Introduction to Cranberry Orange Scones
Cranberry Orange Scones are the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat, combining tender, flaky scones with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries and the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange. These scones are soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, creating a texture that is light yet indulgent. The subtle sweetness of the dough paired with juicy cranberries and fragrant orange zest makes them irresistible with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Perfect for holiday mornings, cozy weekends, or gifting to friends and family, Cranberry Orange Scones are both festive and comforting.
Their rich aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, making them a crowd favorite for breakfast tables, brunch spreads, and special occasions.
Why Is This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe So Popular?
This recipe is beloved for its balance of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a flavor profile that is bright and refreshing while still indulgent. The scones have a tender, buttery texture that melts in your mouth without being overly dense. They are easy to make with common pantry ingredients and can be dressed up with a simple glaze or left plain for a more rustic look. Their festive flavor and attractive appearance make them a hit for holiday gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying with a morning cup of tea. The versatility and approachable technique make this a go-to scone recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
You’ll love these scones because they combine classic flavors in a beautifully balanced dessert-like breakfast treat. The cranberries add juicy bursts of tartness that complement the sweet, citrusy notes of orange zest. They are soft and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold up to a drizzle of glaze or a light dusting of sugar. These scones are easy to make in a single batch and can be enjoyed warm out of the oven or stored for later. Their versatility allows for customization, whether you add nuts, white chocolate chips, or a citrus glaze. Perfect for gifting, brunches, or cozy mornings, these scones offer a homemade charm that everyone will love.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 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 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange (about 1–2 teaspoons)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s bake these tender, flavorful scones.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender scone texture.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in fresh or frozen cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8–12 wedges, depending on your desired scone size. Place wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 7: Bake the Scones
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
For a sweet, citrusy finish, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm scones and allow glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Keep butter cold to ensure flaky layers in the scones.
- Don’t overmix the dough; overmixing can lead to dense, tough scones.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent excess moisture.
- Optional glaze adds sweetness and extra citrus flavor but can be skipped for a simpler treat.
- Serve scones warm for the best flavor and texture, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, whisk, knife for cutting wedges, cooling rack.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Scones
- White Chocolate Cranberry Scones – Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Variation – Incorporate 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Lemon-Orange Scones – Add lemon zest along with orange zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Maple Glaze – Replace orange glaze with a simple maple glaze for a warm, sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Scones
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Arrange on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or gift packages.
- Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete morning treat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per scone, approx.)
Calories: 230, Protein: 4g, Sodium: 150mg, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 33g, Sugars: 12g
FAQs about Cranberry Orange Scones
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries? A: Yes, keep them frozen and fold them directly into the dough to prevent excess moisture. Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Q: How should I store scones? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Q: Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil? A: Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. Q: How do I achieve a flaky texture? A: Keep butter cold, avoid overmixing, and handle the dough gently.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Scones are a perfect blend of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors with a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Their vibrant cranberries and fragrant orange zest make them ideal for holiday breakfasts, cozy weekend brunches, or gifting homemade treats. With their simple preparation, customizable options, and irresistible taste, these scones are sure to become a favorite recipe in your baking repertoire. Each bite delivers a balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy goodness that is both comforting and festive, making Cranberry Orange Scones a timeless treat that everyone will love.