Save This cranberry orange scone recipe has become my weekend ritual during fall and winter months. The tender, buttery texture paired with tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates the perfect balance of flavors that will have your kitchen smelling like a professional bakery in no time.
I first discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend when I was craving something special for breakfast. After one bite, my family declared these scones better than our local bakery's version, and they've been our special occasion breakfast ever since.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides the perfect structure for tender yet sturdy scones
- Granulated sugar: balances the tartness of cranberries without making the scones too sweet
- Baking powder: ensures a good rise look for aluminum free for best flavor
- Cold unsalted butter: creates those flaky pockets that make scones irresistible use European style butter for extra richness if available
- Heavy cream: adds richness and tenderness choose organic for best flavor
- Orange zest: brightens the entire recipe use organic oranges if possible for maximum flavor and no pesticides
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: provide tart bursts of flavor choose firm bright red berries if using fresh
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors use pure not imitation for best results
- Powdered sugar: creates a smooth glaze that adds just the right sweetness sift to avoid lumps
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you start mixing ensures the butter stays cold, which is crucial for flaky scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. The orange zest should be evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cut In The Butter:
- Add the cold butter cubes to your dry ingredients and work quickly using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. The goal is a mixture resembling coarse crumbs with some pea sized pieces of butter still visible. These butter pockets will create steam during baking, resulting in those delicious flaky layers.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla until completely combined. The egg adds structure while the cream provides richness and the vanilla enhances all the flavors.
- Create The Dough:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour butter mixture and stir just until the dough begins to come together. Gently fold in the cranberries with as few strokes as possible. Overworking the dough will develop gluten and result in tough scones.
- Shape The Scones:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 7 inch circle about 1 inch thick. Avoid using a rolling pin as it can compress the dough too much. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges like you would a pizza.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Add The Finishing Touch:
- While the scones cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the still warm scones for a sweet citrus finish that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
Save My favorite part of this recipe is the magical combination of orange and cranberry. I discovered it years ago during Thanksgiving preparations when my grandmother taught me her secret to cranberry sauce was always adding fresh orange zest. That same principle makes these scones extraordinary, with each bite offering the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors.
The Cold Butter Secret
The most critical factor for creating truly exceptional scones is using very cold butter. I recommend cutting the butter into cubes and then placing it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before incorporating it into the dry ingredients. When the cold butter hits the hot oven, it creates steam pockets that result in that perfect flaky texture we all crave in a good scone. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might even chill the flour mixture and mixing bowl beforehand.
Make-Ahead Options
These cranberry orange scones are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the dough, shape it into a circle, cut into wedges, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with cream, and bake directly from frozen, adding about 3-4 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without the fuss.
Seasonal Adaptations
While cranberries make these scones perfect for fall and winter, you can enjoy variations year-round:
Spring version swaps cranberries for fresh strawberries and lemon zest instead of orange
Summer adaptation uses blueberries with lemon zest for a classic combination
For early fall try using chopped apples with cinnamon instead of orange zest
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry orange scones make a stunning centerpiece for a breakfast or brunch spread. Serve them slightly warm alongside a selection of jams, clotted cream, or whipped butter. For a special occasion breakfast, pair with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a pot of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee. The scones also make a wonderful gift – simply place in a decorative box lined with parchment paper and include a handwritten recipe card.
Save Enjoy these delightful cranberry orange scones warm from the oven for the ultimate treat.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute with 2/3 cup dried cranberries. For best results, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain.
- → How do I keep scones tender and not dry?
Use cold butter, avoid overmixing the dough, and bake just until golden. Don't skip the cream brushed on top.
- → Can these scones be made ahead?
Absolutely. Store baked scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze and reheat as needed.
- → What’s the best way to glaze the scones?
Let scones cool completely, then drizzle or spread the glaze over top using a spoon or fork for even coverage.
- → Are there any common allergens in this treat?
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Always check ingredient labels for potential nut or soy traces.