Orange Cranberry Cream Scones

These Orange Cranberry Cream Scones bring together the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange and the sweet-tart bite of dried cranberries in a flaky, buttery pastry. Their golden-brown crust gives way to a tender, moist crumb, making them an irresistible addition to your breakfast or afternoon tea spread.

Perfect for any occasion, these scones can be enjoyed as they are or enhanced with a drizzle of orange glaze. Whether paired with a steaming cup of tea or a freshly brewed coffee, their delightful aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a comforting treat all year round.

Full Recipe:

  • 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (15g) baking powder
  • 3 tbsp (40g) sugar
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup (80g) dried cranberries, diced
  • 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup (200-220ml) cold heavy cream (35-38% butter fat)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 428°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Stir in the diced cranberries.
  5. Pour in the cold heavy cream and mix with a spatula or fork until the dough just comes together.
  6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive dough (less than 10 kneads).
  7. Pat the dough into a 3-4 cm thick round disc.
  8. Using a floured round cutter (or knife), cut into 9-10 pieces.
  9. Arrange scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 3 cm apart.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  11. Serve warm with butter, jam, or an optional orange glaze.

Time & Nutrition:

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 250 kcal | Servings: 9-10 scones

Orange Cranberry Cream Scones: A Perfect Blend of Citrus and Sweetness

If you love the combination of tangy citrus and sweet dried fruit in a soft, buttery pastry, these Orange Cranberry Cream Scones are the ultimate treat. They are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavors that make them a delightful addition to breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. These scones have a rich, crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or a simple drizzle of orange glaze.

The History of Scones

Scones have a long and cherished history, originating from Scotland and spreading throughout the United Kingdom as a staple of afternoon tea. The traditional scone was made with oats and baked on a griddle before evolving into the oven-baked, flour-based versions we know today. Scones became famous worldwide, particularly in British and American baking, where they are enjoyed in various flavors, shapes, and textures.

The addition of cream, butter, and fruit has modernized scones, making them even more tender and flavorful. While classic British scones are often plain and served with clotted cream and jam, American-style scones are typically richer, sweeter, and filled with ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Why These Scones Are Special

These Orange Cranberry Cream Scones stand out due to their delicate balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky dough is enriched with heavy cream, which gives the scones their signature soft and moist texture. The dried cranberries add a natural sweetness and a slight chewiness, while the fresh orange zest brightens up each bite with a vibrant citrus aroma.

Unlike traditional scone recipes that require cutting in butter with a pastry cutter, this version uses a simpler technique, allowing the butter to be worked in by hand. This method ensures that the butter remains cold, creating those desirable flaky layers when baked. Additionally, because this is a one-bowl recipe, it requires minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for home bakers looking for an easy yet impressive treat.

The Secret to the Perfect Scone Texture

Achieving the perfect scone texture requires a few key techniques:

  • Cold Ingredients: Keeping the butter and cream as cold as possible prevents the scones from becoming dense. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a light, airy crumb.
  • Gentle Mixing: Overmixing the dough can develop gluten, making the scones tough instead of tender. A light hand while kneading will ensure a soft, delicate texture.
  • Proper Shaping: Pressing the dough into a round disc and cutting it into wedges (or circles) ensures that the scones bake evenly. Twisting a cutter can prevent the dough from rising properly, so it’s essential to make clean cuts.
  • High Baking Temperature: Scones bake best at a high temperature, allowing the butter to quickly release steam and create a golden-brown crust with a soft interior.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Orange Cranberry Cream Scones is their versatility. The base recipe can be easily modified to create different flavors while maintaining the same buttery texture and light crumb.

  • Lemon Cranberry Scones: Swap the orange zest for lemon zest for a brighter, tangier flavor.
  • White Chocolate Cranberry Scones: Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-like version.
  • Almond Orange Scones: Add slivered almonds for a nutty crunch and a touch of almond extract for extra depth.
  • Spiced Cranberry Scones: Enhance the holiday flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
  • Glazed Scones: Drizzle the scones with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice for extra sweetness and moisture.

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can also be adapted:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Reduced Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet scone, reduce the sugar slightly or use honey instead.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

These scones are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with simple accompaniments to create a full tea-time experience.

  • Clotted Cream & Jam: The classic British pairing enhances the rich, buttery texture of the scones.
  • Honey Butter: A spread of whipped butter with a drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese Spread: A tangy cream cheese frosting pairs well with the citrusy flavors.
  • Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added freshness.
  • Tea & Coffee: These scones pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or freshly brewed coffee.

For a holiday twist, serve these scones warm with spiced apple cider or mulled wine, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Freshly baked scones are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can also be stored and frozen for later.

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
  • Freezing Before Baking: Unbaked scones can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a ziplock bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the bake time.
  • Freezing After Baking: Fully baked scones can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Baking these Orange Cranberry Cream Scones is a fantastic way to bring the warmth and comfort of homemade baked goods into your home. They are:

✔️ Easy to make – With just a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip up a batch.
✔️ Full of flavor – The sweet-tart cranberries and fresh orange zest make these scones incredibly refreshing.
✔️ Perfectly textured – Buttery, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
✔️ Great for all occasions – Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special afternoon treat, these scones always impress.

Conclusion

The combination of bright citrus zest and juicy cranberries makes these Orange Cranberry Cream Scones an irresistible treat that is perfect for any season. Whether you’re preparing a holiday brunch, a cozy breakfast, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these scones are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to every bite. Their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavors make them a must-try recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

So, the next time you’re looking for a warm, buttery treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of citrus and fresh baking, give these Orange Cranberry Cream Scones a try. You’ll love every crumb!

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