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This time of year, I find myself drawn to the warmth and comfort of baking. There’s something magical about spending a winter morning in the kitchen, with the aroma of fresh dough and citrus filling the air. It’s the perfect way to embrace the coziness of the season, especially when the weather outside is frosty. One of my favorite winter baking projects is these cranberry orange scones. They’re easy to make, absolutely delicious, and a seasonal staple in our home.
I love fresh cranberries and can never resist stocking up when I find a great deal. This week, I hit the jackpot at Aldi and bought 10 bags for less than a dollar each! Cranberries are so versatile, and I know I’ll find plenty of ways to use them, but this recipe is always one of my first picks. Their tartness adds such a bright, fresh flavor to the scones, especially when paired with sweet, juicy oranges—which are also at their peak and also affordable right now. Together, these two ingredients create a flavor pairing that’s both cheerful and comforting, making these scones a must-bake this season.
These scones are tender and buttery, with bursts of cranberry in every bite, and they’re topped with a sweet, tangy orange glaze that takes them to the next level. Whether I’m enjoying them with my family on a quiet morning or baking them to share with friends, they always feel like a little celebration of the season. Let me guide you through the steps to make these delightful winter favorites—you’ll love how simple and rewarding they are to bake!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones
For the Scone Dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, plus extra for brushing
- Juice of 1 freshly squeezed orange (approx. 3–4 Tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp salted butter (melted)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, a quick spritz of baking spray works just as well.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, rub the granulated sugar and orange zest together with your fingertips or spoon. This releases the orange oils and infuses the sugar with citrusy goodness. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or a stand mixer set to low speed, work the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized bits of butter scattered throughout.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, and almond extract. Pour this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the dough is a little shaggy at this point. Add the fresh cranberries and fold them in gently.
5. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 triangles (like slicing a pizza).
6. Bake the Scones
Arrange the scones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Let the scones cool on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.
7. Make the Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice (starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if needed), orange zest, and melted butter. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
8. Glaze the Scones
Drizzle the glaze generously over the scones once they’ve cooled slightly. The orange zest adds a beautiful pop of color and a touch of extra citrusy flavor.
A Delicious Winter Treat
There you have it — cranberry orange scones with a vibrant, fresh orange glaze that perfectly complements the tart cranberries and sweet citrusy dough. My family absolutely loves these, and I bet yours will too. Let me know how yours turn out—I’d love to hear!
Glazed Cranberry Orange Scones
Equipment
Ingredients
Scone Dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream plus extra for brushing
- Juice of 1 orange approx. 3–4 Tbsp
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 –4 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp Butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, rub sugar and orange zest together, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry cutter (or mix on low) until crumbly.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg, sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, and almond extract. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in cranberries.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch-thick circle, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Arrange wedges on the baking sheet, brush tops with heavy cream, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Gradually whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and melted butter together, adding the orange juice a little at a time. Adjust the amount of juice as needed to achieve your desired consistency—use less for a thicker glaze or more for a thinner drizzle. Mix until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled scones and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra golden tops, sprinkle a pinch of sugar before baking.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
More to Explore
If you loved this recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorite cozy and seasonal recipes! Here are a few delicious options to inspire your next baking or cooking adventure:
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