FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Cranberry Orange Scones Delightful and Simple Recipe

by on August 18, 2025

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat with my easy recipe for cranberry orange scones! These scones blend tart cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect balance of flavors. You’ll love how simple and quick they are to make. Whether for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) When making cranberry orange scones, these ingredients work together to create a lovely flavor. Each item plays a key role in the final product. Can you use different flour? Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour. Both can give a unique taste and texture. What if you don't have heavy cream? You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and melted butter. These alternatives will still keep the scones rich. Need different sweeteners? You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey. Each option will change the flavor a bit but will still taste great! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. 2. Next, grab a large bowl. In the bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt Whisk until everything is mixed well. 3. Now, add the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. 4. Then, fold in the cranberries (1 cup) and the zest of 1 large orange. Mix gently until they are evenly spread in the dough. 5. Gradually add the heavy cream (1/2 cup) to the mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep it light. 6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times until smooth. 7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a circle cutter for round scones. 8. Place the scones on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a nice golden color. 9. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for a light golden top to know they’re done. 10. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack before you enjoy them. To get the best scone, start with cold butter. It keeps the scones flaky. When mixing, do not overwork the dough. Mix until just combined. This helps keep your scones light and airy. Kneading is simple. After mixing, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, just until smooth. Avoid heavy pressure. You want to keep the air inside. For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cranberries and orange. You can also add a splash of vanilla for depth. When serving, think about pairing your scones with clotted cream or jam. A dollop of orange marmalade adds a nice touch. These pairings make each bite even more delicious. To present your scones, arrange them on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet look. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This makes your dish pop with color and charm. Serve your scones warm for the best taste. They are great with tea or coffee. You can also offer jam or clotted cream on the side. These add richness and flavor to your scone experience. Pro Tips Keep Butter Cold: Use cold, cubed butter to ensure your scones are flaky. The cold butter will create steam during baking, leading to a light texture. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so handle the dough gently. Freshness Matters: If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate and enhance their flavor. Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the tops of the scones with a beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your cranberry orange scones. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding nuts or chocolate: Try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans. These add a nice crunch. You could also add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The chocolate pairs well with the tart cranberries. - Using different citrus fruits: Instead of orange zest, try lemon or lime. These fruits give a bright flavor. Feel free to mix them, too! A blend of lemon and orange can make your scones pop with freshness. If you have dietary needs, these scone variations can work for you: - Gluten-free version using alternate flours: Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum for better texture. This will help the scones rise and stay light. - Vegan alternatives for butter and cream: You can swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream. These changes keep the scones rich and tasty while being dairy-free. These variations make the scones fun and accessible for everyone! To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay soft and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze scones, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat them, just take out what you need. Reheating scones correctly is key to keeping their texture. You can use an oven or a microwave. The oven works best for keeping the scones crisp. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them through and makes them slightly crispy again. If you use a microwave, put a scone on a plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they might become tough. Enjoy these warm scones with your favorite drink! Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to rinse and drain them first. They may make the dough a bit wetter, so adjust the flour if needed. Frozen cranberries add a nice tart flavor too. How do I know when the scones are done baking? You can tell the scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking time is usually 15 to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. What can I serve with cranberry orange scones? Cranberry orange scones taste great with butter or cream cheese. You can also serve them with homemade jam or clotted cream. Fresh orange slices or a drizzle of honey can add a nice touch. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat! Today, we explored making delicious cranberry orange scones. We covered all the key ingredients and gave you helpful tips for great texture and flavor. You learned about substitutes and variations for dietary needs. Storing and reheating scones is easy too. With the right care, you can enjoy these treats longer. Baking is fun, and now, you’re ready to impress with your scones. Let's get baking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing and vibrant taste in every bite.

  2. Perfectly Flaky Texture: The use of cold butter and careful mixing ensures a light and flaky scone that melts in your mouth.

  3. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels to whip up these delightful scones.

  4. Festive Presentation: These scones not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous when garnished, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

– 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

When making cranberry orange scones, these ingredients work together to create a lovely flavor. Each item plays a key role in the final product.

Ingredient Substitutions

Can you use different flour? Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour. Both can give a unique taste and texture.

What if you don’t have heavy cream? You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and melted butter. These alternatives will still keep the scones rich.

Need different sweeteners? You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey. Each option will change the flavor a bit but will still taste great!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking.

2. Next, grab a large bowl. In the bowl, whisk together:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk until everything is mixed well.

Dough Preparation

3. Now, add the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs.

4. Then, fold in the cranberries (1 cup) and the zest of 1 large orange. Mix gently until they are evenly spread in the dough.

Shaping and Baking the Scones

5. Gradually add the heavy cream (1/2 cup) to the mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep it light.

6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times until smooth.

7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a circle cutter for round scones.

8. Place the scones on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a nice golden color.

9. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for a light golden top to know they’re done.

10. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack before you enjoy them.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best scone, start with cold butter. It keeps the scones flaky. When mixing, do not overwork the dough. Mix until just combined. This helps keep your scones light and airy.

Kneading is simple. After mixing, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, just until smooth. Avoid heavy pressure. You want to keep the air inside.

Flavor Enhancements

For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cranberries and orange. You can also add a splash of vanilla for depth.

When serving, think about pairing your scones with clotted cream or jam. A dollop of orange marmalade adds a nice touch. These pairings make each bite even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

To present your scones, arrange them on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet look. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This makes your dish pop with color and charm.

Serve your scones warm for the best taste. They are great with tea or coffee. You can also offer jam or clotted cream on the side. These add richness and flavor to your scone experience.

Pro Tips

  1. Keep Butter Cold: Use cold, cubed butter to ensure your scones are flaky. The cold butter will create steam during baking, leading to a light texture.

  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so handle the dough gently.

