Orange Cranberry Scones are a delightful mix of tart cranberries and refreshing citrus, creating a deliciously unique scone that’s perfect for breakfast or tea time. These scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them an irresistible choice for anyone looking to brighten up their morning routine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Scones
How to Make Orange Cranberry Scones
Tips for Making Orange Cranberry Scones
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Flavor Combination. The combination of zesty orange and tart cranberries creates a mouthwatering flavor experience that tantalizes the taste buds and wakes up your senses!
Foolproof Recipe. This scone recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields perfect results every time, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Versatile Treat. These scones can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful snack with your afternoon tea or coffee!
Make Ahead and Freeze. These scones can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for a quick and convenient breakfast option, ensuring you’re never without a tasty treat!

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Scones

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our scones, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the scones and balances out the tartness of the cranberries.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the scones rise and achieve their flaky texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the scones. Ensure it is cold and cubed.
Dried Cranberries: Provide tart bursts of flavor that complement the orange zest.
Orange Zest: Adds a fresh and zesty orange flavor that elevates the scones.
Heavy Cream: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture to create soft scones.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of vanilla sweetness.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Scones

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract together.
Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it holds together.
Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick and cut into wedges or use a round cutter to make individual scones.
Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with additional cream if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Making Orange Cranberry Scones

Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream are cold. This will help create a flakier texture in the baked scones.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent tough scones. A few lumps are okay!
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or different dried fruits to customize the flavor of your scones.
Check for Doneness: Look for a golden brown color and a firm texture to ensure your scones are baked properly.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dough in advance and cut out the scones. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Alternatively, freeze the unbaked scones on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place scones in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. To enjoy warm scones, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Freezing Orange Cranberry Scones

Freeze unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer.
Baked scones can also be frozen. Ensure they are completely cool, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Orange Cranberry Scones

Reheat baked scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a quicker option, but this may result in a softer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these scones with a dollop of clotted cream or butter.
Pair with your favorite jam, such as orange marmalade or raspberry preserves.
Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, fresh cranberries will require additional sugar to offset their tartness and may change the texture of the scones.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute milk or half-and-half, but the texture may not be as rich and flaky.

How do I know when scones are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color and a firm texture. They should not feel wet or doughy in the center.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute regular flour in this recipe.

How long do these scones stay fresh?

They can stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.