Cranberry Orange Scones Tasty and Simple Recipe

Name: Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cups cold unsalted butter, cubed; 0.5 cups dried cranberries; 1 large orange zest; 0.5 cups buttermilk (or whole milk); 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 0.25 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

by Emily on April 9, 2025

Are you ready to elevate your breakfast or tea time? This Cranberry Orange Scones recipe is both tasty and simple. Using fresh flavors, these scones will delight your taste buds. Plus, they’re a breeze to make! I’ll guide you through the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfect scones. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself, these scones are sure to shine. Let’s bake something special together!

$To make these tasty cranberry orange scones, gather the following: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon orange juice - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze) Each ingredient brings something special: - Dried cranberries add fiber and antioxidants. They help with digestion and boost immunity. - Orange zest gives you vitamin C. This vitamin helps fight colds and supports healthy skin. - Buttermilk adds calcium and probiotics. It supports bone health and good digestion. These ingredients make scones not just a treat but also a smart choice. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Gluten-free flour works well instead of all-purpose flour. This is great for gluten-free diets. - Maple syrup can replace granulated sugar. It adds a nice flavor and is less processed. - Coconut oil can substitute unsalted butter. This option is dairy-free and adds a unique taste. Feel free to get creative with your scones! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 3. Next, add the cubed cold butter to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. 4. Then, stir in the dried cranberries and the orange zest. Make sure they are evenly mixed. 5. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until blended. 6. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky. 7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it down to about 1 inch thick. Cut it into squares or triangles with a sharp knife. 8. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each one to allow for rising. - Bake the scones for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. - If you want a golden top, look for a nice brown color. - A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they are done. - The tops should look golden brown. - The edges will be firm but soft in the center. - If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. - Allow them to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps with the glaze later. These steps will guide you to make delicious cranberry orange scones. Enjoy the process and the lovely smells that fill your kitchen! To make your scones light and fluffy, use cold butter. Cold butter creates steam while baking. This steam helps the scones rise. Cut the butter into small cubes before mixing it with the flour. Avoid overmixing the dough. Just combine it until you see no dry flour. The dough should feel a bit sticky. One mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter will not create the right texture. Another common error is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough scones. Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make them dry. Lastly, don't skip the glaze; it adds flavor and shine. You need a few simple tools to bake perfect scones. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. A pastry cutter helps to cut in the butter. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting the dough. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. Finally, an oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the right temperature. Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and buttermilk are cold to help create a flaky texture in the scones. Don't Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid tough scones. A little stickiness is normal! Cut Evenly: For uniform baking, cut your scones into equal sizes. This ensures they bake evenly and look great. Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over the scones while they are still warm for better absorption and a delightful finish. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors in your cranberry orange scones. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also use different dried fruits. Try cherries or blueberries for a twist. For a spicier kick, add some chopped ginger or cinnamon. Each change gives a new taste while keeping the original charm. If you need gluten-free scones, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture similar. For a vegan option, swap out the butter for coconut oil. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk. Replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. These swaps make the scones friendly for various diets. In winter, try adding chopped apples or pears for warmth. In spring, use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste. In summer, add lemon zest for a bright flavor. In fall, pumpkin spice can change the whole vibe. These seasonal tweaks keep your scones exciting all year. To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. They can last for up to one week in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly. When you're ready to enjoy a scone again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them and refreshes their texture. You can also microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them! Freezing scones is a great way to save some for later. Once they cool completely, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, remove a scone from the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious scones any time! Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They add a tart flavor. However, they have more moisture than dried ones. This can change the texture of your scones. If you use fresh cranberries, cut back on the liquid in your recipe. You can also add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. To make the scones less sweet, reduce the sugar. You can cut the granulated sugar down to 1/4 cup. You can also skip the glaze if you want. The scones will still taste great with less sweetness. Try adding more orange zest for extra flavor instead. Cranberry orange scones pair well with many things. You can serve them with clotted cream or butter. Jam or orange marmalade works too. A nice cup of tea or coffee also complements them well. For a festive touch, serve with fresh fruit or a light salad. In this article, we explored the ingredients for scones, their health benefits, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions and key baking tips to ensure your success. We discussed ways to get the fluffiest scones and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, I provided fun variations and storage tips. Now you have all the tools to bake delicious scones. Enjoy the tasty rewards of your hard work!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor Combination: The bright notes of orange and tartness of cranberries make these scones a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy fresh scones!
Versatile Enjoyment: These scones are delightful on their own but can also be paired with your favorite jam or clotted cream for an elevated tea experience.
Beautiful Presentation: With a simple glaze and garnishes, these scones look stunning on any table, making them perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make these tasty cranberry orange scones, gather the following:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 tablespoon orange juice

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

– 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Each ingredient brings something special:

– Dried cranberries add fiber and antioxidants. They help with digestion and boost immunity.

