Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze

Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze are a delightful blend of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea treat. These scones are golden on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and infused with the refreshing aroma of fresh orange zest. Dried cranberries add pops of tangy sweetness that complement the bright citrus flavor beautifully.

Finished with a simple orange glaze, these scones look elegant and taste even better. This recipe celebrates the balance between buttery richness and fruity freshness, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast table or bakery display.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly combines the comforting texture of a buttery scone with the vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry. The citrusy aroma that fills the kitchen while baking is irresistible.

The tang of cranberries cuts through the richness of the dough, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s also one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This scone recipe is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and satisfying. It’s a perfect introduction to scone-making, even for beginners.

The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a fresh, bright flavor that stands out from traditional scones.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per scone
Cuisine: British / American
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, or Snack

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 medium orange)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (90 g) dried cranberries

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (adjust consistency)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients and orange zest.
3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Whisk wet ingredients and combine with dry mixture.
5. Fold in cranberries, shape the dough, and cut into triangles.
6. Bake until golden and drizzle with glaze once cooled.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough just starts to come together. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add the Cranberries
Fold in the dried cranberries evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges.

Step 8: Bake the Scones
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the scones cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled scones.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve these Cranberry Orange Scones warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped butter.

They make an excellent addition to breakfast platters, brunch tables, or afternoon snacks. The glaze adds sweetness, so they can also double as a light dessert.

Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter to create flaky, tender scones.
• Do not overmix the dough; this ensures a soft texture.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract.
• If using fresh cranberries, chop them and toss with a teaspoon of sugar before adding.
• Chill the shaped dough for 10 minutes before baking for higher-rise scones.

Variations for This Recipe

1. White Chocolate Cranberry Scones: Add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
2. Almond Cranberry Scones: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
4. Vegan Scones: Use plant-based butter and coconut milk instead of dairy products.
5. Lemon Cranberry Scones: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangy variation.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator; reheat before serving.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze shaped scones on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled baked scones for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Pastry cutter or two forks
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors baked into tender, buttery perfection. They’re simple to make yet elegant enough to impress guests at breakfast or brunch. The glaze enhances their flavor and gives them a bakery-style finish, while the cranberries add a satisfying chewiness to every bite.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers reliable, delicious results every time. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the comforting taste of homemade goodness in each crumbly, citrus-infused bite.