Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

A Cozy Treat My Husband Has Perfected

It started with a craving and turned into a weekend tradition. My husband, who never considered himself much of a baker, surprised me one Saturday morning with a tray of these beautiful cranberry orange scones. Since then, he’s been perfecting the recipe, and I have to say — he’s nailed it. These scones are soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, crisp top, bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest. The balance of flavors is just right — not too sweet, with a refreshing citrus twist that pairs beautifully with a morning coffee or a quiet afternoon tea.

This recipe has quickly become one of our favorites, especially during the colder months. It’s comforting, easy to make, and the perfect way to bring a little warmth to your home — whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons these scones are worth making. First, they’re simple — no fancy equipment or complicated steps. Second, they’re incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, glazed, or even sliced in half and spread with butter or jam. The fresh cranberries add a natural tartness that balances the subtle sweetness of the dough, and the orange zest lifts the flavor, making each bite light and bright.

This recipe is also perfect for bakers of all levels. If you’ve never made scones before, don’t worry. With just a few basic ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a batch of bakery-worthy treats right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this RECIPE

Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups plain flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering the citrus and berries.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the scones their fluffy rise.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen – The secret to those flaky layers.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream – Makes the dough rich and tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.
• 1/3 cup sour cream – You can also use full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Zest from 1 orange – Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, sliced in half – Bursts of tartness in every bite.

For the Glaze:

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar – Smooth and sweet.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice – Enhances the citrus profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This small step makes cleanup easy and your scones golden on the bottom.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. This creates an even base and distributes the baking powder thoroughly, which helps your scones rise properly.

3. Add the Frozen Butter

Take your butter straight from the freezer and grate it using a box grater directly into the dry mixture. Using frozen butter is key — as it melts in the oven, it creates steam, resulting in a flaky texture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to gently blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. It will look creamy and slightly thick — this mixture brings moisture and richness to the dough.

5. Combine and Add the Cranberries

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until it begins to come together. Add your halved cranberries and gently fold them in. Try not to overwork the dough — overmixing can make your scones tough instead of tender.

6. Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your hands and a clean surface. Turn out the dough and gently knead it until it forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. Press the dough into a 1-inch thick round disk. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice into 8 even triangles.

7. Bake

Place the scones evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little cream to give them a lovely golden shine. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges firm.

8. Cool and Glaze

Let the scones cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with the orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over each scone. Let the glaze set before serving — if you can wait that long!

Helpful Baking Tips

• Don’t skip the frozen butter: It’s what gives scones their signature flakiness.
• Use fresh cranberries: They add tart bursts that balance the sweetness.
• Handle the dough gently: The less you work it, the lighter your scones will be.
• Use cold ingredients: Cold cream, eggs, and sour cream help keep the butter from melting before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a pat of butter, clotted cream, or a spoonful of orange marmalade. They’re wonderful with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or a cup of tea in the afternoon. Hosting a brunch or tea party? These will absolutely impress your guests.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is a great base for creativity.

• Add-ins: Try white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture and sweetness.
• Flavors: Replace the orange zest with lemon for a brighter twist, or swap the cranberries with blueberries for a different berry experience.
• Glaze: Mix in a little vanilla or even almond extract into the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Freezing Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our home), store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked scones on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, place them directly from freezer to oven — just add a few minutes to the baking time. Baked scones can also be frozen and reheated gently in the oven.

Perfect for the Holidays

These scones feel like they were made for festive mornings. Their red and orange tones, along with their citrus aroma, make them a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving breakfast, Christmas morning, or even a New Year’s brunch. You can also wrap a few in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

FAQ

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely. Soak dried cranberries in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before mixing into the dough.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Shape the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Bake them fresh the next morning — just like a bakery.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute full-fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt with excellent results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but work in batches to avoid overmixing. You want to keep the dough light and fluffy.

Can I make them smaller?

Of course. Just divide the dough into more portions and reduce the baking time slightly — check for golden tops and firm edges.

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about a homemade scone, especially when it’s baked with love. These cranberry orange scones are simple, flavorful, and sure to brighten up your day. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning, baking with your family, or hosting friends, this recipe is a lovely way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. It’s a tradition in our home now, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

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