Fluffy Homemade Cranberry Orange Scones: Your Ultimate Recipe for a Bright & Delicious Breakfast
There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked scone to brighten your morning or elevate a cozy afternoon tea. These Tender Cranberry Orange Scones are a true delight, bursting with a vibrant mix of sweet and tart cranberry flavors, beautifully complemented by the zesty freshness of orange. Each scone is crowned with a delectable glaze made from freshly squeezed orange juice, adding a perfect hint of citrusy sweetness. Prepare to fall in love with these aromatic, flaky pastries!
Another week, another chance to indulge in something truly special. And this week, we’re celebrating the irresistible charm of homemade scones! These Cranberry Orange Scones are not just refreshing and delicious; they encapsulate that perfect balance of festive cheer and year-round appeal. Scones hold a special place in the world of brunch pastries, offering a comforting warmth that never grows old. Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet, tender scone, still warm from the oven, with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It’s an experience that feels luxurious, yet easily achievable right in your own kitchen.
For me, the combination of fresh cranberries and bright, aromatic oranges instantly evokes the warmth and joy of the holiday season. This particular recipe for cranberry orange scones holds a special place in my heart, deeply reminiscent of my mother’s beloved cranberry orange bread, a staple she bakes every year. The sweet yet tart burst of cranberries, combined with the fragrant orange zest and juice, creates a harmonious flavor profile that is simply divine. Each scone is beautifully dotted with ruby-red cranberries and finished with a glistening orange glaze, ensuring every bite is a delightful blend of fruity freshness. These soft, flaky scones are incredibly aromatic and truly will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Scone Recipe
Beyond their incredible flavor, these cranberry orange scones are a joy to make and share. They offer a perfect balance of textures – a crisp exterior giving way to a wonderfully tender and flaky interior. The natural tartness of cranberries is beautifully mellowed by the sweetness of the dough and the bright, citrusy glaze. This recipe uses fresh ingredients that truly make a difference, ensuring a superior taste compared to store-bought versions. They are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal baking project for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
The Magic Duo: Cranberry & Orange
Cranberries and oranges are a match made in culinary heaven. Cranberries bring a distinctive tartness and a beautiful ruby color, while oranges contribute a bright, aromatic zest and a sweet, tangy juice. When combined in baking, these two ingredients create a complex flavor profile that is both invigorating and comforting. The orange zest, in particular, infuses the dough with essential oils, giving the scones a wonderful fragrance and a deep citrus note that complements the cranberries perfectly. This classic pairing is not just for the holidays; its refreshing qualities make these scones suitable for any time of the year.
Tips for Baking Perfectly Flaky Scones
Achieving light, fluffy, and tender scones is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Ensure your butter, milk, and sour cream are as cold as possible. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, leading to those desirable flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough barely comes together.
- Handle Gently: When kneading the dough (just a few turns!) and patting it out, be gentle. Light hands prevent toughness.
- Use Fresh Cranberries and Zest: While dried cranberries can be used, fresh cranberries offer a delightful burst of tartness and moisture. Freshly zested orange provides the most aromatic flavor.
- Sharp Cut for Clean Edges: Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to divide your scone rounds. This helps them rise evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: The orange juice glaze isn’t just for looks; it adds an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy flavor that ties everything together.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze warm scones, the glaze will melt and run off. Patience is key for a beautiful, set glaze.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Scones
These Cranberry Orange Scones are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments:
- Classic Tea Time: Enjoy with a cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea.
- Morning Coffee: A perfect companion to your daily coffee, whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, or a simple black brew.
- Brunch Favorite: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful brunch spread.
- Simple Snack: Delicious on their own, or with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of orange marmalade.
- Holiday Treat: Their festive flavors make them a fantastic addition to any holiday breakfast or dessert table.
Since you’re clearly hooked on scones now, don’t stop here! There are so many exciting scone and breakfast pastry options to explore:
- Lemon Blueberry Bread with Buttermilk Glaze
- Carrot Cake Mix Scones
- White Cheddar Scones
- Earl Grey Scones
- Eggnog Scones
What Do I Need to Make Cranberry Orange Scones?
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter (unsalted)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your scones are ready.
Step 2: Process the Cranberry-Orange Mixture. In a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, orange zest, and granulated sugar. Pulse the mixture until the cranberries are coarsely and evenly chopped. This step integrates the orange zest’s aroma and helps distribute the cranberry flavor throughout the dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gently fold in the cranberry-orange mixture from the food processor, stirring lightly to combine.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, and egg. Whisk until well blended. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully with a spoon or spatula just until the ingredients are moistened and a shaggy dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Form and Cut the Scones. Lightly dust a clean, smooth surface (like a countertop or large cutting board) with flour. Turn the scone dough out onto this surface. Gently knead the dough only about 5 or 6 times – just enough to bring it together. Divide the dough in half. Take each portion and pat it into a round shape, approximately 6 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick, directly onto a lightly greased large baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut each round into 6 equal wedges, then slightly separate them on the baking sheet to allow for even baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until their tops are golden brown and they feel firm to the touch. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool the Scones. Once baked, transfer the scones from the baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for the glaze to set properly.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Orange Glaze. In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice with the powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) and whisk until smooth and free of lumps. Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the fresh orange glaze generously over them. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Scones!
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Cranberry Orange Scones
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Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice (for the glaze)
- 1 cup confectioners sugar (for the glaze)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
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In a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, orange zest, and granulated sugar. Pulse until the cranberries are coarsely and evenly chopped.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in the cranberry mixture.
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In a small bowl, stir together the milk, sour cream, and egg. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the ingredients are moistened and form a shaggy dough. Do not overmix.
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Dust a smooth surface with flour, and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the scone dough about 5 or 6 times. Divide the dough in half. Transfer each portion to a lightly greased baking sheet and pat each into about a 6-inch round. Cut each round into 6 wedges, separating them slightly on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
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Cool the baked scones completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice with the confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cranberry Orange Scones
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. You can add them directly to the food processor with the orange zest and sugar. Keep in mind that frozen cranberries might release a bit more moisture, but this shouldn’t significantly affect the scone’s texture if you handle the dough gently.
Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the scone dough the night before! After forming and cutting the wedges (Step 5), arrange them on your greased baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if they are very cold.
Why are my scones tough or dry?
Tough or dry scones are typically a result of overmixing the dough. When you overmix, you develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense, chewy texture rather than the desired light and flaky crumb. Ensure you mix only until the ingredients are just combined and handle the dough as little as possible. Also, ensure your butter is cold – warm butter can lead to less flaky results.
Can I add other ingredients to these scones?
Absolutely! Scones are wonderfully adaptable. Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or a few white chocolate chips for added sweetness. A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom could also enhance the warmth of the flavors. Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions!
How should I store leftover cranberry orange scones?
Leftover scones are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until tender.
Can I adjust the amount of orange glaze?
Yes, the glaze is completely customizable! If you prefer a thicker, sweeter glaze, you can add more confectioners’ sugar. For a thinner, more subtle glaze, add a tiny bit more orange juice. You can also omit the glaze entirely if you prefer, though it adds a delightful finish.
