Cranberry Orange Scones

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Cranberry Orange Scones

Tender, Flaky, and Perfect for Cozy Fall Baking

If you love warm, buttery pastries with bright citrus notes and pops of sweetness, these Cranberry Orange Scones are exactly what your fall mornings need. They are incredibly tender and flaky thanks to cold butter and buttermilk, and each bite is filled with dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest. Whether you serve them for a relaxed weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or an afternoon treat with hot tea, these scones always feel comforting and special.

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in a single bowl, making it a wonderful option for beginner bakers or anyone craving a quick homemade pastry. The optional orange glaze adds a silky sweetness that enhances the citrus flavor, but the scones are just as delicious on their own.

Why You Will Love These Cranberry Orange Scones

A perfect fall flavor combination
The natural tartness of cranberries balanced with fresh citrus makes these scones ideal for autumn and winter baking.

Tender and flaky every time
Cold butter and buttermilk ensure a soft, layered texture without any complicated techniques.

Quick and easy
No yeast, no rising, and no special equipment. You can have bakery-style scones ready in under 40 minutes.

Customizable
Use dried, fresh, or frozen cranberries. Swap in blueberries for a spring version. Adjust the amount of zest for a lighter or stronger orange flavor.

Ingredients

For the Scones

  • 2 sticks cold unsalted butter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons orange zest (3 tablespoons gives a strong flavor)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, enough to make a thick but pourable glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Make sure the zest is well distributed so it flavors the dough evenly.

3. Cut in the Butter

Dice the cold butter into small cubes. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to break the butter down into pea-sized pieces, which will create the flaky layers when the scones bake.

4. Add Cranberries

Stir in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Add the Buttermilk

Pour the buttermilk over the mixture and gently stir until everything begins to come together. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable.

6. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Press it into a loose ball, then gently flatten it with your hands. Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a circle about 2 inches thick.

Fold the dough in half, flatten again, and roll once more. This simple folding technique adds more flakiness.

7. Cut the Scones

Cut the dough into 8 to 10 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece so they can rise without touching.

8. Bake

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Check at the 15-minute mark, as oven temperatures vary.

9. Make the Glaze

While the scones cool, whisk the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk until you reach a thick, pourable consistency.

10. Glaze and Serve

Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle with the glaze. Allow it to set for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Scones

Start with cold butter
Cold butter melting in the oven creates steam, which gives scones their signature flaky texture.

Do not overmix the dough
The dough should look slightly rough. Overmixing makes the scones dense.

Use fresh leavening
Old baking powder or baking soda can prevent proper rising.

Check early
Because scones brown quickly, begin checking at 15 minutes.

Zest first, juice later
If you plan to use the orange juice for the glaze, zest your orange before cutting it.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are wonderful in the morning or as a cozy afternoon treat. Serve them with:

  • Hot tea or herbal tea
  • Freshly brewed coffee
  • Warm milk or a creamy latte
  • A seasonal fruit bowl
  • Honey butter or orange marmalade

They also make an elegant addition to holiday brunch tables alongside pancakes, eggs, or a simple yogurt parfait.

Storage

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
For best results, freeze before glazing. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze when ready.

 

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