– Orange zest gives you vitamin C. This vitamin helps fight colds and supports healthy skin.

– Buttermilk adds calcium and probiotics. It supports bone health and good digestion.

These ingredients make scones not just a treat but also a smart choice.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap some ingredients if needed:

– Gluten-free flour works well instead of all-purpose flour. This is great for gluten-free diets.

– Maple syrup can replace granulated sugar. It adds a nice flavor and is less processed.

– Coconut oil can substitute unsalted butter. This option is dairy-free and adds a unique taste.

Feel free to get creative with your scones!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Next, add the cubed cold butter to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.

4. Then, stir in the dried cranberries and the orange zest. Make sure they are evenly mixed.

5. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until blended.

6. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it down to about 1 inch thick. Cut it into squares or triangles with a sharp knife.

8. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each one to allow for rising.

Baking Tips

– Bake the scones for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake.

– If you want a golden top, look for a nice brown color.

– A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they are done.

Visual Cues for Doneness

– The tops should look golden brown.

– The edges will be firm but soft in the center.

– If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow.

– Allow them to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps with the glaze later.

These steps will guide you to make delicious cranberry orange scones. Enjoy the process and the lovely smells that fill your kitchen!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Fluffy Scones

To make your scones light and fluffy, use cold butter. Cold butter creates steam while baking. This steam helps the scones rise. Cut the butter into small cubes before mixing it with the flour. Avoid overmixing the dough. Just combine it until you see no dry flour. The dough should feel a bit sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter will not create the right texture. Another common error is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough scones. Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make them dry. Lastly, don’t skip the glaze; it adds flavor and shine.

Recommended Baking Equipment

You need a few simple tools to bake perfect scones. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. A pastry cutter helps to cut in the butter. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting the dough. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking. Finally, an oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the right temperature.

Pro Tips

Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and buttermilk are cold to help create a flaky texture in the scones.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid tough scones. A little stickiness is normal!
Cut Evenly: For uniform baking, cut your scones into equal sizes. This ensures they bake evenly and look great.
Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over the scones while they are still warm for better absorption and a delightful finish.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavors in your cranberry orange scones. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also use different dried fruits. Try cherries or blueberries for a twist. For a spicier kick, add some chopped ginger or cinnamon. Each change gives a new taste while keeping the original charm.

Dietary Alternatives (gluten-free, vegan)

If you need gluten-free scones, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture similar. For a vegan option, swap out the butter for coconut oil. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk. Replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. These swaps make the scones friendly for various diets.

Seasonal Ingredient Adjustments

In winter, try adding chopped apples or pears for warmth. In spring, use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste. In summer, add lemon zest for a bright flavor. In fall, pumpkin spice can change the whole vibe. These seasonal tweaks keep your scones exciting all year.

Storage Info

How to Store Scones

To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. They can last for up to one week in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy a scone again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them and refreshes their texture. You can also microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them!

Freezing Instructions

Freezing scones is a great way to save some for later. Once they cool completely, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, remove a scone from the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious scones any time!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They add a tart flavor. However, they have more moisture than dried ones. This can change the texture of your scones. If you use fresh cranberries, cut back on the liquid in your recipe. You can also add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.

How can I make the scones less sweet?

To make the scones less sweet, reduce the sugar. You can cut the granulated sugar down to 1/4 cup. You can also skip the glaze if you want. The scones will still taste great with less sweetness. Try adding more orange zest for extra flavor instead.

What to serve with cranberry orange scones?

Cranberry orange scones pair well with many things. You can serve them with clotted cream or butter. Jam or orange marmalade works too. A nice cup of tea or coffee also complements them well. For a festive touch, serve with fresh fruit or a light salad.

In this article, we explored the ingredients for scones, their health benefits, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions and key baking tips to ensure your success. We discussed ways to get the fluffiest scones and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, I provided fun variations and storage tips.

Now you have all the tools to bake delicious scones. Enjoy the tasty rewards of your hard wor

Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones

Delicious scones with a delightful blend of cranberry and orange flavors, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cups cold unsalted butter, cubed
0.5 cups dried cranberries
1 large orange zest
0.5 cups buttermilk (or whole milk)
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange juice
0.25 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cubed cold butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Whisk until well blended.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat it into a square or rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles.
Transfer the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between each one.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with enough fresh orange juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Once the scones are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm scones.

Notes

Arrange the scones on a decorative plate, dust with a little extra powdered sugar, and garnish with orange slices or fresh cranberries for a festive touch.

Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones