Cranberry Orange Scones

These homemade Cranberry Orange Scones are buttery and delicious and packed with tart cranberries and warm fall spices. It’s an easy and festive recipe perfect for fall breakfasts and afternoon teas. And they’re an ideal Thanksgiving or holiday breakfast or dessert option!

I love making homemade scones, and these Cranberry Orange scones might just be my new favorite. They’re packed with festive fall flavors like cranberry and orange and swimming with warm spices.

These Cranberry and Orange Scones are an easy recipe made with just a few simple ingredients you might even already have in your kitchen.

They’re a great option for holiday breakfasts or potlucks, and make a great afternoon or late-night snack option with some hot tea.

Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Scones

• Delicious – These delicious cranberry orange scones are packed with tart cranberries and flavored with warm spices for an easy bread.
• Easy Recipe –  This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand     
• Festive – The cranberry and orange flavor of these buttery scones is full of seasonal flavors. These are perfect for a fall or winter tea or as a Thanksgiving breakfast.

Orange Cranberry Scone Ingredients

Use fresh ingredients for the best results in texture and flavor.

All Purpose Flour – use your favorite trusted GF all-purpose flour for a gluten free option.

Sugar – Granulated sugar

Baking Powder – Make sure it’s fresh and not expired for the best rise results. Also, this is not the same as baking soda.

Salt

Butter – Use cold butter. I use cold unsalted butter, but you can use either type. Cut into small pieces or use a grater.

Heavy Cream

Egg – I use large, fresh eggs for my recipes.

Dried Cranberries – Fresh can also be used. See the Substitution Section for tips.

Orange Zest – be sure to wash and dry your oranges first

Equipment Needed To Make 

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry blender Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour. The pastry blender is an awesome tool and not very expensive. 
• Cutting board 
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet

Substitutions & Alterations

• You can use fresh cranberries in place of dried cranberries. Just be sure to wash and drain them first. 
• Use a trusted gluten free flour for GF scones.
• Use lemon zest in place of the orange zest.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• You can drizzle a little orange glaze made with powdered sugar icing on these if you want. Just mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon each of water and orange juice and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• You can replace the cranberries with golden raisins or dried dates.

How to Make the Best Cranberry Orange Scones

This is an abbreviated Step by Step Instructions overview. Find the full instructions in the recipe card below. 

Step 1 –  In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together.

Step 2 – Add the butter.

Step 3 – Fold in cranberries and orange. Make 2 dough circles on a lightly floured surface. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife.

Step 4 – Freeze the wedges for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake as directed in the recipe card instructions.

Serve and enjoy!

Time-Saving Tips to make the Best Cranberry Orange Scones

• Freeze the butter and use a box grater for small butter pieces. Tip – freeze butter for 15 minutes in the freezer first. Then grate the butter.
• Try not to overwork the dough.
• Double the recipe and freeze one batch for later.
• Prepare dry ingredients ahead of time and store until ready to bake
• Store leftovers in an airtight container.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones

• Serve these delicious scones with whipped cream or clotted cream.
• Have them with your morning or afternoon tea or coffee.
• As part of a pastry platter for holiday brunch or breakfast

How to Store Homemade Scones

Allow the baked scones to cool completely before covering or storing to avoid any condensation forming.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow refrigerated scones to sit out a little or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to soften them up a little bit.

You can also freeze these homemade scones for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen scones for a few hours at room temp.

More Delicious Scone Recipes

Apricot Scones

Blueberry Scones

Easy Pumpkin Scones

Cinnamon Scones

Raspberry White Chocolate Scones

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