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If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s both tasty and easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll share my simple recipe for cranberry orange scones that will brighten your day. With fresh cranberries and zesty orange, these scones deliver the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps you need to create this delicious snack!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange adds a refreshing brightness that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile Enjoyment: These scones are delightful on their own, or you can serve them with butter, cream, or your favorite jam.
- Perfect for Any Season: While they shine during the fall and winter, these scones are a tasty treat year-round!
Ingredients
Making cranberry orange scones is simple when you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– Turbinado sugar for topping (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise. Salt enhances flavor, making everything taste better. Cold butter is crucial for flaky texture. Fresh cranberries provide a tart burst, and orange zest brightens the scone’s flavor. Buttermilk adds moisture and richness, while the egg binds everything together. Vanilla and orange juice round out the taste. Lastly, turbinado sugar can add a lovely crunch on top.
Gather all these ingredients before you start. This makes the process smooth and fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect heat for baking scones. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are well combined. This step is key for even flavor.
Incorporating the Butter
Now, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Add this to your flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. This gives the scones a flaky texture.
Mixing in Cranberries and Zest
Next, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and the zest from 1 orange. Mix gently, so you don’t crush the berries. The cranberries add a tart kick, and the zest brings bright flavor.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Make sure everything is mixed well. This wet mix binds the dough and adds moisture.
Forming and Cutting the Dough
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until just combined. The dough should feel slightly sticky. Turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times, then pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for fun shapes.
Baking the Scones
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar on top for a sweet crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden on top when done. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious cranberry orange scones!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Fluffy Scones
To get fluffy scones, keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates pockets of steam. This steam helps the scones rise. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter. Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix the dough. This keeps the scones light and airy.
Recommended Tools for Best Results
Having the right tools makes a big difference. Here’s what I recommend:
– Mixing bowls: Use two bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
– Pastry cutter: This helps mix the butter quickly.
– Parchment paper: It prevents sticking on the baking sheet.
– Baking sheet: A sturdy one ensures even baking.
– Wire rack: This cools the scones evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common mistakes:
– Using warm butter: It makes the scones dense.
– Overmixing the dough: This leads to tough scones.
– Skipping the chill: Let the dough rest for a few minutes if needed.
– Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements matter for perfect scones.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Butter: For the flakiest scones, make sure your butter is very cold. You can even freeze it for about 10 minutes before using it.
- Fresh Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, make sure to chop them roughly and remove any that are soft or shriveled to maintain flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Serving Suggestions: These scones pair wonderfully with clotted cream or a citrus glaze for an extra touch of flavor.

Variations
Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these scones. For a lactose-free option, use coconut or almond milk instead of buttermilk. You can also swap the butter for vegan margarine. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep your scones light and tasty.
Flavor Variations
Want to change things up? You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the mix. Dark chocolate pairs well with the tart cranberries. Try adding lemon zest for a bright twist. If you love spices, cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. Get creative, and make the recipe your own!
Gluten-Free Options
To make gluten-free cranberry orange scones, use a gluten-free flour mix. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. This will help the scones rise nicely. You can follow the same steps as the regular recipe. The taste will still be delightful, and everyone can enjoy them!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Scones
To keep your leftover scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and moist. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good choice. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great option for scones. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and brings back their crispy edges. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat. This can make them tough. Enjoy your warm scones with butter or jam!
FAQs
How do I make the scones less sweet?
To make the scones less sweet, reduce the sugar. Use 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup. You can also add more orange zest for flavor. This helps balance the taste without extra sugar.
Can I use dried cranberries instead?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries. Just chop them up before adding. Dried cranberries are sweeter, so adjust the sugar if needed. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes for extra moisture.
What can I serve with cranberry orange scones?
Cranberry orange scones pair well with clotted cream or butter. You can also add jam or honey. A cup of tea or coffee makes a great drink choice too!
How long do scones stay fresh?
Scones stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.
Cranberry orange scones are simple to make and taste amazing. We covered the best ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure your success. I shared tips for light, fluffy scones and how to store leftovers. We also explored tasty variations and answered common questions.
Now, you can enjoy these scones fresh from your oven with ease. Happy bakin
Cranberry Orange Scones
Delicious scones infused with fresh cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 unit zest of 1 orange
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for topping (optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until fully combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) or use a round cutter for a different shape. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with a little turbinado sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
For added sweetness, sprinkle with turbinado sugar before baking.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones
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