When the air gets crisp and your kitchen smells like citrus and butter, you know something special is baking. That’s exactly what you get with these cranberry orange scones — buttery, flaky, and bursting with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a midday pick-me-up with a warm drink, these scones strike the perfect balance between festive and comforting.
🍊 Why Cranberry and Orange Just Work
Some flavor pairings are simply made for each other — like cranberries and oranges. Here’s why:
- Tart meets sweet: Cranberries bring a zing that’s perfectly mellowed by sweet orange zest.
- Color contrast: Red and orange are a visual feast, especially with a golden-brown crust.
- Holiday-ready: This combo screams winter coziness and holiday baking without being too heavy.
And when you wrap that into a tender, buttery scone? Chef’s kiss.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
These scones rely on pantry basics with a few flavor-boosting stars. Here’s your list:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅔ cup heavy cream or buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Add-Ins:
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh/frozen cranberries)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
- Extra orange zest for garnish
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
These cranberry orange scones come together quickly with just a few steps.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest.
- Rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingers boosts the orange aroma.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
- Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- You want small butter chunks — that’s the secret to flaky layers.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
- Pour into the dry mixture and stir gently with a fork or spatula.
Step 5: Add the Cranberries
- Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using).
- Dough should be slightly sticky but not wet. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon more cream.
Step 6: Shape and Cut
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle (don’t knead too much).
- Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut into 8 wedges.
- Transfer to your baking sheet, spacing the wedges slightly apart.
Step 7: Bake to Golden
- Brush the tops with extra cream for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Glaze and Finish
- While scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Drizzle over the warm scones.
- Sprinkle with extra orange zest if you want to be fancy.
🧠 Tips for Scone Success
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Keep butter cold | Ensures flaky layers and tender texture |
| Don’t overmix | Prevents tough, dense scones |
| Use heavy cream or buttermilk | Adds richness and flavor |
| Freeze dough before baking (optional) | Enhances rise and flakiness |
| Zest directly over the bowl | Releases essential oils for more flavor |
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze.
Freezing:
- Before baking: Freeze cut wedges on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
- After baking: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw and warm in a toaster oven.
🍽️ When to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones
These scones aren’t just for holidays — though they do shine during winter.
| Occasion | Why They Work |
|---|---|
| Holiday brunches | Citrus and cranberries feel festive |
| Weekend mornings | Easy to prep and bake fresh |
| Coffee break treat | Perfect with tea or espresso |
| Bake sales | Portable and eye-catching |
| Gifting | Wrap them with a ribbon and glaze |
They also make a beautiful addition to a breakfast board or grazing table.
🧁 Glaze Variations to Try
Love to experiment with toppings? Here are a few glaze ideas:
| Glaze Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Orange glaze | Bright, citrusy, classic |
| Vanilla glaze | Sweet and neutral |
| Maple glaze | Warm and autumnal |
| Lemon glaze | Adds a sharper tang |
| No glaze | Let the scone’s flavor shine naturally |
🧮 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Scone – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Values will vary depending on your ingredients and glaze.
💬 From My Kitchen
I first made these cranberry orange scones one chilly December morning when I had a bag of dried cranberries and no plan. The result was surprisingly perfect — lightly sweet, zesty, with just the right amount of tart pop from the cranberries.
Now they’re a staple in my winter baking lineup. I make a batch, freeze half, and feel like a pastry chef whenever I reheat one. They never fail to impress guests — or just brighten a solo cup of tea.
🧪 Fun Twists to Try
Want to customize them further? Here’s how:
| Add-In | Result |
|---|---|
| White chocolate chips | Creamy and indulgent |
| Fresh cranberries | Juicier and more tart |
| Almond extract | Nutty background flavor |
| Chopped candied ginger | Sweet and spicy kick |
| Citrus sugar on top | Crunch and sparkle |
Mix, match, and create your signature scone.
✅ Final Thoughts
Cranberry orange scones are everything we love in a baked good — buttery, flaky, and full of bright, festive flavor. They’re easy enough for a lazy Saturday morning, fancy enough for a holiday brunch, and delicious enough to make year-round.
So grab your mixing bowl, zest an orange, and let the scent of baking scones turn your kitchen into a cozy bakery.
