Fluffy Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: A Zesty Morning Treat

A cozy morning where homemade cranberry orange scones fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

These delightful pastries bring together tart cranberries and bright citrus notes in a perfect breakfast harmony.

Biting into a tender, flaky scone that crumbles softly with each bite.

Fresh cranberries dance alongside zesty orange zest, creating a symphony of flavors that awaken your senses.

Rustic and elegant, these scones offer a gourmet experience without complicated preparation.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible treat that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

One taste will transport you to a charming café, inspiring you to roll up your sleeves and start baking.

Why Cranberry Orange Scones Are Worth Baking

• Burst of Festive Flavors: Cranberry and orange create a vibrant, tangy-sweet symphony that dances on your taste buds, delivering a perfect holiday-inspired breakfast treat.
• Incredibly Simple Baking: This recipe requires minimal expertise, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, with straightforward steps and common kitchen ingredients.
• Quick Comfort Breakfast: From mixing to baking, these scones come together in under 30 minutes, offering a delightful homemade morning indulgence without consuming hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Delight: Enjoy these scones warm for breakfast, as an afternoon tea companion, or a delectable dessert that impresses family and guests with minimal effort.

All You Need For Cranberry Orange Scones

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the scones, all-purpose works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden brown color.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Egg: Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together, use fresh ingredients.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright citrus flavor, use fresh oranges for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor, pure extract recommended.

• Cranberries, Orange Juice: Provides tartness and fruity punch, fresh or dried cranberries work well.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze.
• Cold Butter: Ensures flaky texture, keep very cold before using.

Simple Steps To Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Transform Butter into Crumbs

Take cold butter and chop it into small cubes. Toss these into your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs. This is where the magic of flaky texture begins!

Step 4: Marry Wet Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Egg
• Fresh orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and fragrant.

Step 5: Bring the Dough to Life

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Sprinkle in fresh or dried cranberries. Remember, less mixing means more tender scones!

Step 6: Shape Your Scone Masterpiece

Dust your countertop with a light layer of flour. Gently knead the dough a few times. Pat it into a circular shape about an inch thick. Slice the circle into 8 beautiful wedges. Transfer these triangles onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops of the scones with a splash of heavy cream. Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Create Zesty Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest

Stir until silky smooth.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Let the scones cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the vibrant orange glaze over the top. Serve these beauties warm or at room temperature and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tip: These scones are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a delightful sweet treat any time of day.

Smart Tips For Cranberry Orange Scones Success

• Freeze Butter for Flakiness: Chill butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting into the flour to ensure maximum flakiness and tender scones.
• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your orange before juicing to make the most of your citrus and capture the most intense orange flavor in your scones.
• Prevent Overworking Dough: Handle the dough minimally and gently to keep the scones light and soft, stopping mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Customize Cranberry Options: Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or use frozen berries directly from the freezer without thawing for easier mixing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare scone dough in advance, cut into wedges, and freeze unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time for a fresh-baked treat anytime.

Store And Warm Up Cranberry Orange Scones The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scones in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen scones can last up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm refrigerated or thawed scones at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid using a microwave, which can make them tough and chewy.
• Refresh Glaze: When reheating, drizzle a fresh layer of orange glaze over the scones to revive their bright, zesty flavor and make them taste freshly baked.

What Goes Well With Cranberry Orange Scones

• Pair with Citrusy Morning Coffee: Brew a bright, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the orange zest in the scones. The coffee's light acidity will dance perfectly with the cranberry's tartness.
• Enhance with Luxurious Cream Cheese Spread: Create a quick spread by mixing softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and orange marmalade. This creamy addition will elevate the scones' texture and add a luxurious layer of flavor.
• Match with Sparkling Mimosa: For a brunch-style pairing, serve these scones alongside a refreshing mimosa. The orange juice in the cocktail will echo the citrus notes in the scones, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with vanilla bean seeds and a hint of powdered sugar. This delicate topping will provide a smooth, creamy contrast to the scones' rustic texture and tart cranberry bursts.

Flavor Changes To Try With Cranberry Orange Scones

• Berry Bliss Remix: Swap cranberries for mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to create a vibrant, fruity scone experience.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Add chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and a rich, warm flavor profile.
• Chocolate Citrus Dream: Fold in dark chocolate chips alongside orange zest for a decadent, indulgent version of the classic scone.
• Lavender Lemon Elegance: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and sprinkle dried lavender buds into the dough for a sophisticated, aromatic twist.

Common Questions About Cranberry Orange Scones

• What makes these cranberry orange scones special?

These scones combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with bright orange zest, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination delivers a delightful breakfast treat that’s both refreshing and comforting.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just don’t thaw them before adding to the dough. Frozen cranberries work well and will help maintain the scones’ texture without making the dough too wet.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and tops. The scones should be firm to the touch but not dark. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready. The ideal baking time is usually between 15-18 minutes.

• Is the orange glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional but highly recommended. It adds an extra layer of citrusy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the scones. If you prefer less sweetness, you can skip it or use a light drizzle.

Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cranberry orange scones blend zesty citrus with tart berries in a buttery pastry. Delicate crumbs and sweet-tangy flavor promise a perfect morning companion for coffee or tea lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Fat Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 zest of orange
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (90 g) fresh or dried cranberries

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 the oven and baking surface by heating to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Create a dry ingredient base by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to break it down until the texture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
4. Whisk the liquid components in a separate vessel, combining heavy cream, egg, vibrant orange zest, and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a delicate texture. Carefully fold in the crimson cranberries, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough.
6. Transfer the loose mixture onto a lightly floured surface, using gentle kneading to form a cohesive mass. Shape the dough into a circular disk approximately one inch thick, then segment into eight equal triangular portions.
7. Carefully position the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, delicately brushing their surfaces with a thin layer of heavy cream to encourage golden browning.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the scones to transform into golden-kissed delicacies for 15-18 minutes, watching for a rich amber top.
9. Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
10. After allowing the scones a brief cooling interlude, elegantly drizzle the citrusy glaze across their surfaces, creating an appetizing finish ready to be savored either warm or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Choose room-temperature butter for easier incorporation, ensuring flakier and more tender scones.
• Freeze dried cranberries work wonderfully if fresh ones aren’t available, providing intense berry flavor without extra moisture.
• Handle the dough minimally to prevent tough scones; gentle mixing creates a delicate, crumbly texture.
• Swap heavy cream with alternatives like Greek yogurt or buttermilk for different dietary needs while maintaining moisture.
• Reduce sugar content by using fresh orange zest and a lighter glaze to maintain bright, citrusy flavors.
• Prepare scones ahead and freeze unbaked dough, allowing you to bake fresh scones directly from frozen state with minimal extra time.
• Add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor without compromising the scone’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg