Cranberry Orange Scones with a Sweet Orange Glaze

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when warm, flaky pastries emerge from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Today, we’re whisking up a batch of glorious Cranberry Orange Scones with a sweet orange glaze, a treat that perfectly balances tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and a buttery, tender crumb. They’re a little slice of heaven, truly!

I remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron, teaching me the gentle art of scone making. It wasn’t just about the recipe; it was about the love kneaded into every batch, the anticipation of that first bite. These scones bring back those cherished memories.

This recipe for cranberry orange scones is wonderfully versatile and perfect for any occasion, from a cozy Sunday brunch to a delightful afternoon tea. My top tip? Always use cold butter – it’s the secret to those incredible flaky layers we all adore.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For these delightful pastries, simple treasures like all-purpose flour, cold butter, and bright orange zest create magic. My heart insists the dried cranberries make these cranberry orange scones shine! Full details are in the recipe card.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Making these lovely cranberry orange scones is a journey of simple steps. We’ll begin by preparing the dough, gently bringing together our dry and wet ingredients. Then, it’s a joy to shape them before baking until golden. Finish with an optional sweet orange glaze for that extra sparkle! It’s a wonderfully rewarding process.

Cranberry Orange Scones

These tender, flaky Cranberry Orange Scones are bursting with bright citrus zest and sweet-tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they come together quickly for a delightful homemade indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Servings: 8 scones

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American, British

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter very cold, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 large orange zest of
• 1/2 cup heavy cream cold, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg for egg wash
• 1 tbsp water or milk for egg wash

For the Orange Glaze (Optional)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Pastry blender
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Zester or microplane
• Whisk
• Small Bowl

Method

 

Prepare Scone Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This is crucial for flaky scones.
4. Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the flour mixture.
5. Pour in the cold heavy cream. Mix with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. The dough will be slightly shaggy.

Shape and Bake

1. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat or roll it into an 8-inch disk, about 1-inch thick. Do not knead the dough excessively.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 8 wedges. Carefully transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tbsp water or milk for the egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown finish.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time may vary based on your oven.
5. Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Prepare Glaze (Optional)

1. While the scones are cooling, prepare the optional orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
2. Once the scones have cooled to warm or room temperature, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops.

Notes

For the flakiest scones, ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and heavy cream, are very cold. You can even cube the butter and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the flour. Avoid overworking the dough; minimal handling keeps the scones tender. These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips for Making This Cranberry Orange Scones

• 
  

  My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter is ice cold and grated or cut into tiny pieces. This ensures those beautiful pockets of steam, leading to the flakiest, most tender cranberry orange scones you could ever dream of.

  
  
• 
  

  When mixing, I advise using a light hand. Overworking the dough is the quickest way to tough scones, and we want ours to be wonderfully tender and crumbly. Just mix until everything barely comes together.

  
  
• 
  

  Don’t skip the chilling step! A quick chill helps the butter firm up again, which is crucial for preventing the scones from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

  
  
• 
  

  For the glaze, I always add the orange juice slowly, drop by drop, until I reach that perfect pourable consistency. It’s better to add a little at a time than have a glaze that’s too thin.

  
  

Fun Variations for Cranberry Orange Scones

• 
  

  Lemon Poppy Seed Twist: Instead of orange, try using lemon zest and juice in both the scones and the glaze. A tablespoon of poppy seeds mixed into the dough adds a delightful crunch. My friend, Emily, absolutely adores this zesty version for her morning tea.

  
  
• 
  

  Chocolate Chip Delight: For a richer flavor, swap out some or all of the dried cranberries for white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chunks. These chocolate cranberry orange scones become an indulgent treat that disappears quickly at family gatherings!

  
  
• 
  

  Nutty Crunch: A handful of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the dough before baking adds a lovely texture and warmth. It pairs beautifully with the orange and cranberry flavors, making them even more wholesome.

  
  
• 
  

  Seasonal Berry Boost: In the summer, I love to use fresh blueberries or raspberries in place of dried cranberries. Just be gentle when mixing to avoid crushing the berries too much. These fresh berry scones are a delightful seasonal twist!

  
  

What to Serve With Cranberry Orange Scones

These delightful Cranberry Orange Scones are wonderful on their own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate them to an unforgettable experience. I often serve them with a dollop of homemade clotted cream, which adds an incredible richness.

My mom always says a good pot of freshly brewed tea is the perfect partner, especially a delicate Earl Grey or a robust English Breakfast blend. For a quicker option, a simple pat of softened butter or a generous spread of orange marmalade also works beautifully. And for those extra special mornings, a small bowl of fresh berries alongside these pastries makes for a truly elegant breakfast.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Scones

• 
  

  Room Temperature: To keep your freshly baked cranberry orange scones at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

  
  
• 
  

  Freezing for Freshness: For longer storage, unglazed scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.

  
  
• 
  

  Reheating Magic: My favorite trick for bringing leftover scones back to life is a quick warm-up! Pop them in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their tender crumb and lovely aroma, making them taste freshly baked.

  
  

Nutritional Benefits

These cranberry orange scones offer more than just comfort! Dried cranberries provide fiber and antioxidants, while orange zest adds a touch of Vitamin C. It’s my joy to create satisfyingly indulgent desserts made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, absolutely! If using fresh cranberries for your cranberry orange scones, you might want to roughly chop them and toss them in a teaspoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking. They’ll add a lovely pop of tartness!

Faq 2: Why are my scones dry and tough?

This often happens from overworking the dough or not using cold enough butter. Remember, a light touch when mixing and keeping your butter chilled are key to achieving those wonderfully tender, flaky pastries.

Faq 3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the dough, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes fresh cranberry orange scones incredibly easy for a special morning. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Faq 4: How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjusting the glaze is simple! For a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, stir in a tiny bit more orange juice, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade treat, and these Cranberry Orange Scones truly embody that spirit. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create something truly magical. So, I encourage you to gather your ingredients, tie on your apron, and experience the joy of baking these beautiful scones. They’re perfect for creating sweet memories and bringing smiles to everyone around your table. Happy baking, my dears!