Our cranberry orange scones recipe delivers the same tender crumb, golden crust, and citrus-cranberry burst as the Starbucks version—but fresher, fluffier, and more flavorful. This foolproof guide includes expert techniques, ingredient insights, and tips for achieving coffeehouse-level scones in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅔ cup (160ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
Orange Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Scones
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Ensure the zest is evenly distributed to infuse citrus flavor throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Small pea-sized butter pieces should remain—these will create flakiness.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Add Cranberries
Fold in the cranberries with a spatula or clean hands. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 2–3 times to bring it together.
5. Shape and Cut
Form dough into a 7–8 inch disc about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 even wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the Dough
Place tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Chilling before baking helps the scones rise higher and maintain their shape.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops with cream. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before glazing.
8. Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones and allow to set for 10–15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Flaky, Moist Cranberry Orange Scones
- Use cold ingredients. Cold butter and cream help create layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough. A gentle touch ensures tenderness.
- Chill before baking. This minimizes spreading and enhances rise.
- Zest before juicing. Always zest your orange before cutting it for juice.
- Use a serrated knife or bench scraper for clean wedge cuts.
Serving Suggestions
| Occasion | Pairing |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Fresh orange slices, hot coffee |
| Brunch | Mimosas, quiche, yogurt parfaits |
| Afternoon Tea | Earl Grey or chamomile tea |
| Dessert | Vanilla ice cream & cranberry compote |
Serve warm or room temperature. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Short-Term Storage:
- Store unglazed scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- Glazed scones are best stored uncovered at room temp to avoid stickiness.
Freezing Instructions:
- Before Baking: Freeze shaped dough wedges on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
- After Baking: Cool completely, glaze if desired, and freeze individually wrapped. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in oven.
Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips for sweetness.
- Fresh Cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries and toss with 1 tsp sugar before folding in.
- Almond Orange: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and top with slivered almonds before baking.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute ½ the flour with whole wheat for a hearty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my scones dry?
Overbaking or overmixing the dough can cause dryness. Use heavy cream and avoid handling the dough too much.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Heavy cream provides richness. Milk can be used but will yield a less tender scone.
Can I make them vegan?
Use vegan butter, plant-based cream (like oat or soy), and a flax egg substitute.
Why didn’t my scones rise?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t skip the chilling step before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Scone, with glaze)
- Calories: 365
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
Conclusion
These cranberry orange scones are buttery, tangy, and delicately sweet—just like the Starbucks original, but better. With our technique and flavor-forward approach, you can bring bakery-style scones to your kitchen anytime. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, this recipe is a go-to for scone perfection.