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Homemade Cranberry Orange Scones (Bakery-Style) recipe photo

Cranberry Orange Scones (Bakery-Style)

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat! Fluffy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect with coffee or tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Scones:
  • 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour the base of your scone, providing structure
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder leavens the scones, making them light and fluffy
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed; provides a hint of caramel flavor
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest finely grated; infuses the scones with bright citrus flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom an aromatic spice that complements the orange beautifully
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter very cold and cut into tiny pieces; ensures a tender, flaky texture
  • 1 large egg cold; helps bind the ingredients together
  • 1 large egg yolk cold; adds richness to the dough
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream makes the scones rich and moist
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract enhances overall flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract optional but highly recommended; intensifies the orange flavor
  • 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries do not thaw; provides bursts of tartness
  • 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash); gives the scones a golden finish
  • 1 teaspoon water helps thin the egg wash
  • 2 tablespoons sparkling sugar optional; adds a beautiful crunch and sparkle
For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar sifted; for the glaze
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice adds flavor to the glaze
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest finely grated; enhances the glaze with extra citrus notes
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a hint of warmth in the glaze
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt optional but recommended; cuts the sweetness of the glaze

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutter or knife
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep - Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Cut in the Butter - Add the very cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
  4. Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold egg, cold egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  6. Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries - Gently fold in the cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Step 7: Shape the Dough - Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into 8 equal wedges.
  8. Step 8: Prepare for Baking - Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the scones and sprinkle with sparkling sugar if desired.
  9. Step 9: Bake - Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Step 10: Make the Glaze - While the scones are baking, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  11. Step 11: Drizzle and Enjoy - Once the scones are out of the oven, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure your butter is very cold for optimal flakiness.
  • Don’t overmix the dough; it should be slightly crumbly.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor—frozen cranberries can work but ensure they are not thawed.
  • Let the scones cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.