Cranberry Orange Scones: A Zesty Delight for Your Tea Table

Craving cranberry orange scones? These are a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion. Get my easy recipe and tips inside!

May 16, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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look into Into Deliciousness: Cranberry Orange Scones

Oh my gosh, if you’ve never had cranberry orange scones , you are in for a treat! think about that perfect bite-sized goodness — sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful.

Just imagine enjoying one of these scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee. does it get any better? trust me, the zesty orange flavor paired with fresh cranberries will absolutely brighten your day!

Now, let’s get into a little backstory here. this classic dish has ties to the british tea tradition, and it brings a touch of elegance to your breakfast or afternoon snack.

Making cranberry orange scones is a piece of cake (or should i say, scone?)! with just 45 minutes from start to finish, they’re perfect for those of us who don’t have hours to slave away in the kitchen.

With this recipe, you’ll get 8 delightful scones , ideal for sharing or, you know, solely for yourself — no judgment here!

Not only are these little gems a feast for the senses, they also pack a nutritional punch. with vitamin c from the cranberries and oranges, you’re actually doing something good for your body while indulging.

Serve them at brunch, holiday gatherings, or even a relaxing saturday morning. honestly, they make any occasion feel special. you can also throw in some dried cranberry scones or even some orange cranberry cream scones variations to keep things exciting!

So what makes these scones truly special? well, here’s the kicker — it’s all about the tenderness. using cold butter and buttermilk is key to achieving that flaky texture, making each bite feel like pure heaven.

And trust me, everyone will be raving about them. plus, if you’re a fan of sour cream cranberry muffins or even cranberry cream cheese scones , this recipe is right up your alley for that perfect breakfast treat.

There you have it! these cranberry orange scones are not just easy and quick to make, but they also offer a burst of flavor and nostalgia that will remind you of all the best moments shared over tea and scones.

So, are you ready to bake something delicious? let’s dive into the ingredients!

Cranberry Orange Scones: A Zesty Delight for Your Tea Table Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:8 scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold, cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 cup (130g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)

Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
• Add cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the buttermilk, orange zest, and chopped cranberries until just combined.
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment, and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
• On a floured surface, roll or press the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or rounds.
• Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the scones.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until scones are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Allow to cool slightly before enjoying warm.

All About Ingredients & Equipment for Cranberry Orange Scones

Okay, let’s break down everything you’ll need to whip up these cranberry orange scones that’ll make your brunch guests swoon! no stress; it’s super simple and totally doable, even if you’ve only just started baking.

Pulling Together the Main Ingredients

Here’s your shopping list, laid out nice and easy:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice)
• Zest from 1 large orange
• 1 cup (130g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Oh my gosh, fresh cranberries add such a pop of tartness that pairs beautifully with the bright orange zest. You’ll definitely want to pick them up at the store if they’re in season!

Seasoning Notes That Pack a Punch

For the ultimate flavor, don’t skip the zest! fresh orange zest brings aromatics that will have everyone asking, “what’s that heavenly smell?” if you find yourself without fresh oranges, a dash of orange extract will do in a pinch.

It won’t hurt to keep a bottle handy for moments like this!

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Alright, here comes the fun part! Here’s what you'll need to get down to business:

• Mixing bowls
• A baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry cutter or a fork (your trusty fork works just fine!)
• A rolling pin (totally optional)
• Pastry brush

You can totally improvise here. Don’t have a rolling pin? No worries; your wine bottle can double as one—it’s been tested and approved!

A Quick Wrap-Up

Now that we’ve rounded up our cranberry orange scones essentials, you’re ready to dive into the baking process. gather your ingredients, set up your kitchen, and prepare for the sweet and zesty goodness.

Just thinking about these scones makes me want to whip up a batch tonight!

Whether you’re making sour cream cranberry muffins or playing around with a cranberry scones recipe fresh , these classic scones are super versatile.

Each bite is a little piece of joy, perfect for sharing with friends, or honestly, just keeping for yourself. remember, if these don’t end up on your tea table, they won’t last long around here!

Cooking Cranberry Orange Scones: A Delightful Journey

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried making cranberry orange scones ? They’re like a party for your taste buds! Trust me, these little guys are perfect when you want a treat that says, “I put in the effort, but you’ll never guess how easy it was!”

Get Ready to Bake: Prep Steps

First thing's first, let’s talk mise en place . that fancy term just means getting all your ingredients prepped and measured out.

This will save you from scrambling around the kitchen like a headless chicken. grab your flour, sugar, and cranberries, and let’s make some magic happen!

Now, here’s a time-saving tip : if you're short on time, mix your dry ingredients the night before. just keep them in an airtight container.

And don’t forget basic kitchen safety—if you're using sharp tools, like knives or a pastry cutter, be careful! we want you to enjoy baking, not end up in a bandage!

Step-by-Step Process: Baking Made Simple

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour , 1/4 cup of sugar , 1 tablespoon baking powder , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda . Just whisk it all together!
3. Next up, chop 1/2 cup of cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of buttermilk , the zest of 1 orange , and 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries . Gently combine everything—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough scones!
5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in parchment, and chill for 10 minutes .
6. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges or rounds.
7. Transfer them to a lined baking sheet, then whisk 1 egg with a bit of milk and brush that magic wash onto your scones.
8. Bake for about 15- 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and lovely, like a sunrise.

For doneness, you’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. That's the golden rule!

Pro Tips for Perfect Scones

Here’s where we up our scone game! always use cold ingredients . this helps to make your scones flaky and light.

And remember, don't overmix —just combine until the ingredients are barely mixed, kind of like dating but with flour!

One big mistake to avoid? don’t skip the chilling step. it keeps your scones from spreading too much. and hey, if you find yourself in a time crunch, these scones can be made ahead of time.

Bake them, cool them, and store them in an airtight container for a quick breakfast or snack.

There you go! with these cranberry orange scones , you’ll feel like a baking pro even if you’re just a novice.

So, gather your supplies, keep it fun, and enjoy every bite of this zesty delight. bon appétit!

Recipe Notes for Cranberry Orange Scones

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s chat about how to make those cranberry orange scones look as fabulous as they taste! presentation is half the battle, right? serving them warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of butter makes all the difference.

You could even drizzle a little orange glaze on top if you’re feeling fancy! pair them with a steaming cup of earl grey tea or chamomile for the ultimate cozy vibe.

Trust me, your friends will think you’ve got a bakery in your kitchen!

Storage Tips

Now, if you have any leftover scones (but who are we kidding, right?), here’s how to store them. keep those beauties in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days .

If you want to keep them longer, toss them in the freezer! just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and throw them in a freezer bag.

They should be good for about a month! when you’re ready to devour, pop them in the oven at 350° f for about 10 minutes to warm them up and revive that fresh-baked goodness.

Yum!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? here are some fun variations to try! you could swap out the cranberries for blueberries and use lemon zest instead, making delightful lemon blueberry scones .

Or, if you’re all about that chocolate life, go ahead and add some chocolate chips ! for a gluten-free version, just grab a good gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum already mixed in.

Nutrition Basics

Wondering what’s in these scones? each scone packs about 200 calories and has just enough sweetness to satisfy those cravings without making you feel like you overdid it.

Plus, the cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and let’s not forget the vitamins from that zingy orange zest! they’re the kind of treat you can enjoy guilt-free, especially when you know how easy they are to whip up.

In conclusion, the cranberry orange scones are not just a delightful treat; they elevate your breakfast or tea-time experience. don’t be afraid to switch things up with variations or pairings! you got this, and your kitchen adventures are about to get even zestier! so grab those ingredients and bake your way to happiness.

Happy cooking!