Cranberry Orange Scone

Cranberry Orange Scones are some of the best scones ever! A dense batter with dried cranberries and flavored with orange zest that bakes up moist and tender.

The Best Scone Recipe!

For a long time, I had a sort of love-hate thing about scones. In theory, I loved the idea of an airy, lightly sweetened pastry made with lots of butter. But most of the time, the scones I had eaten were too dry and too heavy – a total disappointment.

THEN…this recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones came into my life. My sister-in-law Pam baked these scones one time when our family was visiting. One bite in – I knew that we had struck gold! 

These scones are tender and almost flaky, moist, perfectly sweetened, and when served warm out of the oven…the scones of my dreams!

A Scone Recipe for any Mix-Ins

We made these delicious scones with dried cranberries and a little orange zest mixed into the dough, but you can change things up based on what you have in your pantry. Try mixing in raisins, currants, chocolate chips, or even some fresh blueberries.

Also, Pam’s original scones did not include the orange glaze that we added to today’s version. The glaze is totally optional, and these scones are delicious with or without it.

• This delicious scone recipe is super easy and versatile. Serve them plain or mix in dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or berries.
• You can make the scone dough ahead of time, then bake just before serving so your guests can enjoy them right out of the oven.
• These scones will stay moist and fresh for a few days – if they last that long!

• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Orange Zest
• Eggs
• Plain Yogurt – Use full-fat yogurt or sour cream for the richest results.
• Dried Cranberries – Or raisins, chocolate chips, currants, berries, etc.
• Optional Glaze – Orange juice and confectioner’s sugar.

1. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat butter in the bowl of a stand mixer until creamy.
3. Add sugar and beat three minutes on high until pale and fluffy.
4. Add orange zest and mix until well blended.
5. Mix in eggs one at a time until well blended.
6. Slowly add the flour and baking powder mixture, mixing well.
7. Add yogurt and mix well until combined in the dough.
8. Add cranberries and mix again.
9. Chill for at least 45 minutes. (You can even chill the dough overnight if you prefer.)
10. Divide the scone dough into 12 portions. (See Baking Tips below.)
11. Place portions onto an ungreased baking sheet.
12. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
13. Turn down oven to 325 degrees F. and bake for 10-13 minutes more until golden.
14. If adding the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Use the whisk to drizzle the glaze over each scone.

• Can I make these Cranberry Orange Scones ahead of time? You can, but they are absolutely the best when served warm out of the oven. If you’d like, you can mix the dough the night before and chill overnight, then bake them fresh for breakfast or brunch the following morning.
• How do I store any leftovers? Place them in a zipper seal bag with as much air squeezed out as possible, or in an air tight container and store at room temperature for up to three days.
• Can I freeze these scones? Yes. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Thaw before serving.

This Cranberry Orange Scones recipe originally appeared on A Family Feast in October 2012. We’ve updated the post and photos, but the delicious recipe remains the same.