  3. Freshness Matters: If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate and enhance their flavor.

  4. Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the tops of the scones with a beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish.

Variations

Alternate Flavor Combinations

You can easily change the flavor of your cranberry orange scones. Here are some fun ideas:

– Adding nuts or chocolate: Try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans. These add a nice crunch. You could also add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The chocolate pairs well with the tart cranberries.

– Using different citrus fruits: Instead of orange zest, try lemon or lime. These fruits give a bright flavor. Feel free to mix them, too! A blend of lemon and orange can make your scones pop with freshness.

Dietary-Friendly Modifications

If you have dietary needs, these scone variations can work for you:

– Gluten-free version using alternate flours: Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum for better texture. This will help the scones rise and stay light.

– Vegan alternatives for butter and cream: You can swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream. These changes keep the scones rich and tasty while being dairy-free.

These variations make the scones fun and accessible for everyone!

Storage Info

Storing Leftover Scones

To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay soft and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

To freeze scones, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat them, just take out what you need.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating scones correctly is key to keeping their texture. You can use an oven or a microwave. The oven works best for keeping the scones crisp.

To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them through and makes them slightly crispy again.

If you use a microwave, put a scone on a plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they might become tough. Enjoy these warm scones with your favorite drink!

FAQs

Common Questions About Cranberry Orange Scones

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to rinse and drain them first. They may make the dough a bit wetter, so adjust the flour if needed. Frozen cranberries add a nice tart flavor too.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

You can tell the scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking time is usually 15 to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

What can I serve with cranberry orange scones?

Cranberry orange scones taste great with butter or cream cheese. You can also serve them with homemade jam or clotted cream. Fresh orange slices or a drizzle of honey can add a nice touch. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat!

Today, we explored making delicious cranberry orange scones. We covered all the key ingredients and gave you helpful tips for great texture and flavor. You learned about substitutes and variations for dietary needs.

Storing and reheating scones is easy too. With the right care, you can enjoy these treats longer. Baking is fun, and now, you’re ready to impress with your scones. Let’s get bakin

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) When making cranberry orange scones, these ingredients work together to create a lovely flavor. Each item plays a key role in the final product. Can you use different flour? Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour. Both can give a unique taste and texture. What if you don't have heavy cream? You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and melted butter. These alternatives will still keep the scones rich. Need different sweeteners? You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey. Each option will change the flavor a bit but will still taste great! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. 2. Next, grab a large bowl. In the bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt Whisk until everything is mixed well. 3. Now, add the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. 4. Then, fold in the cranberries (1 cup) and the zest of 1 large orange. Mix gently until they are evenly spread in the dough. 5. Gradually add the heavy cream (1/2 cup) to the mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep it light. 6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a few times until smooth. 7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a circle cutter for round scones. 8. Place the scones on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a nice golden color. 9. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for a light golden top to know they’re done. 10. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack before you enjoy them. To get the best scone, start with cold butter. It keeps the scones flaky. When mixing, do not overwork the dough. Mix until just combined. This helps keep your scones light and airy. Kneading is simple. After mixing, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, just until smooth. Avoid heavy pressure. You want to keep the air inside. For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cranberries and orange. You can also add a splash of vanilla for depth. When serving, think about pairing your scones with clotted cream or jam. A dollop of orange marmalade adds a nice touch. These pairings make each bite even more delicious. To present your scones, arrange them on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet look. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This makes your dish pop with color and charm. Serve your scones warm for the best taste. They are great with tea or coffee. You can also offer jam or clotted cream on the side. These add richness and flavor to your scone experience. Pro Tips Keep Butter Cold: Use cold, cubed butter to ensure your scones are flaky. The cold butter will create steam during baking, leading to a light texture. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so handle the dough gently. Freshness Matters: If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate and enhance their flavor. Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the tops of the scones with a beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your cranberry orange scones. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding nuts or chocolate: Try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans. These add a nice crunch. You could also add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The chocolate pairs well with the tart cranberries. - Using different citrus fruits: Instead of orange zest, try lemon or lime. These fruits give a bright flavor. Feel free to mix them, too! A blend of lemon and orange can make your scones pop with freshness. If you have dietary needs, these scone variations can work for you: - Gluten-free version using alternate flours: Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum for better texture. This will help the scones rise and stay light. - Vegan alternatives for butter and cream: You can swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream. These changes keep the scones rich and tasty while being dairy-free. These variations make the scones fun and accessible for everyone! To keep your cranberry orange scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay soft and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze scones, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat them, just take out what you need. Reheating scones correctly is key to keeping their texture. You can use an oven or a microwave. The oven works best for keeping the scones crisp. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them through and makes them slightly crispy again. If you use a microwave, put a scone on a plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they might become tough. Enjoy these warm scones with your favorite drink! Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to rinse and drain them first. They may make the dough a bit wetter, so adjust the flour if needed. Frozen cranberries add a nice tart flavor too. How do I know when the scones are done baking? You can tell the scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking time is usually 15 to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. What can I serve with cranberry orange scones? Cranberry orange scones taste great with butter or cream cheese. You can also serve them with homemade jam or clotted cream. Fresh orange slices or a drizzle of honey can add a nice touch. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat! Today, we explored making delicious cranberry orange scones. We covered all the key ingredients and gave you helpful tips for great texture and flavor. You learned about substitutes and variations for dietary needs. Storing and reheating scones is easy too. With the right care, you can enjoy these treats longer. Baking is fun, and now, you’re ready to impress with your scones. Let's get baking!

Cranberry Bliss Orange Scones

Delicious scones infused with cranberries and orange zest, perfect for a festive treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

  • 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 until well combined.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Fold in the cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  • Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring just until the mixture comes together into a dough. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth.
  • Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a circle cutter for round scones.
  • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve the scones warm on a platter, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones