Simple Orange Cranberry Scones

These Orange Cranberry Scones are about to become your new favorite. Imagine waking up to the bright aroma of freshly baked scones, flavored with zesty orange and filled with bursts of juicy craisins. The golden brown crust has just the right amount of crunch, while the inside stays soft and tender. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a mid-morning snack, these scones are a guaranteed way to brighten up your day!

These scones are not only delicious but super simple to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this recipe is stress-free and easy to follow. With a prep time of just 15 minutes (plus a little chilling time), you’ll be sinking your teeth into these citrusy delights in no time. Ready to whip up some scones? Let’s get started!

What are simple Orange Cranberry Scones?

These scones are buttery, tender treats made with a combo of orange zest and tangy craisins, topped with a fresh orange glaze for a bit of extra citrusy punch. They are triangular in shape (classic scone style!) and baked to a perfect golden brown. The citrus notes from the orange complement the sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries beautifully, making these the perfect balance of fruity and rich.

Why you’ll love this easy simple Orange Cranberry Scone recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

• Beginner-friendly: No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
• Quick to make: Just 15 minutes of prep, and you’re well on your way to freshly baked goodness.
• Full of flavor: The bright orange zest and juicy cranberries make for a delicious, tangy bite.
• Perfect for breakfast or brunch: These scones go perfectly with coffee or tea, making them ideal for any time you need a morning pick-me-up!
• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch and freeze them to have on hand for future breakfasts or snacks.

RELATED: Simple Cinnamon Rolls – heavenly swirls of dough, generously sprinkled with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then baked to golden perfection. They’re soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious, especially when served warm with a dollop of cream cheese glaze on top. These irresistible treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up.

What tools do you need to make this scones recipe?

Luckily, you won’t need much to whip up these scones! Just grab:

• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk
• A fork (for cutting in the butter)
• A baking sheet
• Parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat
• A pastry brush (for that lovely glaze)

That’s it—easy, right?

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need for the scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour + ¼ cup for the work surface
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon orange extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (preferably organic)
• 1 cup craisins

And for that glorious orange glaze:

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How to make Orange Cranberry Scones from scratch, you’ve got this!

1. Start by mixing the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

1. Cut in cold butter until it’s in pea-sized chunks (this makes the scones flaky!).

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla, orange extract, and orange zest.

1. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined, then stir in the craisins.

1. On a floured surface, shape the dough into a rectangle and cut it into triangles.

1. Pop those scones onto a baking sheet, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes.

1. While they’re cooling, whisk up your orange glaze, drizzle it over the warm scones, and dig in!

Make this simple Cranberry Orange Scones recipe then check out my Banana Chocolate Cake (Vegan & Gluten-Free) and more of my simple cookie recipes.

How to store leftovers of simple Orange Cranberry Scones

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, pop them in the freezer and reheat them in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!

A few tips for making these scones

Keep the butter cold.

Cold butter = flaky scones. Don’t skip this step!

Don’t overmix

Once the dough comes together, stop stirring! Overmixing leads to tough scones.

Chill the dough

This helps the scones hold their shape and improves texture.

Adjust glaze consistency:

If you like a thicker glaze, use less orange juice. If you prefer a lighter drizzle, add a bit more juice.

Five frequently asked questions about this scones recipe

Other recipes to try

• Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
• Simple Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Simple Cinnamon Rolls – Ready in Just Over 1 Hour!

Simple Orange Cranberry Scones Recipe

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These Orange Cranberry Scones are proof that you don’t need a ton of time or fancy skills to bake up something delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a breakfast treat that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and will brighten up any morning. So, grab your apron and enjoy some homemade goodness with these easy-to-make scones!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 8 minutes minutes

Makes: 12 scones

janice

Ingredients

For the scones

• 2 c. all-purpose flour + ¼ c. for work surface
• 3 t. baking powder
• ½ c. granulated sugar
• ¼ t. salt
• ½ c. cold unsalted butter
• ½ c. heavy cream
• ¼ c. sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• ¼ t. orange extract
• 1 t. orange zest preferably organic
• 1 c. craisins

For the orange glaze

• 2/3 c. powdered sugar
• 1-2 T. fresh orange juice

Instructions

• Line a large, rimmed baking parchment paper or a Silpat® baking mat. Set aside.
• Mix two cups flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in butter with fork until butter is in pea-sized pieces.
  2 c. all-purpose flour + ¼ c. for work surface, 3 t. baking powder, ½ c. granulated sugar, ¼ t. salt, ½ c. cold unsalted butter
• In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest. Whisk to combine.
  ½ c. heavy cream, ¼ c. sour cream, 1 large egg, 1 t. vanilla extract, ¼ t. orange extract, 1 t. orange zest
• Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Add in the craisins and stir until just mixed.
  1 c. craisins
• Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour onto a clean work surface. Transfer scone batter onto floured surface and lightly knead into a ball. Press the dough down into a ½” high rectangle (approximately 6” x 10”). Cut in half lengthwise, and then each half into 3 rectangles. Then, cut each rectangle diagonally to create triangle-shaped pieces.
• Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1-2” between them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Pre-heat oven to 400°F, then add the baking sheet to oven when ready. Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes, or until they are nicely golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 5-10 minutes.
• While the scones are cooling, prepare the orange glaze by stirring the powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2/3 c. powdered sugar, 1-2 T. fresh orange juice
• Serve the scones warm drizzled with some of the orange glaze on top. Enjoy!

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