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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe Better Than Starbucks

Get ready to bake up a storm with our delicious Cranberry Orange Scones recipe! Dive into a world of citrusy bliss that’s perfect for cozy mornings or anytime treats.

cranberry orange scones recipe

If you’re in the mood for a burst of flavor, our homemade Cranberry Orange Scones are about to become your new best baking buddies. 

The tart cranberries meet the zing of fresh orange zest in tender scones, creating a flavor symphony that’s pure joy. 

cranberry orange scones recipe

What are orange cranberry scones?

Orange cranberry scones are delightful baked treats that combine the zesty essence of oranges with the tartness of cranberries. These scones typically feature a buttery and flaky texture, making them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or a hot cup of coffee. 

The dough is infused with fresh orange zest, providing a burst of citrus flavor, while dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy dimension. 

The combination of these two vibrant ingredients results in a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the classic scone into a deliciously aromatic and enjoyable pastry. 

Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, orange cranberry scones offer a delightful balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness.

cranberry orange scones recipe

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 cup frozen cranberries
  • Coarse sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
cranberry orange scones recipe

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl add the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until combined. 

cranberry orange scones recipe

Then add the orange zest into the flour mixture and whisk together again.

cranberry orange scones recipe

Cut the cold unsalted butter into cubes and add into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or pastry blender to blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients forming coarse crumbs.

cranberry orange scones recipe

Then add the wet ingredients –  heavy cream, egg, vanilla, and orange extract to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until thoroughly combined into a soft dough forms.

Pour in the frozen cranberries and fold into the thick dough.

cranberry orange scones recipe

Transfer the scone dough to a clean, lightly floured surface.

cranberry orange scones recipe

Knead the dough only 3-4 times and shape into a large 8-inch round disk.

Gently fold and pat dough to keep those scones tender and flaky.

Use a sharp knife to cut out 6 equal wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each scone with a little heavy cream and place some extra cranberries on top of the scones. Lastly, sprinkle each with some coarse sugar before baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the scones begin to turn lightly golden brown.

cranberry orange scones

While those are baking, make the glaze. In a small mixing bowl add the powdered sugar and orange juice. Whisk together until completely smooth.

When the scones are done baking, let cool for 15 minutes. Then drizzle the sweet orange glaze all over the tops of the scones.

cranberry orange scones

Serve easy cranberry orange scones while warm or store for later in an airtight container.

cranberry orange scones

Relevant Recipes 

cranberry orange scones

Cranberry Orange Scone Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Absolutely! If you have fresh cranberries on hand, feel free to use them. Adjust the quantity to your liking.

Can I freeze the scone dough for later?

Sure thing! Freeze the unbaked wedges on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer when craving hits for delicious scones.

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cranberry orange scones

cranberry orange scones

cranberry orange scone recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Get ready to bake up a storm with our delicious Cranberry Orange Scones recipe! Dive into a world of citrusy bliss that's perfect for cozy mornings or anytime treats.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 cup frozen cranberries
  • Coarse sugar
  • Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl add the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until combined. 

Then add the orange zest into the flour mixture and whisk together again.

Cut the cold unsalted butter into cubes and add into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or pastry blender to blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients forming coarse crumbs.

Then add the wet ingredients -  heavy cream, egg, vanilla, and orange extract to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until thoroughly combined into a soft dough forms.

Pour in the frozen cranberries and fold into the thick dough.

Transfer the scone dough to a clean, lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough only 3-4 times and shape into a large 8-inch round disk.

Gently fold and pat dough to keep those scones tender and flaky.

Use a sharp knife to cut out 6 equal wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each scone with a little heavy cream and place some extra cranberries on top of the scones. Lastly, sprinkle each with some coarse sugar before baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the scones begin to turn lightly golden brown.

While those are baking, make the glaze. In a small mixing bowl add the powdered sugar and orange juice. Whisk together until completely smooth.

When the scones are done baking, let cool for 15 minutes. Then drizzle the sweet orange glaze all over the tops of the scones.

Serve easy cranberry orange scones while warm or store for later in an airtight container.

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