If you are searching for a delightful treat that bursts with both fruity brightness and cozy warmth, this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These scones strike the perfect balance between tangy cranberries and zesty orange, wrapped in a tender, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or simply craving a fancy yet easy homemade pastry, these scones deliver an irresistible combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe plays an important role, from the fluffy texture brought by the baking powder to the fresh zing of orange zest that elevates the cranberries. The simplicity of these essentials makes the recipe approachable, yet the result feels luxurious and satisfying.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones, providing structure and lightness.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for creating those fluffy, tender scones with perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The key to flakiness and richness, cold butter ensures a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing): Brings moisture and richness, making each bite delightfully soft.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and contributes to browning during baking.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Loads the scones with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: The star ingredient, lending bursts of tart juiciness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes the scones with a glossy touch.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed): Mixed into the glaze for a bright citrus punch.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Enhances the glaze and complements the flavors inside the scones.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures a clean surface and even baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. The dry ingredients form the base of your dough, so mix them thoroughly to ensure your scones rise evenly.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter in until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates little pockets of butter that melt during baking, making the scones flaky and tender—a crucial trick for truly outstanding scones.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Combining wet ingredients separately helps with even distribution of flavors and moisture. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the scones tough, so be gentle here.
Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries
Carefully fold in the fresh or dried cranberries. These little bursts of tartness will contrast beautifully with the sweet dough and bright orange flavors, giving your scones their signature taste and texture. Be sure not to overwork the dough to keep your scones light and fluffy.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick. With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. Placing them on your prepared baking sheet with a bit of space between each ensures they bake evenly with those perfectly golden edges.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of your scones with a bit of heavy cream—this simple step helps create a golden, beautiful crust. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, set them on a wire rack to cool before adding the finishing touch.
Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze and Finish
Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and glossy to create a zesty glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled scones to add a sweet, citrus finish that perfectly complements the berries inside. This glaze brings everything together, making these scones visually irresistible and exceptionally flavorful.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, sprinkle a few fresh cranberries and extra orange zest atop the glazed scones. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate snowy effect. These simple garnishes lend freshness, color, and an inviting aroma that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe alongside a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a classic pairing. If you want to elevate your brunch spread, offer fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of clotted cream or whipped butter for added indulgence and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by layering the scones with whipped cream and a dollop of jam or cranberry compote for a decadent dessert twist. You can also cut smaller shapes and serve them as bite-sized treats at a party, perfect for sharing and snacking while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed helps retain moisture and freshness, ensuring they stay soft rather than drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the scones before baking by shaping and cutting the dough, placing the wedges on a baking sheet, and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat scones gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes to restore warmth and crisp edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that perfect flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work wonderfully in this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe and provide a chewy, concentrated burst of flavor. If they are very dry, you might soak them briefly in warm orange juice to plump them up before adding.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you do not have heavy cream, you can substitute with an equal amount of whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter. This keeps the moisture and richness close to the original recipe for tender scones.
Can I make these scones vegan?
While this recipe uses butter, cream, and an egg, you can experiment with vegan substitutes such as coconut oil or vegan butter, plant-based milk, and flax eggs. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly, but you can still achieve delightful scones.
Why is my scone dough sticky?
Scone dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If your dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour to shape the dough without overmixing, which could toughen the scones.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and you can swap or add fruits such as blueberries or chopped dried apricots for variety. Just be mindful of the moisture content so the dough remains balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is a personal favorite that brings a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet right to your breakfast table. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to try baking these at home and enjoy their comforting charm with each bite. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these tender and flaky Cranberry Orange Scones, perfectly balanced with tart cranberries and bright orange zest. Lightly sweetened and finished with a zesty orange glaze, these scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat paired with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasonings.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which ensures flaky scones.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the scones.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold in the fresh or dried cranberries, maintaining the dough’s light texture and even distribution of fruit.
- Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick disc. Cut the disc into 8 equal wedges and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Cream: Lightly brush the tops of the wedges with a little heavy cream to promote golden browning during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
Notes
- For best texture, use cold butter straight from the fridge to create flaky layers.
- Fresh cranberries provide a tart burst, while dried cranberries offer more sweetness; choose according to preference.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
