Introduction
These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a tender, moist crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of fresh cranberries and bright orange zest creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
What makes this Moist cranberry orange scones recipe with fresh cranberries truly special is the careful balance of ingredients and technique. Unlike dry, crumbly scones, these stay wonderfully moist thanks to the fresh cranberries that burst with juice during baking and the perfect ratio of butter to flour. The orange glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart cranberries.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽️ Perfect Texture: These scones stay incredibly moist thanks to fresh cranberries and careful mixing technique
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes active time – perfect for busy mornings
- ✨ Impressive Results: Beautiful bakery-quality scones that look and taste professional
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: Loved by all ages – perfect for holiday breakfasts or weekend treats
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- Gently fold in the chopped fresh cranberries and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix – the dough should be shaggy but hold together when pressed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into an 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 equal wedges.
- Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for browning. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While scones cool slightly, make the glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over warm scones. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 CHEF’S TIP: For the most moist cranberry orange scones recipe with fresh cranberries, keep all ingredients cold and handle the dough as little as possible. The key to tender scones is not overworking the gluten in the flour.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this Moist cranberry orange scones recipe with fresh cranberries. Do not thaw them first – chop while frozen and add directly to the dough. Frozen cranberries may release slightly more moisture, so your scones might need an extra minute of baking time.
How do I store these scones to keep them moist?
Store completely cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat frozen scones in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, then add the glaze.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with cold vegan butter or coconut oil, and use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Scones are truly special – the perfect combination of tart cranberries, bright orange, and tender, moist crumb. This Moist cranberry orange scones recipe with fresh cranberries is sure to become a family favorite for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or anytime you want a special treat. The simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary that will impress everyone who tries them.
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