Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones

Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones

These cranberry orange scones are buttery and moist with crisp crumbly edges and soft flaky centers. Crunchy coarse sugar and an orange glaze are the perfect finishing touches! Read through the recipe before beginning. You can skip the chilling for 15 minutes prior to baking, but I highly recommend it to prevent the scones from over-spreading.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour

    plus more for hands and work surface, spooned & leveled

    2 c
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • baking powder
    2 ½ tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • orange zest

    about 1 orange

    2 tsp
  • unsalted butter

    frozen

    ½ c
  • heavy cream
    ½ c
  • egg
    1 large
  • pure vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • heaping cup frozen cranberries

    125g

    1
  • optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream and coarse sugar

    15ml

  • confectioners’ sugar
    1 c
  • fresh orange juice
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest together in a large bowl. Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add it to the flour mixture and combine with a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture comes together in pea-sized crumbs. See video above for a closer look at the texture. Place in the refrigerator or freezer as you mix the wet ingredients together.

  2. 2

    Whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream, the egg, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the flour mixture, add the cranberries, then mix together until everything appears moistened.

  3. 3

    Pour onto the counter and, with floured hands, work dough into a ball as best you can. Dough will be sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it seems too dry, add 1-2 more Tablespoons heavy cream. Press into an 8-inch disc and, with a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges.

  4. 4

    Brush scones with remaining heavy cream and for extra crunch, sprinkle with coarse sugar. (You can do this before or after refrigerating in the next step.)

  5. 5

    Place scones on a plate or lined baking sheet (if your fridge has space!) and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

  7. 7

    Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. After refrigerating, arrange scones 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet(s).

  8. 8

    Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes as you make the glaze.

  9. 9

    Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice together. Add a little more confectioners’ sugar to thicken or more juice to thin. Drizzle over scones.

  10. 10

    Leftover iced or un-glazed scones keep well at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.

Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones

Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones

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About this Recipe

Craving that bakery-fresh scone experience right in your own kitchen? These Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones deliver, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet with an irresistible texture that will make any morning special.

Why These Scones Work

What truly sets these scones apart is their incredible texture: buttery and moist with crisp, crumbly edges and delightfully soft, flaky centers. The secret lies in using frozen butter and the optional, but highly recommended, brief chilling period before baking. This step helps prevent the scones from over-spreading, ensuring they maintain their beautiful shape and tender crumb.

What to Expect

Prepare for a treat that tantalizes all your senses. Each bite of these cranberry orange scones offers a burst of bright, tangy cranberry complemented by the fragrant, zesty notes of orange. The scone itself is rich and tender, while the coarse sugar on top adds a pleasing crunch. Finally, a sweet, citrusy orange glaze ties all the flavors together, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying breakfast or tea-time indulgence.

Customization & Variations

These Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones are wonderful as is, but you can easily make them your own. For an extra touch of texture and sparkle, brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking. If you prefer a less sweet scone, simply omit the orange glaze entirely. The vibrant cranberry and orange flavors in the scone base are delicious on their own.

Serving & Context

These homemade scones are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or an elegant afternoon tea. Serve them warm with your favorite cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot tea for a truly delightful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions