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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, baked to a golden perfection and topped with a sweet orange glaze. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they offer a delightful balance of fruity flavors and buttery richness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Scones:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest evenly throughout the mixture.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold it in with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
  3. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently just a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Transfer the wedges to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
  4. Bake the Scones: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the scones lightly with additional heavy cream to promote a golden finish. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Glaze the Scones: While the scones cool on a wire rack, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable. Optionally, add orange zest for extra flavor. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and allow it to set before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use cold butter and do not overmix the dough to keep the scones flaky and tender.
  • Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor but frozen cranberries work well too; chop them to avoid large chunks.
  • The glaze can be adjusted by adding more or less orange juice for desired consistency.
  • Brush with heavy cream before baking for a nicely browned crust.
  • Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze to extend shelf life.

Keywords: cranberry orange scones, orange glaze, scones recipe, breakfast scones, baked scones, holiday baking

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/cranberry-orange-scones-recipe/