Zesty Orange-Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Orange cranberry cream scones bring a burst of tangy brightness to traditional baked goods.

These delightful pastries combine unexpected flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Soft, tender textures emerge from carefully balanced ingredients that promise genuine satisfaction.

Rich dairy undertones complement zesty citrus notes, creating a sophisticated morning treat.

Delicate crumbs promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates breakfast or afternoon tea.

Bakers who appreciate nuanced flavor combinations will adore this elegant recipe approach.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone near.

Ingredients to Bake Orange, Cranberry Cream Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft, refined wheat flour provides the base structure for tender, light scones.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps scones rise and become fluffy.
• Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps with golden-brown exterior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Dried Cranberries, Orange Zest: Bright, tangy additions that bring vibrant flavor and colorful texture to the scones.

• Unsalted Butter, Cold Heavy Cream: Rich, high-fat dairy components create tender, flaky scone texture with luxurious mouthfeel. Choose butter with at least 83% butterfat for best results.

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Gather Dry Ingredients

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, orange zest, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until ingredients blend evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Butter Mixture

Cube cold butter and add to dry ingredients. Use fingertips to crumble butter into flour until mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Work swiftly to keep butter cold.

Step 3: Fold Cranberries

Gently fold diced cranberries into the flour-butter mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour cold heavy cream into the mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until dough starts to form.

Step 5: Knead Dough Lightly

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead briefly, no more than 8-10 times, just enough to bring ingredients together.

Step 6: Shape Scone Disc

Press dough into a round disc approximately 1.5 inches thick on the floured surface.

Step 7: Cut Scone Shapes

Use a round cutter or sharp knife to create scone shapes. Place cut scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 8: Collect Remaining Dough

Gather dough scraps, press together, and cut additional scones. Avoid overworking the dough.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 428°F (220°C). Position rack in the middle of the oven.

Step 10: Bake Golden Scones

Bake scones for 12-15 minutes until tops turn light golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

Optional Freezing Tip: Scones can be frozen before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Add 3-5 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm with clotted cream or orange marmalade for extra flavor.

Tips to Bake Perfect Creamy Citrus Scones

• Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Keep butter and cream super cold to ensure flaky, tender scones with distinct layers.
• Handle Dough Minimally: Work quickly and gently when mixing to prevent tough, dense scones from developing.
• Measure Precisely: Use proper measuring techniques for flour to avoid dry or overly wet dough that impacts texture.
• Customize Cranberry Variation: Swap fresh or dried cranberries based on availability, adjusting moisture content accordingly.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Prepare unbaked scones in advance and freeze, allowing spontaneous fresh-baked treats anytime.

Storing and Reheating Orange, Cranberry Scones Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and keep them fresh.
• Freeze: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated scones in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes. For frozen scones, thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside.

Great Pairings for Cranberry Orange Cream Scones

• Brew the Perfect Tea Companion: Pair these zesty orange cranberry scones with a classic Earl Grey tea. The bergamot's citrusy notes beautifully complement the orange zest, while the tea's delicate flavor enhances the scones' subtle sweetness.
• Create a Creamy Spread Sensation: Whip up a quick orange-honey butter by mixing softened butter with a touch of orange zest and honey. This luxurious spread adds an extra layer of richness that perfectly matches the scones' tender crumb.
• Elevate with a Fruity Preserves Twist: Serve alongside homemade cranberry or orange marmalade for a burst of complementary fruity flavors. The bright, tangy preserves cut through the scones' richness and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.
• Craft a Refreshing Citrus Beverage: Prepare a light orange-infused sparkling water or a fresh orange spritzer to cleanse the palate between bites. The crisp, citrusy drink harmonizes with the scones' vibrant orange and cranberry notes.

Flavorful Variations of Orange, Cranberry Cream Scones

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Swap cranberries with a mix of diced mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a vibrant, sunny flavor profile.
• Chocolate Walnut Indulgence: Replace cranberries with dark chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts, adding a rich, nutty complexity to the scones.
• Lavender Honey Elegance: Infuse the cream with dried lavender and drizzle honey over the scones after baking, creating a delicate, aromatic version that feels like a Mediterranean morning.
• Spiced Autumn Warmth: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced dried apples to transform the scones into a cozy, seasonal treat that captures the essence of fall.

Why Everyone Loves Orange, Cranberry Cream Scones

• Burst of Citrusy Freshness: The orange zest infuses these scones with a bright, vibrant flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a refreshing twist on traditional scone recipes.
• Quick and Easy Breakfast Delight: These scones come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or spontaneous breakfast cravings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Texture Sensation: Experience a magical combination of crispy golden edges and a tender, crumbly interior that melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of softness and crunch with every bite.
• Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Prep ahead and freeze the unbaked scones, giving you the flexibility to enjoy fresh, warm scones anytime without the hassle of making them from scratch every time.

Orange, Cranberry Cream Scones Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Buttery Orange Cranberry Cream Scones bring British bakery magic to your morning table. Delicate pastry studded with zesty orange and tart cranberries creates a perfect companion for afternoon tea or weekend brunch when you crave something special.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 280g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200–220 milliliters (1 cup) cold heavy cream
• 80g (½ cup) dried cranberries
• 70g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 40g (3 tablespoons) sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 15g (1 tablespoon) baking powder
• 3g (½ teaspoon) salt

Flavoring:

• Zest of 1 orange

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend flour, baking powder, sugar, zesty orange essence, and salt until uniform consistency is achieved.
2. Swiftly integrate cold butter cubes into the flour mixture, using fingertips to create a texture resembling rustic bread crumbs. Maintain a rapid technique to prevent butter from warming.
3. Delicately fold diced cranberries throughout the developing mixture, ensuring even distribution of the vibrant fruit pieces.
4. Introduce chilled heavy cream, gently stirring with a flexible spatula until the ingredients cohesively merge into a shaggy dough formation.
5. Transfer the fragile dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, performing minimal manipulation – no more than several gentle kneading motions to establish structural integrity.
6. Craft the dough into a robust circular disc, pressing firmly to approximately three centimeters in thickness.
7. Utilize a flour-coated circular cutter to extract uniform scone shapes, positioning each piece onto a parchment-lined baking sheet with modest separation between specimens.
8. Reassemble remaining dough fragments, pressing together and repeating cutting process to maximize ingredient utilization. Alternative method includes slicing into triangular wedges if circular cutter unavailable.
9. Optional preservation technique involves freezing prepared scones within a sealed container, maintaining quality for approximately seven days. When ready to bake, extend cooking duration by three to five minutes.
10. Position scones in a preheated oven calibrated to 220°C, positioning tray centrally. Bake until surfaces achieve a delicate golden-bronze coloration, typically requiring twelve to fifteen minutes of thermal transformation.

Notes

• Crafted with love, these scones blend zesty orange and tart cranberries for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Freezing option lets you prep ahead, enjoying fresh-baked goodness whenever cravings strike.
• Quick handling keeps butter cold, ensuring a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 309
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 124 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 64 mg