Cranberry Orange Scones

Do You Think Scones Are Dry and Boring?

Have you ever taken a bite of a scone and thought, “This tastes like a brick!”? Many people believe scones are hard and dry. But what if we told you that scones can be soft, moist, and bursting with flavor? If you’ve never tried cranberry orange scones, you’re in for a real treat! Let’s learn how to make these delicious scones that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

What Makes These Scones Special?

Cranberry Orange Scones

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• Author: nakisha
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones

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Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – This is your base.

• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup) – Adds sweetness.

• Baking powder (1 tablespoon) – Helps the scones rise.

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Brings out all the flavors.

• Cold butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick) – Makes the scones flaky.

• Heavy cream (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and moisture.

• Egg (1 large) – Helps bind everything.

• Orange zest (from 1 large orange) – Boosts orange flavor.

• Fresh or dried cranberries (1 cup) – The star flavor.

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – For a cozy background flavor.

Substitutions & Variations:

• No heavy cream? Use whole milk or half-and-half.

• Fresh cranberries too tart? Use sweetened dried cranberries.

• Want gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.

• No orange zest? Try lemon zest for a twist!

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.

3. Cut in the Butter

• Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the cold butter into the flour until it looks like crumbs.

• Tip: Cold butter makes the scones flaky! Don’t overmix.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk the cream, egg, and vanilla.

• Pour into the flour mix and stir gently until mostly combined.

5. Fold in the Cranberries

• Add the cranberries last. Gently fold them into the dough.

 

Notes

• Use cold ingredients for best texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough.

• Add glaze only after scones have cooled.

 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: American

Cranberry orange scones are soft, sweet, and slightly tangy. The tart cranberries and the fresh orange zest come together to create a bright, tasty flavor. These scones are:

• Easy to make
• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Great for kids and adults
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches

Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Total time: About 45 minutes
Hands-on prep time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes

You don’t need to be a chef to make these—just follow our simple steps!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make cranberry orange scones and why each ingredient matters:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This gives the scones their shape and structure.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough just enough.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

Cold Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold) – Cold butter creates flaky layers. Don’t melt it!
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (cold) – Adds richness and helps everything come together.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.

Flavor Boosters:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest – Adds bright, citrusy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, cozy taste.
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries – Gives the scones their pop of tartness and color.

Optional Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice – For drizzling on top.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream for a healthier option.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter (but chill it first).
• Swap cranberries with dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins.
• Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the scones from start to finish:

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Add the Butter

• Cut the cold butter into small cubes.
• Add it to the flour mixture.
• Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork to blend the butter in until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg, cream, vanilla, and orange zest.
• Pour this into the dry mixture.
• Gently stir until it just comes together (don’t overmix!).

Step 5: Add the Cranberries

• Fold in the cranberries carefully with your hands or a spoon.

Assembly: Forming and Baking Your Scones

Shape the Dough

• Sprinkle a bit of flour on a clean counter or cutting board.
• Place the dough on top and gently pat it into a round disk, about 1-inch thick.
• Use a knife or dough cutter to slice the circle into 8 triangles (like a pizza!).

Bake the Scones

• Place the scones onto your lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
• You can brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden crust.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.

Presentation Tips

• Let the scones cool for 10 minutes.
• Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle it over the top for a zesty glaze.
• Serve on a pretty plate with slices of orange and a few extra cranberries for color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing:

• Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the fridge for 4–5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked scones (cut and shaped) on a tray, then store in a freezer bag.
• Bake from frozen—just add 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
• You can also freeze baked scones for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Recipe Variations

Want to try something new? Here are some fun ways to change up your cranberry orange scones:

• Chocolate Chip Orange Scones – Swap cranberries for mini chocolate chips.
• Lemon Cranberry Scones – Use lemon zest and juice instead of orange.
• Gluten-Free Scones – Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Cranberry Almond Scones – Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds to the dough.
• Savory Twist – Skip the sugar and cranberries, and mix in cheddar and herbs.

Conclusion: Let’s Get Baking!

Now you know how easy it is to make soft, tasty cranberry orange scones! These are perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want a cozy treat. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and make the recipe your own.

So next time someone says, “Scones are boring,” you can hand them one of these—and change their mind forever!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)