Name: Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, frozen; ⅓ cup sour cream (light, regular, or you can use plain Greek yogurt); ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved; ⅔ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

This super simple Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is perfect for the holiday season or whenever you want a treat! They’re a little crispy and flaky on the outside while being wonderfully moist in the middle, packed with yummy bursts of cranberry and orange flavor.

Just like any killer scone, these Cranberry Orange Scones are soft and tender on the inside with a nice crunchy edge. Each bite is packed with tart cranberries and a whiff of orange, plus that sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them look downright magical.No sweat here:just mix the dough by hand, shape it into two flat rounds, and slice ’em into wedges. Once they hit the oven, your place is gonna smell like pure bliss.These buttery, flaky scones, paired with your favorite drink, will totally lift your spirits on a chilly morning. Seriously, they’re the perfect baking project for a snow day or a breezy weekend when all you wanna do is chill and stay cozy!

Table of Contents

Why this is the best scone recipe:

Quick: These scones are a breeze to whip up—just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Flavor: The fresh cranberry orange combo is absolutely tasty and perfect for the holiday season.
Perfect Texture: Stick to my tips to get that ideal texture—slightly crispy and flaky on the outside while being moist in the middle. Trust me, they’re way better than anything from a coffee shop or bakery!

How to make Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe:

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

Grate in some frozen butter into the mixture. Toss it with your pastry blender or fork until it looks crumbly like coarse meal. Put the bowl in the fridge while you mix up wet ingredients.

In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla and orange zest, and pour that over the flour mixture and stir everything together just until it’s moistened.

Fold in the cranberries. Using floured hands, shape into a ball, and then flatten it (or roll it) to about 1 inch thickness, in a circle shape.

Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with small amount of heavy cream, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden.

Whip up the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice until it’s nice and smooth.

Let the baked scones cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before drizzling that glaze on top. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Scones

Using frozen butter makes it super easy to grate it into small bits. Keeping the butter cold is key because, as it bakes, it creates air pockets that give you that flaky texture and a tender, moist center. If the dough or butter gets too warm, your scones will spread out and won’t puff up like we want.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Just like with homemade biscuits or pie crust, you want to avoid handling or kneading the dough too much. The more you mix it, the tougher your scones will turn out!

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe:

To Store: Cranberry scones should be devoured immediately on the day you bake, but if you do end up with leftovers, you can store them either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two days.

To Freeze: Omit the glaze and let the scones completely cool. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze the dough after shaping into a circle—cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw completely in the refrigerator, cut into wedges, and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations:

Cranberries: Fresh, frozen, or dried, the cranberries can be used in scones. Now you won’t have to wait for the festive season to enjoy these scrumptious treats!
Scone Flavors: See my Peach Scones for a twist on flavor, or use my basic Homemade Scones recipe with all sorts of mix-ins!

FAQs for Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe:

1. What are cranberry orange scones?
Cranberry orange scones are scrumptious baked goods made with fresh cranberries and zest orange flavor. They are crispy on the outside and moist to the core-perfect for breakfast or snack!

2. How long do these scones take to prepare?
These nasties whip up in no time—30 minutes from start to finish! Fresh scones, ready to munch on, and you.

3. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! If you want to make them all year-round, use frozen cranberries.

4. Do I need special tools to make scones?
Nah, you don’t need anything fancy. A mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet suffices. A pastry cutter’s great for mixing in the butter, but you can just use a fork as a substitute.

5. How do I keep leftover scones fresh?
Cranberry orange scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover scones at room temp or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container!

6. Can these scones be frozen?
Okay! Just leave off the glaze and let them cool completely. Then place them in airtight container or freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

7. How do I reheat a frozen scone?
Just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then pop ’em in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm through.

8. Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the fruits or flavorings-you like best with blueberries or lemon. Be creative and make it your own!

9. What’s the texture of these scones like?
These scones are a bit flaky on the outside, but on the inside, they’re moist and tender. This is just the perfect combination of texture!

10. Are cranberry orange scones healthy?
While very tasty, they are not exactly good for you. But they do use fresh ingredients, so you can indulge in them to a certain extent within a balanced diet.