Orange Cranberry Scones

The first time I made Orange Cranberry Scones, I couldn’t believe how good my kitchen smelled. The sweet citrus and tart cranberries made the air feel bright and cozy. It felt like a little taste of sunshine in the morning.

What makes these scones so special is the mix of flavors. The orange zest adds a fresh kick, and the cranberries bring just the right tangy bite. Together, they make each scone taste light, sweet, and refreshing.

I love how they pair perfectly with coffee or tea. They’re soft, buttery, and just a little bit fancy without being hard to make. It’s the kind of treat that makes breakfast feel extra special.

If you’re craving something fresh and simple, these Orange Cranberry Scones are perfect. Let me show you how I like to bake them step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: These scones are tender and flaky with a golden, crisp exterior.
• Bright, Fresh Flavors: The tangy cranberries and citrusy orange zest create an irresistible flavor combination.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, shape, and bake!
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve them warm with coffee or tea, or package them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these scones, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or box grater
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these bakery-style scones:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the scone dough.
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the scones rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen – Ensures a flaky texture.
• 1/3 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) – Adds moisture and tenderness.
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream – For rich, creamy scones.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Zest of 1 orange – Provides bright citrus notes.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved – For bursts of tartness in every bite.

For the Orange Glaze:

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar – Creates a sweet, silky glaze.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice – Enhances the citrus flavor.

Variations for Orange Cranberry Scones

Want to customize your scones? Try these variations:

• Use Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, use dried ones. Soak them in orange juice for extra moisture.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Try a Maple Glaze: Swap orange juice for maple syrup in the glaze for a fall-inspired twist.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate and cranberries make a divine pairing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. Incorporate the Butter

• Grate the frozen butter using a box grater, or cut it into small cubes and blend it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
• Fold in the fresh cranberries.

5. Shape the Dough

• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle.
• Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the Scones

• Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

7. Prepare the Glaze

• Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
• Drizzle over the cooled scones.

Serving and Decoration

These scones are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them warm with butter, clotted cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.

To elevate presentation, garnish with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for added crunch.

Storing Orange Cranberry Scones

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed scones for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Scone)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Carbs	40g
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Sugar	15g

Orange Cranberry Scones FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! No need to thaw them—just fold them into the dough.

Why is my dough too sticky?

If your dough is too wet, add a bit more flour. If too dry, add a splash of cream.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Prepare the dough, cut into wedges, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

How do I get the best flaky texture?

Use frozen butter and handle the dough as little as possible.