Bright Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: A Sweet Morning Joy

Crisp mornings call for warm, buttery cranberry orange scones fresh from the oven.

Fragrant citrus notes dance alongside tart crimson berries in this delightful pastry.

Our simple recipe brings bakery-quality treats right to your kitchen counter.

Soft, crumbly textures promise a delectable breakfast experience that feels like a sweet morning hug.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a perfect companion for your coffee or tea.

Baking these scones will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

You’ll love how quickly these come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Get ready to impress with these mouthwatering cranberry orange scones that taste like pure morning joy.

Ingredients That Make Cranberry Orange Scones Shine

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple for creating a tender scone texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden brown color.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the scones.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds bursts of tart and sweet fruit flavor.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the scones.

• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream, Eggs: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.

• Heavy Cream, Granulated Sugar: Used for brushing and sprinkling on top for a golden, sweet finish.

How to Bake Cranberry Orange Scones with Success

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and let it warm up while you prepare the delightful scone mix.

Step 2: Combine Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 3: Work In Chilled Butter

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vibrant cranberries
• Zesty orange zest

Step 5: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Whisk together cream and eggs until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Form Delectable Dough

Pour the creamy mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and softly knead.

Shape into a circular disk and slice into triangular wedges.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Brush the top of each scone with additional cream and sprinkle with a light dusting of sugar.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the scones into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they transform into gorgeous golden treats with crispy edges.

Smart Tips for Fluffy Cranberry Orange Scones

• Chill butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting into the dry ingredients to ensure ultra-light, tender scones with perfect crumbly texture.
• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for pure citrus flavor.
• Mix ingredients just until combined and knead minimally to prevent tough scones, keeping the texture delicate and soft.
• Let cranberries sit on a paper towel before adding to remove excess moisture, ensuring scones bake evenly without wet spots.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar before baking for a beautiful, crispy golden crust that adds delightful crunch and sparkle.

Best Methods to Store and Reheat Cranberry Scones

• Store scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, preserving their delicate texture.
• Warm scones at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crisp exterior and soft interior.
• Heat for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat and dry out the delicate pastry.

What to Pair with Cranberry Orange Scones

• Pair Perfectly with Citrus-Infused Tea: Brew a hot Earl Grey or orange-scented black tea that complements the bright orange zest in the scones, enhancing the citrusy flavor profile.
• Complement with Creamy Mascarpone Spread: Craft a light, tangy mascarpone spread with honey and additional orange zest to create a luxurious topping that elevates the scones' texture and taste.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Butter: Whip softened butter with pure vanilla bean seeds and a touch of powdered sugar, creating a rich, smooth accompaniment that balances the scones' tartness from cranberries.
• Serve Alongside Chilled Mimosa: Pour a crisp, refreshing mimosa with fresh orange juice and champagne, mirroring the scones' citrus notes and adding a celebratory touch to your morning or brunch.

Creative Takes on Cranberry Orange Scones

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a tender texture.
• Vegan Cranberry Orange Scones: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and choose plant-based cream to create a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Berry Scones: Substitute cranberries with mixed berries, reduce sugar content, and use monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option with lower calories.
• Whole Grain Citrus Scones: Incorporate whole wheat pastry flour and add chia seeds for extra nutrition, enhancing the scones' fiber and protein content while preserving the classic orange and cranberry flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them to the mixture while still frozen and do not thaw them first to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• How do I know the scones are properly mixed?

The dough should look shaggy and have small butter pieces visible. Overmixing can make the scones tough, so stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.

• What type of cream works best for this recipe?

Heavy cream is ideal because it provides richness and helps create a tender texture. Avoid using milk or half-and-half as they won’t give the same luxurious result.

• How can I prevent my scones from becoming dry?

Do not overbake and handle the dough minimally. Work quickly and use cold ingredients to ensure a moist, tender scone with a soft interior and crisp exterior.

Why Cranberry Orange Scones Deserve a Spot on Your Table

• These scones require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure anyone can create delicious treats without stress.
• Cranberries and orange zest combine to deliver a vibrant, tangy taste that captures the essence of cozy mornings and festive gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes.
• Prepare these scones in under 30 minutes from start to finish, offering a speedy solution for busy mornings or unexpected guests. They're ideal for weekend brunches, afternoon tea, or spontaneous breakfast cravings.
• Perfect for family breakfasts, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these scones appeal to all ages. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor make them a standout dish that everyone will enjoy.

Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange scones elevate breakfast with a zesty twist of citrus and tart berries. Rich, buttery pastries offer a delightful morning treat that will quickly become a cherished recipe you crave.

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Ingredients

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Cranberry Orange Scones

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 large egg

Dairy and Fat Components:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace and preheat oven to 400°F, ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation.
3. Using a pastry cutter or cold knife, incorporate chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles textured, coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Gently fold in vibrant, chopped cranberries and fragrant orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in beaten cream and eggs, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough.
6. Transfer the slightly sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and delicately knead, forming a circular disk approximately 1-inch thick.
7. Slice the disk into symmetrical wedges, separating them slightly to ensure even baking.
8. Delicately brush the scone surfaces with additional cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crisp exterior.
9. Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes until edges turn a rich, warm golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for optimal texture and flavor development.

Notes

• Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones to boost tartness and texture, ensuring they’re chopped to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Grate orange zest finely to prevent large bitter pieces and maximize citrusy flavor without overwhelming the scones.
• Freeze butter beforehand and use a box grater for easier incorporation, creating flakier, more tender scones with better butter distribution.
• For gluten-free variation, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, adding xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already include it to maintain proper scone structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 286
• Sugar: 8.4g
• Sodium: 112mg
• Fat: 16.3g
• Saturated Fat: 10.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34.7g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 3.9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg