Cranberry Orange Scones

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast or a treat for afternoon tea, these Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect choice! Soft, tender, and bursting with the fresh flavors of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these scones are crowned with a sweet, citrusy glaze that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, they make for an irresistible snack that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)

1 large egg

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

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

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

Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Shape the Scones:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch-thick disc. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream to achieve a golden finish.

Bake:

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Make the Orange Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Once the scones are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these cranberry orange scones fresh with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat!

Serving Tips:

Fresh Out of the Oven: These cranberry orange scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and tender. Pair them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

With Butter or Jam: For extra richness, serve the scones with a pat of butter, clotted cream, or your favorite fruit preserves, such as orange marmalade or cranberry sauce.

Perfect for Brunch: These scones make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, along with other breakfast staples like eggs, yogurt, or fresh fruit.

Great for Gifting: Wrap the scones in parchment paper or a cute box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: After the scones have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them fresh and soft.

Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, cranberry orange scones freeze beautifully. Wrap the scones individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the scones again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warmed through. For an extra touch, drizzle the glaze on top after reheating.

Avoid Moisture: To prevent the scones from becoming soggy, avoid storing them in the fridge, as the moisture can affect their texture.

Related Recipes:

FAQs:

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. In fact, they add a bit of extra sweetness, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet scone. If using dried cranberries, be sure to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure an even distribution throughout the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the scone dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help the scones develop a better texture. Just shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply cut the dough into wedges and proceed with the recipe.

How can I make these scones gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cranberry orange scones, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the package instructions to see if any additional binding agents are needed. You might also want to add a bit of extra moisture, such as an additional tablespoon of heavy cream, to achieve the desired texture.

Can I skip the orange glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet scone, you can skip the orange glaze. The scones will still be delicious on their own, with the natural sweetness of the cranberries and the bright flavor of the orange zest. However, the glaze adds a lovely citrusy finish, so it’s highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor!

Conclusion:

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and make a wonderful addition to any breakfast spread or holiday brunch. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!


📖 Recipe:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cranberry Orange Scones


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect combination of buttery, tender scones filled with tart cranberries and bright, zesty orange flavor. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, they make a delightful breakfast or tea-time treat. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead option, these scones are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.


Ingredients

For the Scones:

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)

1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)

1 large egg

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon orange zest


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    • Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
    • Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overwork the dough.
  3. Shape the Scones:
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch-thick disc. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
    • Brush the tops with a little heavy cream.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool on a wire rack.
  5. Make the Glaze:
    • Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Enjoy these fresh scones with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime!

Notes

Dried Cranberries: If using dried cranberries, chop them into smaller pieces for an even distribution in the dough.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Freezing: Freeze the unbaked scones for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer for a warm, fresh scone anytime.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Brunch Tea-Time Treats
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 scones
  • Calories: 260 kcal per scone

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star