I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Orange Scones. My youngest was going through a picky eating phase, and I was desperate for something – anything – that she would happily eat. A friend suggested Cranberry Orange Scones, boasting about the bright flavors and comforting texture. I was skeptical, but willing to try anything!
The magic moment? When my daughter took her first bite. Her eyes lit up, and she declared them “yummy orange cookies!” From that day on, Cranberry Orange Scones became a regular in our home, a comforting treat that even my pickiest eater loved. It felt like a major win in my book.
These Cranberry Orange Scones bring a sense of warmth and togetherness to our table. It’s a cozy ritual that turns ordinary days into special ones. The simple act of baking together creates lasting memories – and fills the house with the most amazing aroma.
If you’re a fellow busy mom looking for simple comfort food wins, especially when it comes to yummy holiday scones, then keep reading! Let’s bring some joy to your kitchen, one delicious Cranberry Orange Scones at a time.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful Cranberry Orange Scones. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple. We’re all about easy comfort here!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, for brushing
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t stress! Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes. This easy swap brings the same tang and tenderness to your cranberry scones.
You can find all of these ingredients at your regular grocery store. I usually stock up on cranberries during the fall so that I can make these citrus scones year-round! This cranberry orange scones recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.
My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. It gives the orange zest scones a little extra warmth and coziness, especially during the colder months. This comfort hack changed our family’s love for all things scones.
Trust me, this Cranberry Orange Scones ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! I promise, you can make these tasty holiday scones!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Now, let’s get baking! These step-by-step instructions will guide you through making the most delicious Cranberry Orange Scones. Remember, it’s all about simple comfort and having fun in the kitchen!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Cranberry Orange Scones won’t stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the better the scones will be! This helps create those lovely flaky layers.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest. The orange zest is KEY to the flavor of these citrus scones!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough Cranberry Orange Scones.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or circles.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream or milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if using. This gives them a beautiful golden color and a little extra sparkle.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Your Cranberry Orange Scones should smell amazing by now.
- Let the scones cool on a wire rack before serving. This is the hardest part, I know!
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cranberry Orange Scones recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while they bake! Don’t worry if your Cranberry Orange Scones looks a little rustic. That’s part of their charm!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Orange Scones. I would often overmix the dough, resulting in tough scones. Learn from my experience: gentle mixing is key!
While your Cranberry Orange Scones are baking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! You’re doing a great job, mama!
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family loves enjoying these Cranberry Orange Scones warm from the oven with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream. They are also delicious with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. The kids devour these holiday scones when I serve them with a side of fresh fruit.
These comforting Cranberry Orange Scones are perfect for those cozy weekend brunches. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday breakfast spread.
For presentation, I like to arrange the cranberry scones on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh orange slices. It makes them look extra appealing.
If you have any leftover Cranberry Orange Scones (which is rare in our house!), they are delicious toasted the next day. You can also crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a tasty treat.
Sometimes, I like to get creative and add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough. It gives the scone recipe a nice crunch and nutty flavor. This Cranberry Orange Scones is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
My friends rave about these Cranberry Orange Scones whenever I make them. They are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about making Cranberry Orange Scones. I’m here to help you feel confident in the kitchen!
- Is this Cranberry Orange Scones recipe really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The combination of carbs, fats, and fruit makes these scones surprisingly satisfying. Serve them with a side of protein, like yogurt or eggs, for a more complete meal.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Cranberry Orange Scones? Start by letting them help you make them! Kids are more likely to try something they helped create. You can also try cutting the scones into fun shapes or adding a little drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- Can I meal prep this Cranberry Orange Scones for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also bake the scones ahead of time and freeze them. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries? Yes, you can! Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dough. You may also need to add a little extra flour to the dough if the fresh cranberries make it too wet.
- What can I substitute for orange zest if I don’t have any oranges? You can use lemon zest or grapefruit zest as a substitute. You can also add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
- How do I keep my scones from drying out? The key is to not overbake them. Bake them until they are golden brown, but still slightly soft in the center. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I make these Cranberry Orange Scones gluten-free? Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may also need to add a little xanthan gum to the dough to help bind it together.
- I find that scones are always dry. How can I avoid that? It is important that you use the correct measurements and also to not overbake them. Overbaking will result in dry scones.
Don’t hesitate to adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences. Baking should be fun and stress-free! If you like this scone recipe you might like these cranberry BBQ crockpot meatballs.
Final Thoughts:
These Cranberry Orange Scones are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring comfort and joy to your family’s table. They support my family’s comfort food goals because they are simple to make, delicious to eat, and create lasting memories. They are a quick bread that is easy to alter to fit the season.
My Cranberry Orange Scones Comfort Hacks:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
- Use different types of citrus zest, like lemon or grapefruit, for a unique flavor.
- Drizzle the warm scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or orange juice.
Some family-tested Cranberry Orange Scones variations that we love are adding white chocolate chips, using a maple glaze instead of powdered sugar, and adding pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. My husband prefers the version with white chocolate chips, while my kids love the one with maple glaze.
I encourage you to make this scone recipe your own! Experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect combination for your family.
I hope these Cranberry Orange Scones become a beloved tradition in your home, bringing warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to every meal. The addition of orange zest will make these holiday scones a real hit.
Ready to make the most comforting Cranberry Orange Scones ever? You’ve got this, mama! It’s also worth checking out this Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones – Sally’s Baking, this Cranberry Orange Scones | – Tastes Better From Scratch or even this Easy Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe!
Cranberry Orange Scones
These Cranberry Orange Scones are bursting with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries, perfect for a festive breakfast or afternoon treat. Lightly sweet and delightfully crumbly, they’re easy to make and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, for brushing
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
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, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, orange juice, and egg.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges.
- Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with clotted cream or orange marmalade for an extra touch of indulgence.