Cranberry Orange Scones – A Cozy Treat for Any Season!

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Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly baked scone. The flaky, buttery layers, the delicate sweetness, and the delightful contrast of flavors make it a perfect companion for a cozy morning or an afternoon tea. And when you combine tart cranberries with bright, zesty orange, you get a scone that is nothing short of magical—each bite bursts with a balance of tangy, citrusy brightness and soft, melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Cranberries and orange have long been a beloved pairing in baked goods, bringing together a harmony of flavors that feels both refreshing and indulgent. The tartness of the cranberries adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the scones, while the orange zest and juice infuse them with a fragrant citrus aroma that brightens up every bite. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—the sweet orange glaze drizzled on top, adding just the right amount of sweetness and a glossy, bakery-style finish.

One of the best things about these Cranberry Orange Scones is their versatility. They’re perfect for a variety of occasions—whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, or simply craving a delicious treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee. They make a wonderful addition to holiday gatherings, bringing a festive touch with their bright, jewel-like cranberries and golden, buttery crumb. And if you love meal prepping, these scones can be made ahead of time and frozen for later, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked goodness whenever the craving strikes.

If you’re new to baking scones, don’t worry—this recipe is simple, foolproof, and requires just a few basic ingredients. The key to perfect scones is using frozen butter and handling the dough gently to ensure that they bake up light, flaky, and tender. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, drizzled with glaze, or paired with a cup of your favorite tea, these Cranberry Orange Scones are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to bake up some happiness? Let’s get started!

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Ingredients

For the Scones:

✔ 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the scones.
✔ ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
✔ ¼ cup light brown sugar – Enhances the flavor with a slight caramel note.
✔ 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the scones rise, making them light and fluffy.
✔ ½ tsp salt – Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
✔ ½ cup frozen unsalted butter (grated) – Ensures a tender, flaky texture when baked.
✔ 1 orange, zested & juiced – Provides bright, citrusy flavor and freshness.
✔ 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped – Adds tartness and texture.
✔ ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing) – Creates a rich, tender crumb.
✔ 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and warmth.

For the Orange Glaze:

✔ 1 cup powdered sugar – Forms the sweet, smooth base of the glaze.
✔ 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice – Infuses the glaze with bright citrus flavor.

With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of irresistible Cranberry Orange Scones. Let’s move on to the step-by-step directions and bring these cozy treats to life!

Directions: How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Making scones might seem intimidating, but this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. By following these simple steps, you’ll have tender, flaky, bakery-style scones bursting with citrus and cranberry flavor. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (2 cups), granulated sugar (¼ cup), light brown sugar (¼ cup), baking powder (2 tsp), and salt (½ tsp). This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a uniform base for your scones.

Step 2: Grate the Frozen Butter and Mix It In

Grate ½ cup of frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry ingredients. Using frozen butter is key to achieving the perfect flaky texture. Once grated, use your fingers or a pastry cutter to gently work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps create little pockets of butter in the dough, which will melt during baking and make the scones deliciously tender.

Step 3: Stir in the Orange Zest and Cranberries

Add the zest of one orange and 1 cup of chopped fresh or dried cranberries to the bowl. Stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture. The citrusy aroma of the orange zest will begin to fill the air, giving you a preview of the bright, refreshing flavor of the finished scones.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately and Combine with Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and the juice of one orange. Slowly pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing—this will help keep your scones light and tender.

Step 5: Knead the Dough and Shape Into a Circle

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough. Gently shape the dough into a 1-inch thick circle, ensuring an even thickness so that the scones bake uniformly.

Step 6: Cut the Scones and Place Them on a Baking Sheet

Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone to allow for expansion while baking.

Step 7: Freeze for 15-30 Minutes Before Baking

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before baking. This step helps solidify the butter in the dough, ensuring that the scones rise properly and develop their signature flaky texture.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown and Cool

While the scones are chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Once ready, transfer the scones to a new parchment-lined baking sheet (if necessary) and space them 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 9: Drizzle with Orange Glaze

While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a neater presentation. The glaze adds a sweet, citrusy finish that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the scones.

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Tips & Variations

🔹 Ingredient Swaps & Additions:

• Swap cranberries for blueberries, raspberries, or chopped nuts for a different flavor twist.
• Try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a decadent variation.
• Substitute almond or lemon extract in place of vanilla for a new depth of flavor.

🔹 Make-Ahead & Freezing Options:

• Unbaked scones can be frozen for up to 2 months! Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked scones can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them up before serving for the best texture.

🔹 Pairing Suggestions:

• Enjoy these scones warm with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Serve them with clotted cream, butter, or jam for an extra indulgence.
• These make a wonderful addition to holiday brunch spreads or afternoon tea parties.

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Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, these Cranberry Orange Scones are a must-try. Their perfect balance of buttery richness, tart fruitiness, and citrusy sweetness makes them an irresistible treat for any season. Happy baking! 🍊✨

Prep & Cook Time

To help you plan your baking session, here’s a breakdown of the time needed to prepare and bake these delicious Cranberry Orange Scones:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15-30 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

This recipe yields 8 scones, with each scone containing approximately 344 calories. These buttery treats are perfectly portioned for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack!

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Conclusion

Few things in life are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked scones filling your kitchen. The moment you take these Cranberry Orange Scones out of the oven, you’re greeted with golden, flaky perfection—crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. The sweet citrus glaze drizzled over the top enhances the already delightful combination of tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest, making every bite a delightful balance of flavors.

What makes these scones truly special is their versatility. They’re an ideal breakfast treat, a lovely addition to brunch gatherings, or the perfect companion for your afternoon tea or coffee. Whether you enjoy them warm, fresh from the oven, or save them for later, they bring a touch of bakery-style indulgence right to your home kitchen.

Beyond their irresistible taste, these scones offer the satisfaction of homemade baking. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, with the ability to freeze and bake fresh whenever you want, you can always have a batch ready for a cozy morning or unexpected guests.

So, why not give them a try? Bake up a batch, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the joy of homemade goodness. Happiness is just one scone away! 🍊💛✨