Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones

14 servings

Ingredients

  • plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    4 c
  • sugar

    plus additional for sprinkling

    ¼ c
  • baking powder
    2 tbsp
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • orange zest
    1 tbsp
  • cold unsalted butter
    ¾ lb
  • eggs
    4 extra-large
  • cold heavy cream
    1 c
  • cranberries
    1 c
  • egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk

    for egg wash

    1
  • confectioners' sugar

    plus 2 tablespoons

    ½ c
  • squeezed orange juice
    4 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. 2

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the baking powder, salt and orange zest. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy! Combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of flour, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

  3. 3

    Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick. Flour a 3-inch round plain or fluted cutter and cut circles of dough. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more circles.

  4. 4

    Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch. Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones

55 min14 servings434 cal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Indulge in Bright & Buttery Cranberry Orange Scones

Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread with these utterly delightful Cranberry Orange Scones. Imagine a perfect balance of zesty orange and sweet-tart cranberries baked into a tender, buttery scone – it's an irresistible combination that's sure to impress! These scone recipes are perfect for welcoming guests, a special weekend treat, or simply to brighten any morning.

What makes these Cranberry Orange Scones truly special? It's the generous use of fresh orange zest infusing every bite with a bright, aromatic citrus note, perfectly complemented by plump dried cranberries. The secret to their incredible texture lies in using cold butter and heavy cream, which create those coveted flaky layers. Our recipe yields a generous 14 servings, making it an excellent choice for recipes for a crowd or when you need plenty of delicious breakfast or brunch pastries.

Tips for Perfect Scones

Achieving light and flaky scones is easier than you think!

  • Keep it Cold: Ensure your butter, eggs, and heavy cream are very cold. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly, creating steam pockets for a flaky texture.
  • Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough scones.
  • Use a Mixer: While not strictly necessary for all scone recipes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can make incorporating the cold butter much easier, especially for a larger batch like this mixer recipe.

These fruit and orange recipes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also drizzle them with the included orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and citrusy zing. Get ready to bake a batch of these glorious Cranberry Orange Scones and turn any morning into a celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions