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Cranberry Orange Scones

These Cranberry Orange Scones are buttery, flaky, and bursting with sweet-tart cranberries and fresh orange zest. They make the perfect breakfast treat, brunch baked good, or cozy afternoon snack. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these bakery-style scones come together in under 30 minutes. If you're craving the best scone recipe with bright citrus flavor and festive cranberry notes, this will become your go-to!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 8 Scones
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Scones
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp orange zest from 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries do not thaw if frozen
  • For the Orange Glaze Optional but recommended
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest

Method
 

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Cut in the Butter
  4. Add the cold cubed butter.
  5. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Combine Wet Ingredients
  7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  8. Form the Dough
  9. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
  10. Add the cranberries.
  11. Fold gently until the dough comes together — do not overmix.
  12. Shape the Scones
  13. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
  14. Pat into an 8-inch round disk (about 1 inch thick).
  15. Cut into 8 even wedges.
  16. Bake
  17. Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  18. Brush tops with a little heavy cream.
  19. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  20. Add the Glaze
  21. Whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.
  22. Drizzle over warm scones.

Notes

Frozen cranberries work great — no need to thaw!
For extra tender scones, keep all ingredients very cold.
Replace cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for variation.
Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.