Zesty Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: Bright Breakfast Joy!

Mornings brighten with these delightful cranberry orange scones brimming with zesty citrus flavors.

Fresh cranberries dance through buttery, tender pastry with vibrant orange essence.

The combination creates a breakfast treat that sparks joy at first bite.

Delicate and crumbly, these scones offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes.

Bakers love how simple ingredients transform into an elegant morning companion.

Warm from the oven, these scones invite you to savor each delectable crumb.

Brew a hot cup of coffee and let these scones turn an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Go In Cranberry Orange Scones

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for tender, crumbly scones with soft texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown caramelization during baking.
• Baking Powder: Creates lightweight, airy lift and helps scones rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the recipe.

• Butter: Delivers rich, flaky texture and creates delicate layers in scones.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious moisture and contributes to tender, soft crumb.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the pastry.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the scone's flavor profile.

• Cranberries: Brings tart, bright bursts of fruity excitement and vibrant color.
• Orange Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy notes and creates refreshing aroma.
• Orange Juice: Adds tangy sweetness to the optional glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with perfect drizzling consistency.

Tools You’ll Need For Cranberry Orange Scones

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry cutter or fingers: Perfect for cutting cold butter into flour mixture to create flaky texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking sheet: Needed to bake scones evenly and create golden edges.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents scones from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife or bench scraper: Great for cutting dough into neat wedges.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing wet ingredients and preparing optional glaze.
• Cooling rack: Helps scones cool evenly and maintain crisp texture.

Easy Instructions For Cranberry Orange Scones

• Morning Warmth

A delightful breakfast treat that brings sunshine to your kitchen. These scones combine the zesty brightness of orange with tart cranberry bursts.

• Dough Preparation

Blend flour, sugar, and dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Crumble cold butter into the mixture using fingertips until texture resembles soft sand.

• Liquid Magic

Whisk cream, egg, fresh orange zest, and vanilla in a separate container. Pour gently into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain scone tenderness.

• Cranberry Fusion

Carefully fold fresh cranberries into the soft dough. Handle gently to keep the mixture light and airy.

• Scone Shaping

Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a circular shape about one inch thick. Slice into eight rustic wedges, ensuring each piece looks invitingly rustic.

• Baking Brilliance

Arrange scones on a lined baking sheet. Brush tops with cream for a golden, glossy finish. Bake until edges turn a beautiful golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

• Citrus Glaze

While scones cool, whip together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and zest. Drizzle elegantly over warm scones for a final touch of sweetness.

Serve Cranberry Orange Scones With Flair

• Cozy Breakfast Companions: Pair these scones with a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Elegance: Serve alongside a light fruit salad or yogurt parfait to create a sophisticated brunch spread that looks and tastes amazing.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Arrange the scones on a beautiful platter with clotted cream and additional orange marmalade for a classic British-inspired afternoon tea experience.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package cooled scones in clear cellophane bags tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming homemade gift that will impress friends and family.

How To Save Cranberry Orange Scones For Later

• Scone Storage Solutions: Keep Fresh and Delightful
• Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow scones to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Technique: Store glazed or unglazed scones in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, protecting their delicate flavor and texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen scones can last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Reheating Happiness: Revive day-old scones by warming them in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their just-baked crispness and brings back their original delightful warmth.

Flavor Swaps For Cranberry Orange Scones

• Smart Ingredient Swaps: Replace dried cranberries with fresh blueberries or chopped dried cherries for a delightful flavor twist that keeps the scones just as delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the scone dough in advance, shape the wedges, and freeze them uncooked. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly golden treats.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Add an extra tablespoon of cream to help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture in the scones.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cold coconut oil instead of butter and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The result will be slightly different but still wonderfully tender and flavorful.
• Healthy Boost: Incorporate whole wheat pastry flour for half the all-purpose flour to add more nutrients and a subtle nutty flavor. Reduce sugar slightly and add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and protein.

Tangy Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade cranberry orange scones blend tart berries with citrusy zest in a classic British pastry. Delicate crumb and golden edges promise a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea companion for those who savor delicate, fruit-studded baked treats.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (90 g) fresh or dried cranberries
• 1 zest of orange
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal baking surface.
2. Dry Mixture Fusion: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient foundation.
3. Butter Integration: Introduce cold butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to fragment until the texture mimics coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Liquid Harmony: Whisk heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a separate container until seamlessly blended.
5. Dough Assembly: Tenderly combine wet and dry ingredients with minimal stirring, gently folding in cranberries to maintain a delicate texture. Transfer the loose mixture onto a floured surface and knead briefly to form a cohesive mass.
6. Shaping and Styling: Mold the dough into a circular disk about one inch thick, then divide into eight triangular wedges. Position the scones on the prepared baking sheet and delicately brush surfaces with heavy cream to promote golden browning.
7. Baking Transformation: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the scones to bake for 15-18 minutes until achieving a rich amber top.
8. Citrus Glaze Creation: Whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest until developing a silky, smooth glaze.
9. Finishing Touch: After a brief cooling period, elegantly drizzle the citrusy glaze across the scones’ surfaces, creating an appetizing finale ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter cut into small cubes to create flaky, tender scones with distinct layers.
• Minimal Mixing Magic: Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense scones by avoiding overworking the dough.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Cut scone dough into clean, sharp triangles for even baking and professional-looking presentation.
• Glaze After Cooling: Allow scones to cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg