to complement the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your scones rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creating flakiness by melting in the oven, cold butter is key for texture.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Bursts of citrusy aroma and flavor woven into every bite.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Their bright tartness provides a delightful contrast and lovely color.
- â…” cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Keeps the scones moist and tender while helping them brown beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and binds the dough, ensuring a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle sweetness that enhances the citrus and cranberry notes.
- For the orange glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice, ½ teaspoon orange zest—a simple glaze that makes these scones pop with extra citrus goodness.
How to Make Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your scones from sticking and help them bake evenly. Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes for a smooth baking experience and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add the cold, cubed butter and either use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial—it creates tiny butter pockets that melt during baking, ensuring those flaky layers we all adore.
Step 3: Add Orange Zest and Cranberries
Once your crumbly mix is ready, fold in the fragrant orange zest and tart dried cranberries. These ingredients give the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe its signature flavor and delightful bursts of color, making every bite exciting.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Combining wet ingredients separately helps them incorporate seamlessly into the dry mix without overworking the dough, which is key to tender scones.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until the dough begins to form. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough scones, so be gentle—lumps are perfectly okay!
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a handful of times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle, then cut it into 8 even wedges. Transfer these onto your parchment-lined baking sheet and give the tops a quick brush with a bit more cream to help them brown nicely.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool—this prevents sogginess and keeps them light and fluffy.
Step 8: Drizzle with Orange Glaze
While the scones cool, mix the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over your scones to add a zesty sweetness that perfectly complements their tender crumb and tart cranberries.
How to Serve Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your scones, add a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few fresh cranberries on top of the glaze for a pretty, inviting look and an extra punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
These scones pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a light honey butter to enhance their natural citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the scones on a tiered stand or rustic wooden board. You can also serve them warm with clotted cream and marmalade for a traditional touch that delights guests and makes your brunch spread instantly more impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these scones in advance, freeze them before glazing by wrapping each scone tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to two months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen scones overnight at room temperature and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their fresh-baked texture and brings back that irresistible aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are a fantastic option, especially if you soak them in fresh orange juice beforehand to soften their tartness. This adds an extra citrus punch and juiciness, but keep in mind it might affect the dough’s moisture slightly, so adjust accordingly by maybe using a bit less cream.
What makes these the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe compared to others?
It’s all about the balance of flavors, texture, and the simple yet effective orange glaze. The cold butter technique ensures flakiness, while the orange zest and dried cranberries bring brightness and a delightful chew, making these scones stand out from typical recipes.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
While you can use milk in a pinch, heavy cream adds a richer, more tender crumb and better browning. If you opt for milk, consider adding a tablespoon of melted butter to mimic some of the richness.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Look for golden brown tops and edges, and test by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry scones, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
Is it okay to use frozen cranberries?
Frozen cranberries can work if gently thawed and drained well before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture. Pat them dry and toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking to the bottom of your scones.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe once you try this Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe, it’ll become your go-to treat for all occasions — from cozy breakfasts to festive brunches. The combination of zesty orange, tart cranberries, and buttery flakes creates a comforting yet bright flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite people, and enjoy the magic these scones bring to the table!
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 or brunch treat featuring a flaky texture, tangy dried cranberries, and fresh orange zest. Topped with a sweet and citrusy orange glaze, these scones perfectly balance tart and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible companion to your morning coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- â…“ 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
- â…” 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 the oven and prep baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This creates the base for your scones.
- Incorporate butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, which helps create flaky layers.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and dried cranberries evenly to distribute their flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the wedges on the lined baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with cream to encourage a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes until the tops turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the scones: Transfer the baked scones to a wire rack and allow them to cool before glazing.
- Make the glaze and serve: Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones and serve.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy flavor, soak fresh cranberries in orange juice and use these instead of dried cranberries.
- These scones freeze well if wrapped tightly and frozen before glazing. Thaw and warm them before serving for best results.
