Irresistible 8-Ingredient Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked scones on a crisp winter morning, especially when they’re these festive cranberry orange scones. Imagine biting into a tender, flaky scone bursting with sweet-tart cranberries and bright citrus zest—it’s like a holiday hug in every bite. I’ve been making these for years, and they’ve become a cherished tradition in our house. Whether it’s a snowy weekend breakfast or a cozy treat with afternoon tea, these scones are always a hit. They’re simple to make, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to holiday recipe too.

Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle when making perfect scones. Here’s what you’ll need for these festive cranberry orange beauties:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop!
• 1/4 cup sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries
• 1 tbsp baking powder – The secret to that perfect rise
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Cold and cubed (I pop mine in the freezer for 10 minutes first)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – Pack them in there for maximum fruity goodness
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest – Use a microplane for the finest zest
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – The richer, the better
• 1 large egg – Room temperature blends best

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start – scone dough comes together fast once you begin!

How to Make Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

Making these scones is easier than you think, and the process is so satisfying! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if there are a few pea-sized butter bits—those create flaky layers!

Stir in the dried cranberries and fresh orange zest until evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and egg together, then pour this into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until the dough just comes together—it’ll be a bit shaggy, and that’s okay! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick, then cut into 8 wedges. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly before digging in!

Shaping and Baking Tips

Here’s the trick to perfect scones: don’t overwork the dough! Once it comes together, stop mixing—overhandling makes them tough. When shaping, aim for that 1-inch thickness. Too thin, and they’ll dry out; too thick, and they won’t bake evenly. For a golden finish, brush the tops with a little extra cream before baking. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the edges are lightly browned and the tops feel firm to the touch. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love These Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

These scones have stolen hearts at every gathering I’ve brought them to—here’s why they’ll become your new favorite too:

• Quick to make – From bowl to oven in under 20 minutes, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or last-minute guests
• That zesty-sweet combo – The bright orange zest cuts through the rich dough while the cranberries add little bursts of tartness
• Cloud-like texture – Tender inside with just enough crumble, thanks to cold butter and careful mixing
• Holiday magic – They look and taste like Christmas, especially with a dusting of powdered sugar or a citrus glaze
• Gift-worthy – Package them in pretty boxes with ribbon—everyone adores homemade edible presents

Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why I make triple batches every December!

Festive Cranberry Orange Scones Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can switch it up! Try using fresh cranberries for extra tartness—just chop them roughly first. Lemon zest works beautifully if you’re out of oranges. Feeling fancy? Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. And for a sweeter touch, swap half the cranberries for white chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

These scones are perfect on their own, but they really shine with a little extra love. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. For something indulgent, spread on clotted cream or your favorite holiday jam—orange marmalade is a match made in heaven. Trust me, it’s the ultimate festive combo!

Storing and Reheating Festive Cranberry Orange Scones

These scones stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days—just pop them in an airtight container. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes, and they’ll taste like they’re fresh out of the oven!

Festive Cranberry Orange Scones FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried? Absolutely! Just chop them roughly and pat them dry with a paper towel first—they’ll add wonderful tartness. Frozen berries release more liquid, so you might need a touch more flour.

How do I keep my scones from drying out? Two secrets: don’t overmix the dough (stop as soon as it comes together), and pull them from the oven the second they’re golden. That cold butter creates steam pockets for maximum moisture!

What’s a good glaze alternative? Try mixing powdered sugar with orange juice until it’s drizzle-able, or go classic with a simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar. For extra sparkle, add a pinch of orange zest right on top.

Can I make the dough ahead? Yes! Shape the wedges, freeze them on a tray, then bake straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes. Perfect for holiday mornings when you want fresh scones with zero fuss.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on these festive cranberry orange scones: Each one packs about 250 calories with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Keep in mind—nutrition values vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients. The dried cranberries add natural sugars while the butter and cream create that irresistible richness. It’s a treat meant to be savored with your favorite warm beverage!

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