Cranberry Orange Scones

There’s something magical about the pairing of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a warm, flaky scone. This recipe is a family favorite, especially during the holiday season. These scones are perfectly tender with a slightly crisp edge, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea treat.

I love serving these scones fresh out of the oven with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of glaze. The vibrant cranberries and orange zest add a burst of flavor that feels festive yet comforting. My family always reaches for seconds—and I bet yours will, too!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
A: Yes, you can! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10–15 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the dough.

Q: Do I need a food processor to make scones?
A: Not at all. You can use a pastry cutter or even your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.

Q: Can I make these scones in advance?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and freeze them before baking. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Of course! The scones are delicious on their own, but the orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy flavor.

What You Need to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until a dough forms.
3. Shape the Scones:
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the Scones:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Glaze the Scones:
   • While the scones cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the scones and let set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Scones

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky scones. Work quickly to keep it from softening.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix just until combined.
• Add a Dusting of Sugar: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for an extra crunch.
• Double the Recipe: These scones freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra twist.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These scones were the star of my holiday brunch! The cranberry and orange combo is divine.” – Emily

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved how easy this recipe was to follow. The glaze takes it to another level!” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these with dried cranberries, and they turned out amazing. Perfect with a cup of tea.” – Linda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids devoured these! I’ll definitely make them again soon.” – Mark

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The texture was spot on—flaky and tender. The orange glaze is a must!” – Julia

Printable Recipe

Cranberry Orange Scones

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Cranberry Orange Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with holiday flavors. These scones are topped with a sweet orange glaze for the perfect festive treat.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Scones:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Orange Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until a dough forms.

Shape the Scones:

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Scones:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Glaze the Scones:

• While the scones cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the scones and let set before serving.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If these Cranberry Orange Scones brought a little extra joy to your table, why not share the love? Post your baking creations on social media and tag your friends and family. Sharing recipes is a wonderful way to spread the holiday spirit, and I’d love to see how your scones turned out. Don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to celebrate your baking success!