Cranberry Orange Scones
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that brings together the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange in a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Perfect for any occasion, they are simple to prepare and make for a festive breakfast or snack.
With a tender, buttery texture and a hint of citrus, these scones are crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. They come together in under an hour, making them an easy yet impressive choice for your next gathering.
Whether served warm straight from the oven or stored for later, these scones promise a burst of freshness and flavor in every bite. Their versatility also makes them a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or holiday celebrations.
Cranberry Orange Scones – Ingredients
The foundation of these scones begins with all-purpose flour, offering the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. The granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the cranberries.
Buttery richness comes from cold, grated unsalted butter, ensuring a flaky texture in every bite. The tang of buttermilk or cream enhances the scones’ softness while imparting a slight richness that perfectly balances the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and orange zest.
A dash of vanilla extract elevates the aroma, while the cranberries introduce a burst of color and tartness, harmonizing beautifully with the citrusy zing of orange zest. Together, these ingredients create a scone that’s both decadent and refreshing.
Recipe Tips for Cranberry Orange Scones
- Use Cold Butter for Flakiness: One of the keys to achieving a light, flaky texture in scones is using very cold or even frozen butter. Grating the butter helps it incorporate easily into the flour mixture, ensuring the dough remains crumbly and results in the desired flakiness once baked. If the butter is too warm, your scones may turn out dense instead of tender.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing scone dough can lead to tough scones. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the dough is moistened and holds together. It’s okay if the dough is a bit lumpy; this will ensure a soft, tender crumb in your finished scones.
- Chill the Dough Before Baking: Chilling the shaped scones for 20 minutes before baking is a crucial step that helps them maintain their shape while baking. This step also ensures the scones rise evenly and become beautifully golden brown, instead of spreading too much in the oven.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Scones
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad pairs wonderfully with the zesty flavors of cranberry orange scones. Opt for seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and citrus to complement the citrusy notes of the scones. Adding a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon will enhance the natural sweetness and balance out the scones’ richness.
- Herbal Tea or Coffee: These scones make a perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of tea or coffee. Pair with a classic Earl Grey tea or a light green tea for a delicate balance, or opt for a rich coffee like a cappuccino or vanilla latte for a more indulgent experience.
- Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: For a truly decadent treat, serve the cranberry orange scones with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream. The creamy richness enhances the scone’s texture and adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the scones even more irresistible.
FAQ for Cranberry Orange Scones
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just make sure to fold them into the dough while still frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter. There’s no need to thaw them.
2. How can I make these scones ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, cut, brush, and bake fresh for the best results.
3. Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk or cream?
Yes, you can use heavy cream or regular milk as a substitute for buttermilk. However, using buttermilk gives the scones a slightly tangy flavor and adds to their softness.
4. How should I store leftover scones?
Once cooled, store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freeze them either unbaked or after baking, following the instructions for freezing in the recipe notes.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter grated and chilled (or frozen)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or heavy cream plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons orange juice or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, incorporate the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture, along with the cranberries and orange zest, to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined and the dough holds together in a ball.
- Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper or your work surface. Shape the dough into an 8-inch circle, approximately ¾ inch thick. Brush the top with additional buttermilk to give the scones a golden finish.
- Cut the dough into 8 wedges using a sharp knife. Arrange the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for expansion during baking.
- Refrigerate the scones for 20 minutes. While they chill, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the scones for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- While the scones cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the tops of the scones. If you prefer an even stronger orange flavor, feel free to add extra orange zest to the glaze.
- Serve the scones warm or allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
