Freshly baked cranberry orange scones on a rustic table

Cranberry Orange Scones

ByNaya Lucas
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Why make this recipe

Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that bring together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your afternoon tea. These scones are not only simple to make, but they also fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma that gets everyone excited. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or topped with a sweet glaze for an extra touch of flavor.

How to make Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter to shape scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the warm scones before serving.

How to serve Cranberry Orange Scones

Serve your Cranberry Orange Scones warm, either plain or with a drizzle of orange glaze on top. They are wonderful on their own, but you can also enjoy them with butter or a dollop of cream. These scones are great for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat with coffee in the afternoon.

How to store Cranberry Orange Scones

To store your leftover scones, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips to make Cranberry Orange Scones

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before mixing in.
  • Keep the butter cold. This helps create a flaky texture in your scones.
  • Avoid overworking the dough. Mix until just combined to keep the scones tender.
  • Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a different twist.

Variation (if any)

You can easily customize your scones by adding different fruits, such as blueberries or chopped apples. For a nutty flavor, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans. Additionally, try using lemon zest instead of orange zest for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries. However, they will give a different texture and may alter the flavor slightly. Soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes and drain before adding to the dough.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use milk or buttermilk as a substitute, but the scones may be less rich and tender. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.

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Cranberry Orange Scones

Delightful scones that combine sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries with zesty orange, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Scone Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Keep the butter cold for flaky texture.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream You can substitute with milk or buttermilk.
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter to shape scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glazing
  1. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the warm scones before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, either plain or with a drizzle of glaze. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to three months.

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