Okay, let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen with these Cranberry Orange Scones! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. There’s something truly special about the way the zesty orange complements the tart cranberries in these scones. It’s a delightful combination that always brings a smile to my family’s faces.
I remember the first time I truly understood the magic of combining orange zest and cranberries. It was during a holiday baking session with my grandmother. She always had a knack for creating the most comforting and flavorful treats. One year, she decided to experiment with adding fresh orange zest to her cranberry scones. The result? Absolutely divine! The bright, citrusy notes perfectly balanced the tartness of the cranberries. From that moment on, Cranberry Orange Scones became a beloved tradition in our family. My kids especially love the little bursts of flavor from the cranberries, and my husband always raves about the aroma that fills the kitchen while they’re baking.
This Cranberry Orange Scones recipe quickly became a family favorite, not just because of the taste, but because of the memories we created while making them together. The secret is in using the freshest ingredients. It really makes a difference. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. I’ve tweaked it over the years to get it just right, balancing flavors and textures to perfection. What started as a simple experiment has now become a cherished part of our family’s culinary heritage.
The joy these Cranberry Orange Scones bring to our kitchen is something I want to share with you. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create connections through authentic, flavorful meals. If you’re ready to embark on a baking adventure that will warm your heart and fill your home with the most amazing aroma, then let’s get started! I can’t wait to guide you through each step.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Cranberry Orange Scones. Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that authentic flavor!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For the best texture, I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for creating those lovely, light scones.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the rise and gives a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Make sure the butter is very cold for flaky scones.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds a burst of tartness. I love using the ones from a local farm if possible!
- Zest of 1 large orange: This is where that wonderful citrus aroma and flavor come from.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: You can also use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: This helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: For brushing the tops of the scones before baking.
- Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling: Adds a lovely sparkle and a bit of extra sweetness.
For the best flavor in your Cranberry Orange Scones, I recommend sourcing your ingredients locally whenever possible. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Cranberry Orange Scones at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. This Cranberry Orange Scones proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. Trust me, this Cranberry Orange Scones ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
My family loves when I add a touch of almond extract to our Cranberry Orange Scones. It complements the orange and cranberry beautifully. This is an Easy Scone Recipe and I hope you enjoy it!
Let’s Create This Together!
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Cranberry Orange Scones.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly so the butter stays cold.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest. Distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly shaggy. This Orange Scone Recipe is a breeze!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using. This adds a beautiful golden color and a touch of sweetness.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the scones cool on a wire rack before serving.
In my kitchen, this flavorful Cranberry Orange Scones typically takes about 18 minutes to bake to perfection. Don’t be surprised if your Cranberry Orange Scones develops a slightly rustic appearance. That’s part of their charm! While your Cranberry Orange Scones is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! The perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! Your Cranberry Orange Scones should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Cranberry Orange Scones – learn from my experience! I used to overmix the dough, resulting in tough scones. Now I know to mix just until combined. This Homemade Cranberry Scones recipe is a must-try. I’ve learned this Easy Scone Recipe is the key to a happy family!
How We Love to Enjoy This!
These Cranberry Orange Scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways.
We love to serve them warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a pat of butter. They’re also fantastic with a cup of tea or coffee. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Cranberry Orange Scones appears with a pot of freshly brewed coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert.
For a special treat, try serving them with a homemade orange glaze. Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones for an extra burst of flavor.
These Cranberry Orange Scones are perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! This flavorful Cranberry Orange Scones reminds me of another family favorite, christmas-cranberry-orange-cookies! If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate cranberry-pecan-cheesecake-ball! For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore cranberry-brie-bites.
If you happen to have any leftovers, these scones are delicious toasted the next day. This Orange Cranberry Scones recipe is so good!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get asked about making Cranberry Orange Scones, along with my answers based on my own kitchen adventures and family feedback.
Q: Does this Cranberry Orange Scones really satisfy hearty appetites?
A: Absolutely! The combination of flavors and the satisfying texture make these scones a filling and delicious treat. My husband, who has a big appetite, always enjoys them.
Q: What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Cranberry Orange Scones?
A: You can easily adjust the amount of orange zest to suit your family’s taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Q: How can I prepare this Cranberry Orange Scones ahead for busy weeks?
A: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Scones?
A: Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the dough to prevent the scones from becoming soggy.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Orange Scones?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Scones?
A: Yes, you can freeze them either baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I substitute for buttermilk?
A: You can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk as a substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
This Cranberry Scone Recipe is sure to be a hit!
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
These Cranberry Orange Scones are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring warmth and joy to your family meals. They perfectly align with my philosophy of creating authentic, flavorful dishes that are both nourishing and satisfying.
My Cranberry Orange Scones Flavor Secrets:
- Fresh Orange Zest is Key: Don’t skimp on the orange zest! It adds a brightness that truly elevates the flavor of these scones.
- Cold Butter is Essential: Make sure your butter is very cold for flaky scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough scones. Mix just until combined.
Family-Tested Cranberry Orange Scones Variations:
- Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled scones for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. The glaze from Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones – Sally’s Baking is one of my favorites!
- Cranberry Orange Scones with Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. This Orange Scone Recipe with nuts is fantastic.
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Scones: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
My daughter loves the glazed version, while my son prefers the ones with nuts. My husband enjoys them all! I hope you feel inspired to make it your signature version. Remember, authentic flavor comes from the heart. You can find another delicious Orange Cranberry Scones at Ridiculously Easy Orange Cranberry Scones – The Café Sucre Farine. I’ve also heard great things about this Cranberry Orange Scones from Cranberry Orange Scones | – Tastes Better From Scratch.
I hope this Cranberry Orange Scones supports your family’s authentic meal goals. Give this Homemade Cranberry Scones recipe a shot! I have full confidence you’ll make a smashing Cranberry Orange Scones! Happy baking, fellow flavor seekers!

Cranberry Orange Scones
These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. Bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors, they are tender, flaky, and incredibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, orange juice, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut the circle into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra buttermilk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with clotted cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

