Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that blend the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a midday snack. The combination of flavors brings a festive touch to any table, making them especially popular during the holiday season. However, their deliciousness makes them a year-round favorite in my household.
I first encountered these scones at a cozy bakery in a small town during a winter vacation. The warmth of the freshly baked scone, paired with a cup of hot tea, was an unforgettable experience. Determined to recreate that memory, I experimented with various recipes until I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe has since become a staple for family gatherings and special occasions.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this Cranberry Orange Scone recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are easy to follow, ensuring that you’ll have beautiful, golden scones with a tender crumb and a flavorful glaze every time.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar + more for topping
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) cold butter
½ cup fresh cranberries
¾ – 1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Orange Glaze:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3-4 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400º F (200º C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature by the time the scones are ready to be baked.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Make the Scone Dough
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Cut in the Butter:
Cut ½ cup (1 stick) of cold butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pieces of butter about the size of peas. The small chunks of butter will create a flaky texture in the baked scones.
Add Cranberries and Liquid Ingredients:
Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh cranberries. Then, add ¾ cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough just begins to come together. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it just holds together.
Step 3: Shape the Scones
Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a round disc, about 1 inch thick. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
Cut the Scones:
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal-sized wedges. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Brush with Butter:
Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the scones. This will help them develop a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Scones
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are just beginning to turn lightly brown around the edges. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Cool:
Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling period allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Step 5: Make the Orange Glaze
Prepare the Glaze:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest until smooth. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Step 6: Glaze the Scones
Glaze the Scones:
Drizzle the orange glaze over the slightly cooled scones. You can use a spoon or a small whisk to create a decorative drizzle. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the tart cranberries and zesty orange in the scones.
Variations & Substitutions
Dried Cranberries:
If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use dried cranberries. Soak them in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate before adding them to the dough.
Alternative Zests:
For a different flavor profile, try using lemon zest instead of orange zest. Lemon adds a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with cranberries.
Nut Additions:
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these scones gluten-free. Ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option:
Substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and use a dairy-free margarine in place of butter.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Their bright, zesty flavor and tender, flaky texture make them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. The combination of tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest is simply irresistible, while the sweet orange glaze adds a perfect finishing touch.
This recipe is straightforward and versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, these scones are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these delicious scones, and share the joy with friends and family.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar plus more for topping
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons orange juice for glaze
- 1 tablespoon orange zest for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in the cranberries, then add the cream, orange juice, and zest. Mix until just combined, adding extra cream if needed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick disc. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled scones and serve.
