There’s something about the combination of bright orange and tart cranberries that feels like pure sunshine in every bite! These Orange Cranberry Scones are soft, buttery, and bursting with juicy cranberries, all brightened by the zest and juice of fresh oranges. Whether you’re serving these at a weekend brunch, enjoying them with your afternoon tea, or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning snack, these scones will bring a pop of flavor and warmth to your table.
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Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Scones 🍊🍇
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of fresh orange and the tangy cranberries create a delightful contrast that’s bright and refreshing.
Buttery and Tender Texture: These scones have a perfectly flaky texture, with golden edges and a soft, fluffy center. You won’t be able to eat just one!
Quick and Easy to Make: You only need a few basic ingredients and 30 minutes to whip up these bakery-worthy scones.
Great for Sharing: Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast, holiday gathering, or a simple snack, these scones are sure to impress everyone.
What Do Orange Cranberry Scones Taste Like? 🍊
These scones strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The cranberries offer a tangy bite, while the orange zest and juice infuse every crumb with a citrusy brightness. The buttery, tender dough complements the fruity flavors, and if you add a drizzle of orange glaze on top, you’ll get a sweet finishing touch that takes these scones to the next level.
Benefits of These Scones
- Bursting with fresh fruit flavors from real orange zest and juicy cranberries.
- Versatile and easy to customize with different fruit or glaze options.
- Freezer-friendly dough makes it easy to prep in advance and bake fresh when needed.
- Perfect for any occasion—from breakfast to tea time, these scones are always a hit.
Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Scones 🍊🍇
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or dried cranberries)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Optional Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Zest of ½ orange
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or two forks (to cut in the butter)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Zester or microplane
- Knife or bench scraper (for cutting the dough)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No fresh cranberries? Swap in dried cranberries for a chewier texture, or use frozen cranberries—no need to thaw them before mixing into the dough.
- Dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter alternative and replace the heavy cream with coconut or almond milk.
- Extra orange flavor? Add more zest or a few drops of orange extract to enhance the citrus notes.
- Want more texture? Stir in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy contrast.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add the Cranberries and Orange Zest
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape the dough into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake
Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the scones are firm to the touch.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Orange Cranberry Scones
These scones are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You could serve them with clotted cream, butter, or even a spoonful of marmalade for an extra citrus kick!
Tips for Making the Best Orange Cranberry Scones
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter creates flaky layers, so don’t let it soften before cutting it into the dough.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make your scones tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for a juicy burst of flavor, but dried cranberries are a convenient option when fresh isn’t available.
- Add a pinch of sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.
How to Store Orange Cranberry Scones
Store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the scones (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for that just-baked taste.
FAQs About Orange Cranberry Scones
Q: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze the scone dough?
A: Absolutely! After shaping the dough into wedges, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: Do I need fresh cranberries?
A: While fresh cranberries offer the best burst of flavor, you can easily substitute dried cranberries for a chewier texture or use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
Conclusion: Brighten Your Day with Orange Cranberry Scones 🍊🍇🍞
These Orange Cranberry Scones are the perfect way to bring a burst of sunshine to your mornings. With their buttery, tender texture and a perfect balance of sweet orange and tart cranberries, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, these scones are sure to brighten your day!
Looking for more citrusy treats? Be sure to check out my recipes for Lemon Blueberry Muffins and Orange Glazed Donuts!
Don’t forget to share your scone creations on Pinterest and tag me in your photos—I can’t wait to see your bakes! 🍊🍇
Nutritional Information (per scone):
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1
