If you’re looking for a baked treat that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and a pop of tart sweetness, these cranberry orange scones are exactly what you need. They’re buttery, flaky, and perfectly balanced with the tang of fresh cranberries and the zest of orange. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The perfect mix of tart cranberries and sweet orange.
- Soft and tender inside with a slightly crisp golden top.
- Simple to make no fancy equipment needed.
- Ideal for holiday mornings or cozy weekends.
Serves, Prep & Cook Time
- Serves: 8 scones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, halved (or dried cranberries)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Orange Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons orange juice
How to make Cranberry Orange Scones
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work it into the flour until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and gently stir until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a circle about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges. Place on baking sheet and brush with cream.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle over cooled scones.
These cranberry orange scones are sweet, tangy, and so festive the perfect recipe for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or a drizzle of glaze for a little extra indulgence.

Cranberry Orange Scones
Description
If you’re looking for a baked treat that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and a pop of tart sweetness, these cranberry orange scones are exactly what you need. They’re buttery, flaky, and perfectly balanced with the tang of fresh cranberries and the zest of orange. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Optional Orange Glaze
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work it into the flour until crumbly.
-
Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
-
In another bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and gently stir until a dough forms.
-
Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a circle about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges. Place on baking sheet and brush with cream.
-
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
-
Mix powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle over cooled scones.