Name: Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup sugar; Zest of two medium oranges; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast treat that bursts with bright flavors and a tender crumb, this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery scone infused with the zing of fresh orange zest and dotted with sweet-tart cranberries that pop with every mouthful. This recipe perfectly balances citrus and berry, creating an irresistible morning delight or afternoon snack that feels both special and wonderfully comforting. With a simple glaze that seals in all that freshness, these scones have become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family on chilly mornings or whenever I want to treat myself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick layer of white flour mixed with scattered whole red cranberries, showing rough and powdery texture. Above the bowl, creamy light yellow batter is being poured slowly from another glass bowl, creating a smooth flow over the dry ingredients. The scene is set on a white marbled surface that gives a soft, bright background to the mixing process. The image captures the moment of combining wet and dry parts in a clear and fresh way, focusing closely on the bowl's content. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, while keeping the preparation straightforward. From the tangy cranberries to the zingy orange zest and the rich butter, each one plays an essential role in bringing these scones to life.

1/3 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and orange zest.
Zest of two medium oranges: Packs fragrant citrus oils that give the scones a fresh, bright flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough that creates the perfect tender yet sturdy structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully and become light and fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve an airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen): When grated cold, it creates flaky layers you’ll love.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang for depth and tenderness.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients for a cohesive dough.
3 tablespoons milk: Lightens the batter and helps with dough consistency.
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1/2 cup dried): Provides bursts of tartness throughout each bite.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For the luscious glaze that adds a glossy, sweet finish.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted): Sweetens the glaze and ensures a smooth texture.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the glaze flavor.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses bright citrusy notes into the glaze for extra zing.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by setting your oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheating your oven to 400°F. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures your scones won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, coax all those wonderful citrus oils out by mixing the sugar and orange zest together with your fingertips until fragrant and slightly moistened. This simple step sets the stage for the flavor explosion you’ll enjoy in every bite.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with Zesty Sugar

Now, mix your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the sugar and zest mixture. This combination creates the perfect base, with leavening agents ready to give the scones their rise plus salt to enhance every element’s flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Grate the frozen unsalted butter directly into your dry mixture using the largest holes of your grater. Use your fingers to quickly rub the butter into the flour mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving those flaky layers that make scones so delightful without melting the butter prematurely.

Step 4: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, egg, and milk until smooth. This blend hydrates the dough just right while lending it a slightly tangy undertone, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness and zest in the rest of your recipe.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together with Cranberries

Toss your cranberries into the flour mixture so they get evenly coated and don’t sink to the bottom. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring with a fork until large dough clumps form. Then, press the dough together gently with your hands until it forms a sticky ball. While initially tacky, the dough will become cohesive as you gently work it, a sign you’re ready to move on.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Your Scones

Lightly flour a surface and pat the dough into a 7-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 even triangles, placing them spaced out on your baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes until golden and inviting. Once out, let them cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the glaze.

Step 7: Glaze to Glorious Perfection

Whisk together the melted butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice to form a smooth, shiny glaze. Dip each scone’s top in the glaze and let it harden – this is where your Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe turns into a glossy showstopper. For the truly indulgent, why not double dip? The extra layer adds a sweet, citrusy crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

A round dough is placed on a white marbled surface, divided into eight equal triangular slices. The dough is pale yellow with a slightly rough texture, and scattered throughout are small, red cranberries that add bright color dots. There is a light dusting of flour on the dough and the surface around it, giving a soft, powdery look. The edges of the slices are slightly jagged, showing the dough's thickness and softness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your scones into a feast for the eyes and palate. Sprinkle a few extra orange zest shavings or whole dried cranberries on top of the glaze before it sets. You can also finely chop fresh rosemary or toss a little powdered sugar right before serving for a delicate touch.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of your favorite marmalade to emphasize the citrus notes. Coffee or a warm cup of spiced chai complements their flavors beautifully and makes for the ultimate cozy breakfast or teatime.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your scones on a rustic wooden board with fresh orange slices and a small bowl of honey invites guests to build their own flavor combinations. For a party, arrange scones in a basket lined with a pretty napkin and add sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers for a festive vibe that sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They retain their tender crumb and flavor best when kept away from moisture but easily accessible for a quick snack or breakfast treat.

Freezing

If you want these scones ready for a busy morning, freeze them before glazing. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste experience.

Reheating

Warm your scones gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their fresh-from-the-oven softness and bring back that irresistible aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! Use about half the quantity for dried cranberries since their flavor is more concentrated. Toss them with a tiny bit of flour before mixing to keep them evenly distributed in the dough.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

The finest tang comes from using a microplane or fine grater to get just the top orange layer without the bitter white pith. Fresh zest will infuse your scones with bright citrus aroma and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

While this traditional Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe calls for butter, sour cream, and egg, you can substitute with vegan butter, non-dairy yogurt, and a flax egg to achieve a similar texture and flavor with a few experimenting tweaks.

Why is the butter grated frozen?

Keeping the butter frozen and grated into the flour creates tiny pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in flaky, tender layers that define perfect scones.

Is it okay to double dip the glaze?

Yes! Double dipping the scones in glaze creates a thicker, sweeter crust that adds extra texture and wow factor. It’s a fun finishing touch that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in the morning with every bite bursting with bright orange and tart cranberry sweetness wrapped in buttery flakiness. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter, or dipped in tea, they have a way of bringing joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and share the love it brings to your kitchen and your loved ones.