Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness with a hint of citrus sweetness, this Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe is a must-try. These scones bring together the bright zing of fresh orange zest and the tangy burst of cranberries, creating a flavor combo that wakes up your taste buds. Crispy on the outside yet tender and flaky inside, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, and come with a luscious orange glaze that makes them extra irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these scones is delightfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a vital role—from the texture to the flavor. You don’t need fancy stuff, just good basics that come together beautifully.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the scones, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Leavens the dough, giving the scones their classic light rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors by cutting through the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a gentle warmth that complements the citrus beautifully.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Critical for flakiness; cold butter melts into pockets during baking.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and enriches the texture.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Moisturizes the dough, making it rich and tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and a subtle sweet aroma.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Delivers essential citrus brightness right into every bite.
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: Fresh offers juicy bursts, dried adds chewy sweetness; soak dried in warm water for best texture.
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping): Gives that perfect finishing crunch and sparkle.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze—pure sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Adds a tangy kick to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for glaze): Makes the glaze extra fragrant and zesty.

How to Make Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your scones won’t stick and bake evenly with a golden finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix ensures even distribution of flavors and lift.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and work it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Stop when the mixture resembles crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter—these pieces create the flaky texture scones are famous for.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest in another bowl. This liquid concoction will bring moisture and bright flavor to the dough.

Step 5: Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be wary of overmixing here; a few streaks of flour are okay because too much stirring can make your scones tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Carefully fold in the cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not crushed. This step ensures every scone gets those lovely tart bursts.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a few gentle times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick disk shape—the classic scone form that bakes evenly.

Step 8: Cut into Wedges

With a sharp knife, slice the disk into 8 equal wedges just like slicing a pizza. This shape gives each scone a crisp edge and ample crumb.

Step 9: Arrange and Top

Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle when baked.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the scones for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the scones feel firm to the touch. The smell alone will tell you they’re ready!

Step 11: Cool Before Glazing

Let your scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool fully. This prevents sogginess underneath and prepares them for the final glaze touch.

Step 12: Make and Drizzle the Orange Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this luscious glaze over each cooled scone and let it set before diving in.

How to Serve Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra orange zest or whole dried cranberries on top right after glazing for a fresh, pretty finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add charm and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these scones with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and perhaps a dab of clotted cream or butter. Fresh fruit, like juicy oranges or berries, complements the scones’ citrusy tang beautifully for a wholesome brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your scones on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. For gatherings, stack them in a tiered dessert stand to highlight their beauty and invite everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve their tender crumb and flaky texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze unglazed scones in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing.

Reheating

Warm scones in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the flaky crust and melts any butter inside, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture that could disrupt the dough’s consistency.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the scones might be a bit less rich and tender. For best results, stick to heavy cream.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it okay to skip the orange glaze?

Of course! The scones are lovely on their own, with the orange glaze just adding an extra layer of sweetness and citrus flavor.

How can I make the scones more citrusy?

Try adding a bit more orange zest in the dough or mixing a teaspoon into the glaze. You can also gently fold in some finely chopped candied orange peel for an extra zing.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the scoop on the Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe, I encourage you to give it a whirl in your kitchen. These scones truly brighten up any day with their perfect blend of tart cranberries and sunny orange flavor. Whether for a relaxing weekend breakfast or a festive brunch, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite for you and everyone at your table.

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