If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that blends tart cranberries with bright citrus, your search ends here with my Cranberry Orange Scones. I first tasted these beauties on a crisp fall morning during a quiet weekend getaway at a local bakery. The unexpected sparkle of orange zest mingling with plump, juicy cranberries caught me off guard—in the best way. It wasn’t just their flavor that stuck with me but also the warm, buttery crumb that felt like a hug in every bite.
This Cranberry Orange Scones recipe perfectly represents my approach to cooking: approachable, comforting, and downright satisfying. It brings together simple ingredients anyone can find yet delivers a unique taste experience that creates memorable moments. I’ve tested many scone recipes, but this one stood out because it gave me that perfect tender crumb and balanced fruitiness without any fuss.
Sharing this recipe with you feels like passing along a little joy from my kitchen to yours. Whether you’re new to holiday scone baking or just looking for a citrus scone recipe that feels both fresh and cozy, these scones have you covered. I can’t wait for you to try my Cranberry Orange Scones and see how easily they become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Here’s the Cranberry Orange Scones ingredient list that’s simple but brings out a wonderful comfort level in every bite!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a tender crumb, choose a bleached or unbleached variety)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (balances tart cranberries beautifully)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (freshness is key for rising)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavors)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (for buttery scones with fruit, cold butter makes the difference)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (look for plump ones, but fresh can work in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (this orange zest scones ingredient is your citrus secret weapon)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (adds richness, can substitute with whole milk if needed)
- 1 large egg (helps bind everything perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for warmth)
To get the best results for your Cranberry Orange Scones, grab quality unsalted butter and fresh baking powder. I usually find the best dried cranberries and fresh oranges at my neighborhood farmer’s market or health food stores. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it your butter—it’s what gives these scones that tender, flaky texture.
For those looking to customize, you can swap dried cranberries with fresh, lightly chopped, or try adding chopped nuts. If orange zest isn’t your speed, lemon zest works beautifully here. Make sure to zest before juicing your orange to keep things efficient!
To prep in advance, grate your zest and stick it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cold butter should stay in the freezer until right before mixing—this little trick helps in holiday scone baking to keep your dough flaky.
Let’s Make This!
Ready to jump in and make your Cranberry Orange Scones? I promise you’ll be enjoying these in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones won’t stick.
- Mix your dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution so your Cranberry Orange Scones rise beautifully.
- Cut in the cold butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients. You want pea-sized lumps to remain—this technique gives your scones that flaky texture.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest: Make sure these are evenly folded throughout—you want a balanced citrus-sweet-tart hit in every bite!
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl: Whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Adding the wet mix to dry all at once helps with even combining.
- Gently combine wet and dry: Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir lightly until the dough just comes together. Overmixing can make your scones tough, so be gentle.
- Form your dough: Turn dough out onto a floured surface and pat into a round disc about 1 inch thick. This is where your Cranberry Orange Scones start shaping into their classic form.
- Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter: I love the wedge method since it feels more rustic for cranberry breakfast pastries.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes: Your scones should be golden on top with a lightly crisp edge. The smell is heavenly here—like warm citrus and autumn in your kitchen.
- Cool slightly before serving: This helps the crumb set while keeping the scones tender and buttery.
A helpful tip: If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before cutting. This small step makes your holiday scone baking more manageable.
Serving & Presentation
When it comes to serving your Cranberry Orange Scones, simplicity works best. Arrange freshly baked scones on a large welcoming plate or rustic wooden board. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
Pairing these scones with a hot cup of tea or your favorite coffee enhances their citrus and cranberry notes beautifully. They shine bright at weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea.
One of my favorite things is watching the smiles when I bring these scones to the table. Their buttery scones with fruit identity creates warmth and comfort unmatched by many bakery treats. If you have leftovers, warm them slightly and serve with clotted cream or a smear of your favorite jam.
For seasonal fun, I’ve experimented with cranberry orange scones variations inspired by spiced notes like in my orange clove cookies. Pairing this citrus scone recipe with homemade cranberry jalapeño dip makes for a surprising, delightful holiday spread. If you love cream cheese, try a cranberry goat cheese log alongside your scones for guests to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Orange Scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Bring the dough to room temperature before baking for best results.
What if I don’t have dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries can work but toss them in a bit of sugar first to balance tartness. You can also swap with dried cherries for a twist.
How do I know my Cranberry Orange Scones are done?
Your scones will be golden on top and feel firm but tender when lightly pressed. Baking times can vary, so trust your nose and look for that warm citrus aroma.
Can I freeze these scones?
Yes! Freeze baked scones in a zip-top bag. Thaw and warm in a toaster oven for fresh taste.
What if I want to add nuts?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add lovely texture and flavor. Just fold in ½ cup with the cranberries.
Can I substitute orange zest with lemon zest?
Definitely. This swap keeps the citrus brightness with a slightly different twist.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use coconut cream or almond milk and a vegan butter alternative. Results shift slightly but still satisfying.
Why use cold butter?
Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, forming those flaky layers everyone loves in scones.
Readers have shared how these Cranberry Orange Scones bring cozy vibes to their homes, especially around holiday scone baking season. If you want a similar cranberry orange scones take, check out these versions like Cranberry Orange Sourdough Scones from Vanilla and Bean or the luscious Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Glaze at If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen.
Why This Cranberry Orange Scones Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe represents everything I believe about cooking: simple, comforting meals that bring people together. My Cranberry Orange Scones success tips make sure you have a reliable and satisfying outcome every time:
- Keep butter cold until mixing for tender flakiness
- Don’t overmix the dough; handle gently to protect crumb
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor punch
I’ve loved trying versions with chopped pecans, swapping orange for lemon zest, and even adding a maple glaze. But the classic Cranberry Orange Scones with dried cranberries and fresh orange zest gets the widest smiles around my table.
I can’t wait for you to make this Cranberry Orange Scones part of your recipe lineup. It’s a wonderful way to make breakfast or snack times more special while keeping things doable.
Please share your delicious results and any twists you try! Recipes like this are about connection — the warmth of sharing good food with loved ones. Here’s to many happy baking moments with these Cranberry Orange Scones!
For more comforting recipes, visit my cranberry goat cheese log, cranberry jalapeño dip, or my orange clove cookies. They pair beautifully with these scones and continue the cozy vibes.
Happy baking, fellow food lovers!
Cranberry Orange Scones
These Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange zest—perfect for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a 7-inch circle about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a little heavy cream for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled scones.