If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, flaky scones bursting with fresh cranberries and infused with the bright zest of orange, all topped with a subtle tangy glaze. Whether you’re starting a cozy weekend morning or gathering friends for afternoon tea, these scones bring warmth, color, and irresistible aroma to your table. You’ll love how this recipe combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary flavor experience that feels both festive and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Cranberry Orange Scones come together with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The frozen butter makes the scones wonderfully flaky, while the orange zest adds a fresh citrus zing that complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to highlight the fruit.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The key leavening agent to make your scones rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (frozen): Creates flaky layers and rich flavor when grated into the flour.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes scones tender.
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream: Boosts richness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Zest of 1 orange: Brings fresh, citrus brightness to every bite.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved): The star fruity ingredient delivering tart bursts of flavor.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweet base for the orange glaze topping.
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses glaze with vibrant citrus tang.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick. Next, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This step blends the dry ingredients so that your scones have an even rise and subtle sweetness throughout.
Step 2: Incorporating the Frozen Butter
Grate the frozen butter directly into the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or fork, work the butter and flour together until the texture resembles coarse meal with small pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This technique keeps the butter cold and helps create those tender, flaky layers we all love in scones. Pop the bowl in the fridge while you mix the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and the all-important orange zest. Pour this mixture over your chilled flour and butter, then stir gently just until combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but should come together without overworking it to keep the scones tender.
Step 4: Folding in the Cranberries and Forming the Dough
Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them. Lightly flour or grease your hands to handle the dough, then transfer it to a floured surface. Press or roll the dough out into a 1-inch thick circle, ready for slicing.
Step 5: Cutting and Baking the Scones
Slice the dough circle into 8 even wedges and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Give the tops a light brush of heavy cream to promote a golden finish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the scones are puffed, golden, and smell incredible. Let them cool slightly before adding the finishing touches.
Step 6: Preparing and Drizzling the Orange Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice together until you get a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as necessary. Drizzle this bright, luscious glaze over the warm scones just before serving for a pop of sweet citrus that perfectly complements the cranberry zest inside.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few fresh cranberries on top of the glaze makes a stunning presentation and reinforces the flavors inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate, snowy touch perfect for special occasions or holiday brunches.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones with a cozy spread of clotted cream, honey butter, or your favorite fruit preserves. A hot cup of tea, fresh coffee, or even a bright orange juice pairs beautifully, creating an inviting morning or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch, arrange your scones on a tiered serving tray with fresh citrus slices and a small bowl of whipped cream or mascarpone. To make them gift-worthy, stack and wrap several scones with a ribbon and a sprig of rosemary or orange peel for a fragrant, homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover scones tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them tender. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze baked scones by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to three months and can be pulled out for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat scones in a warm oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes or until heated through to restore their fresh-baked texture. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries work well but reduce the sugar slightly since dried fruit is often sweeter. You may also want to soak them briefly in warm water or orange juice to plump them up for juicier results.
Is sour cream necessary in this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes the scones tender and balanced. If unavailable, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that delivers similar results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free yogurt, and a flax or chia egg substitute. Adjust baking powder and liquids as needed for texture.
How can I make these scones less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar in the dough and the powdered sugar in the glaze. The natural tartness of cranberries and brightness of orange zest make them delicious even with less sweetness.
Will this recipe work with frozen cranberries?
It can, but frozen cranberries may release more moisture, which can affect the dough consistency. Be gentle folding them in and consider lightly patting them dry first to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking scones at home, especially with a flavor combination as uplifting as cranberries and orange. This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe delivers that perfect mix of tender, flaky pastry, fruity bursts, and bright glaze that can brighten any day. I hope you’ll give these a try and find as much comfort and satisfaction in making and sharing them as I do. Happy baking!
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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest folded into a tender, flaky dough. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea, they are quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection with a sweet orange glaze finishing each scone.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (frozen)
- 1/3 cup sour cream (light, regular, or Plain Greek Yogurt)
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- zest of 1 orange
Additional
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
Glaze
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure easy removal and clean-up after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to form the base of your scone dough.
- Incorporate frozen butter: Grate the frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or fork, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with pea-sized pieces of butter. This method ensures flakiness. Chill this mixture in the fridge while preparing the wet ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy whipping cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients over the chilled flour and butter mixture. Gently stir just until everything is moistened—do not overmix to maintain texture. Fold in the halved fresh cranberries carefully to distribute evenly.
- Shape scones: Lightly flour or grease your hands, then gently bring the dough together. Transfer it onto a floured surface and press or roll the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut and arrange: Cut the dough circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream to help create a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are puffed and the tops turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- Prepare and drizzle glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or powdered sugar as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones to finish.
Notes
- Use frozen butter for a flakier texture; it creates steam pockets as it melts during baking.
- Fresh cranberries can be halved or chopped for easier distribution and bites.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep scones tender and flaky.
- The glaze can be made thicker or thinner depending on your desired finish.
- Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
