Cranberry Orange Scones: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love

July 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry orange scones! They are seriously one of my favorite treats, and I can’t get enough of them. Imagine waking up to that warm, buttery scent wafting through your kitchen—it’s pure bliss! These scones are perfect for breakfast, but they also make a delightful snack any time of day. Trust me, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting a brunch with friends, these beauties will steal the show.

cranberry orange scones - detail 1

The combination of sweet, tangy cranberries and zesty orange is just magical. It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up. I love that I can make a batch in less than 40 minutes, and they disappear just as quickly. They’re versatile, too; you can serve them warm with a pat of butter or even a dollop of jam. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll want to make them over and over again!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones

Let’s talk about the stars of the show—the ingredients! Each one plays a crucial role in making these scones utterly delightful. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our scones. It gives them that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
1/3 cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without overwhelming the tartness of the cranberries. Trust me, it balances perfectly!
1 tablespoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent. It helps the scones rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip this step—fresh baking powder is a must for the best results!
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors. It may seem small, but it makes a big difference!
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: This is where the magic happens! Cold butter creates those flaky layers we all love. Make sure it’s really cold—chill it if you need to!
1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add that lovely sweet-tart flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using fresh cranberries for a burst of juiciness!
1 tablespoon orange zest: This is the secret weapon! Just a touch of zest brightens everything up and gives the scones that refreshing orange flavor. Use a microplane for the finest zest!
1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and moisture to the dough. I love using heavy cream—it makes the scones so tender!
1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and gives a nice richness to the scones. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor. You can’t go wrong with a little extra flavor!

Now that you know what to gather, you’re all set to create something magical! Just imagine those scones baking in the oven—your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Scones

Alright, let’s get our hands floury and dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious cranberry orange scones! I promise, once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful scones in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important—having your oven nice and hot when the scones go in will help them rise beautifully!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to combine everything evenly. This step helps ensure that the baking powder is well distributed, which is key for even rising!
Add the cold butter: Now, toss in your cubed, cold butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some small chunks of butter left—those will create that flaky texture we love!
Incorporate the cranberries and zest: Next, stir in the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Make sure they’re evenly mixed throughout the flour mixture. This is where the magic starts to happen—those pops of flavor are going to be divine!
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your scones, so be sure to mix it well!
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—this can lead to tough scones. You want to see a few dry spots; they’ll come together in the next step!
Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is beautiful!
Cut into wedges: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. They’ll expand as they bake, so give them some room to breathe!
Bake to golden perfection: Pop those scones into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing!

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before serving warm. You can’t beat the aroma of freshly baked scones! Trust me, you’ll be in scone heaven in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange is nothing short of a flavor explosion! Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and tart that will tickle your taste buds.
Super simple to make: Seriously, these scones come together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home, a brunch with friends, or a delightful afternoon snack, these cranberry orange scones fit the bill perfectly.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy! It’s like having a bakery in your own kitchen.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy them warm with butter, pair them with your favorite jam, or even serve them with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat!
Great for sharing: These scones are a crowd-pleaser, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings. Everyone will be asking for the recipe—trust me!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry orange scones turn out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to keep in mind while you’re baking:

Use cold ingredients: Keep that butter, cream, and even the egg nice and cold. Cold butter is key to getting those flaky layers we all love. If you have time, pop your mixing bowl in the fridge for a few minutes before you start!
Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. A few dry spots are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them to be tender and light.
Flour your surface well: When turning out your dough, make sure to flour your work surface generously. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to shape your scones without adding too much extra flour into the dough.
Pat, don’t roll: When shaping your dough into a circle, gently pat it down instead of rolling it out with a rolling pin. This preserves the air pockets for a lighter texture!
Keep an eye on them: Every oven is different, so start checking your scones around the 15-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown on top and baked through, but don’t let them get too dark!
Cool before serving: Let your scones cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle!
Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to play around with different add-ins or zests! Try swapping cranberries for blueberries or adding a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Serve warm: Scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, so serve them warm with a little butter or your favorite jam. It takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to becoming a scone master! Happy baking, and get ready to impress everyone with your scrumptious cranberry orange scones!

Variations of Cranberry Orange Scones

If you’re feeling adventurous—or just want to mix things up a bit—there are so many fun variations you can try with these cranberry orange scones! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them too:

Blueberry Bliss: Swap out the dried cranberries for fresh or frozen blueberries. The juicy bursts of blueberry goodness will be a delightful change!
Apple Cinnamon: Add some diced apples and a teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy autumn twist. It’s like a warm hug in scone form!
Spiced Pumpkin: Mix in a bit of pumpkin puree and some pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat. These would be perfect for fall gatherings!
Lemon Zest: Take out the orange zest and replace it with lemon zest for a brighter, tangy flavor profile. Lemon and cranberries are a classic combo!
Nutty Delight: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent touch. Chocolate and orange are surprisingly great together!
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, in place of the orange zest for a savory scone that pairs well with cheeses. It’s a great twist for a brunch spread!

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix your favorite flavors into the batter. You can really make these scones your own, and each version is bound to be delicious. Happy baking and experimenting!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness of these cranberry orange scones! It’s always nice to know what we’re enjoying, right? Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per scone:

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing what you’re munching on makes those scones even more enjoyable! So, go ahead and indulge a little—you deserve it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s make sure those delicious cranberry orange scones stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store your leftovers and reheat them so they’re just as delightful as when they first came out of the oven.

Storing: Once your scones have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just make sure they’re well sealed to keep that lovely softness intact! If you want to keep them a little longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but I find that they’re best enjoyed fresh.

If you have leftovers that you know you’re not going to eat right away, I highly recommend freezing them! Just wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy one (or two!), just pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating: To reheat your scones and bring back that fresh-baked goodness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but keep an eye on them so they don’t get too tough. Trust me, the oven method will give you that delightful, just-baked texture!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your cranberry orange scones any time you like. They’ll be just as scrumptious as the first bite, and you’ll be back in scone heaven in no time!

FAQ About Cranberry Orange Scones

Got questions about making these delicious cranberry orange scones? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common inquiries I get, plus a few tips to help you on your baking journey. Let’s dive in!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries are a fantastic option. Just keep in mind they’re a bit more tart, so you might want to increase the sugar slightly to balance that out. Plus, they’ll add a lovely juiciness to your scones!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Your scones might be slightly less rich, but they’ll still turn out delicious. Just make sure to use something with a higher fat content for the best results!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I love making the dough in advance and chilling it in the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, slice and bake straight from the fridge. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

What’s the best way to tell when my scones are done?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will also smell absolutely heavenly—trust your nose!

Can I use a different type of flour?
Sure! You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or even a gluten-free blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even different fruits like blueberries or apples. Just make sure to keep the same proportions for the wet and dry ingredients!

How do I store leftover scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If they last that long! For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped, and they’ll stay good for up to two months.

Can I make these scones vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use almond or soy milk in place of heavy cream, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. They’ll still be delightful, just with a different flavor profile!

I hope these FAQs help clear up any questions you might have about making these scrumptious cranberry orange scones. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.