Orange Cranberry Scones have become my absolute go-to for a special breakfast treat, and I think you’re going to love them too! There’s something so comforting about the bright, zesty aroma of orange zest filling my kitchen, mingling with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries. This particular orange cranberry scone recipe is my favorite because it’s so foolproof, resulting in a wonderfully tender scone every single time. I remember the first time I made them for a weekend brunch; the combination of the fluffy texture and the tangy glaze was a huge hit! If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive bake, this is it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Scones
These aren’t just any scones; they’re a delightful experience! Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Incredible Flavor: You get a perfect balance of bright citrus from the orange and a tangy pop from the cranberries.
- Quick Prep Time: Seriously, you can whip these up in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the sweet and slightly tart combination.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples, these easy orange cranberry scones won’t break the bank.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.
- Impressive Results: They look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they are truly easy orange cranberry scones.
- Healthy-ish Treat: Packed with fruit, they offer a slightly more wholesome option for a baked good.
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Cranberry Scones
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making these delightful orange cranberry scones. You’ll find that the combination of citrus and fruit makes for truly special orange zest cranberry scones. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender scones
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar – for that touch of sweetness
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – this is key for a fluffy texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brightens flavors
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen – cutting cold butter into the flour creates those signature flaky layers
- 1/3 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) – adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to tender scones
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream – for richness and binding
- 1 large egg – acts as a binder and adds richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- Zest of 1 orange – this is where the bright, fresh citrus flavor comes from!
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved – for that wonderful tart burst
- For the Glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar – for a sweet, smooth topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice – to thin the glaze and add more orange flavor
How to Make Orange Cranberry Scones
Making these delightful scones is a breeze, and following this cranberry orange scone recipe will guarantee a delicious outcome. The aroma alone as they bake is absolutely wonderful!
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture is the foundation of our scones.
- Step 2: Now, it’s time for the butter. Grate the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen directly into the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces still visible. This is crucial for flaky layers.
- Step 3: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 orange. This combination adds moisture and that lovely citrus punch.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, gently fold in the 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved. The dough will be a bit shaggy.
- Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4 inch thick. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges, just like cutting a pizza. Carefully transfer these wedges to your prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: For a beautiful golden-brown finish, lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. The kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 7: Once baked, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. While they’re cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice until you have a smooth, drizzly consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the slightly cooled scones. Enjoy your perfect cranberry orange scone recipe creation!
Pro Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Scones
Want to elevate your baking game? These tips will help you achieve bakery-quality orange cranberry scones right in your own kitchen. They’re simple but make a huge difference!
- Keep your butter and cream very cold. This is essential for creating those flaky layers that make scones so delightful.
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overworking it develops gluten, leading to tough scones instead of tender ones.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier to the wet ingredients.
- If you don’t have fresh cranberries, dried ones work too. Just soak them in warm orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
What’s the secret to perfect fluffy orange cranberry scones?
The magic lies in keeping your ingredients cold, especially the butter. Grating frozen butter into the flour and not overmixing the dough are key. This ensures the butter pieces create steam in the oven, resulting in light, fluffy layers and wonderfully moist orange cranberry scones.
Can I make orange cranberry scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut the scones up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator on the baking sheet. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, and they might need an extra minute or two in the oven.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cranberry orange scone recipe?
The biggest pitfalls are overmixing the dough and using warm ingredients. Overmixing makes them tough, while warm butter melts too soon, ruining the flaky texture. Also, be careful not to pack the dough down too much when shaping; keep it a bit airy for lighter scones.
Best Ways to Serve Glazed Orange Cranberry Scones
These delightful glazed orange cranberry scones are incredibly versatile! They are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast. For a more substantial brunch, they pair wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad. They also make fantastic additions to a platter of assorted citrus cranberry baked goods, offering a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Nutrition Facts for Orange Cranberry Scones
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious orange cranberry scones per serving. They offer a nice balance of flavors and are a delightful treat.
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: (Not specified in recipe data)
- Fiber: (Not specified in recipe data)
- Saturated Fat: (Not specified in recipe data)
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on baking science, you can check out resources like King Arthur Baking’s ingredient properties guide.
How to Store and Reheat Orange Cranberry Scones
After all that baking, you’ll want to keep your delicious orange cranberry scones tasting their best. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delightful treats for days, making them perfect for planning ahead, especially during the colder months when winter cranberry scones are so comforting. Make sure they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack before storing. For short-term enjoyment, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cranberry Scones
Got questions about these delightful baked goods? I’ve got answers!
What are orange cranberry scones?
Simply put, orange cranberry scones are a type of baked good, similar to a biscuit but often sweeter and richer, featuring the vibrant flavors of fresh orange zest and tart cranberries. They’re a perfect breakfast pastry or afternoon tea treat, offering a wonderful balance of citrus and fruit.
Why are orange cranberry scones popular?
Their popularity stems from that fantastic flavor combination! The bright, zesty orange cuts through the richness of the scone, while the cranberries provide a delightful tartness that prevents them from being too sweet. They evoke a sense of cozy comfort, making them a favorite for holidays and special occasions.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh for my orange cranberry scones?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t in season or readily available, dried cranberries are a great substitute. I recommend soaking them in warm orange juice or water for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This plumps them up and prevents them from drying out your scones.
How do I get that perfect crumbly texture in my scones?
The key to a tender, crumbly scone, like these homemade orange cranberry scones, is to use very cold butter and not overwork the dough. When you cut cold butter into the flour, it creates pockets that produce steam in the oven, leading to those beautiful flaky layers. Mix just until the ingredients are combined!
Variations of Orange Cranberry Scones You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic orange cranberry scones, you’ll love experimenting with these delicious twists! They’re perfect for adding a unique touch to your baking repertoire, whether you’re aiming for festive flavors or dietary adaptations. For a truly special treat, consider these variations that capture the essence of holiday orange cranberry scones.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Scones: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough along with the cranberries for a creamy, sweet contrast.
- Gluten-Free Orange Cranberry Scones: Substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one with xanthan gum) for the all-purpose flour. You might need a touch more liquid; add a tablespoon of milk or orange juice if the dough seems too dry.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Swap the orange zest for lemon zest and add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a bright, slightly different citrus profile.
- Mini Scones or Muffins: Instead of cutting into wedges, use a small scoop to drop portions of the dough onto the baking sheet, or even bake them in mini muffin tins. While not exactly sweet orange cranberry muffins, they offer a similar delightful flavor in a different format.
Orange Cranberry Scones: Amazing 15-Minute Bake
- Total Time: 33-37 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these tender and flaky Orange Cranberry Scones, bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a special breakfast or a delightful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/3 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- For the Glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture and blend with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the fresh cranberries.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before glazing. Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones.
Notes
- For a delightful crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Swap orange juice for maple syrup in the glaze for a festive fall twist.
- White chocolate chips pair wonderfully with cranberries in these scones.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use dried cranberries, soaking them in orange juice first for extra moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
