There’s something undeniably special about a batch of Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones cooling on the counter. The scent of fresh orange zest mingling with buttery dough instantly makes the kitchen feel cozy and inviting. These scones are tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and studded with tart cranberries that balance perfectly with a sweet, citrusy glaze.
They’re the kind of baked good that feels right at home on a holiday breakfast table, at a weekend brunch, or alongside a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. While they look like something you’d find in a bakery display case, these scones are surprisingly simple to make at home, with ingredients you likely already have.
Why You’ll Love Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones
These scones strike that perfect balance between sweet and tart, rich and refreshing.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- They’re soft, tender, and bakery-style
- The orange glaze adds bright, fresh flavor
- Cranberries provide a lovely tart contrast
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Great for holidays and special occasions
- Easy to make ahead
Once you try them, they quickly become a favorite for cozy mornings and festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These orange glazed cranberry scones rely on classic baking ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Scones:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold butter, cubed
- Fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
- Heavy cream or milk
- Egg
- Orange zest
- Vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
Using fresh orange zest makes a big difference in flavor, giving the scones a bright, natural citrus aroma.
How to Make Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a consistent rise.
2. Cut in the butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key to flaky scones.
3. Add cranberries and zest
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Don’t overmix — a light hand keeps the scones tender.
5. Shape the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges using a sharp knife.
6. Bake
Place the scones on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until lightly golden on top and cooked through.
7. Make the glaze
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth and pourable.
8. Glaze and serve
Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm scones. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones
These scones are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple additions.
Serve them with:
- Hot coffee or tea
- A latte or cappuccino
- Fresh fruit on the side
- Soft butter or clotted cream
- Yogurt for a brunch spread
They’re perfect for relaxed mornings or entertaining guests.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Use cold butter for flaky texture
- Don’t overmix the dough
- Fresh zest gives the best flavor
- Pat, don’t roll, the dough
- Glaze while slightly warm so it sets nicely
- Cut with a sharp knife for clean edges
These small details help create bakery-quality results.
Easy Variations to Try
Orange glazed cranberry scones are easy to adapt.
Dried Cranberry Version
Use dried cranberries for a slightly sweeter bite.
Lemon Cranberry Scones
Swap orange zest and juice for lemon.
White Chocolate Cranberry
Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Whole Wheat Version
Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier scone.
Holiday Spice
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Each variation keeps the cozy base while offering a new twist.
Make Ahead & Storage
These scones store well and are great for planning ahead.
- Room temperature: store up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: freeze unglazed scones up to 2 months
- Reheat: warm gently before glazing or serving
If freezing, add the glaze after thawing for best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the dough
- Using warm butter
- Skipping zest
- Baking too long
- Adding glaze to piping-hot scones
Avoiding these ensures soft, tender scones every time.
Why These Scones Are So Popular
Orange and cranberry are a classic pairing for a reason. The citrus brightens the rich, buttery dough, while the cranberries add pops of tartness that keep each bite interesting. These scones feel festive without being overly sweet, making them ideal for everything from holiday breakfasts to everyday treats.
They’re also versatile elegant enough for guests, simple enough for everyday baking.
Final Thoughts
Orange Glazed Cranberry Scones are the kind of baked good that instantly makes a moment feel special. Tender, buttery scones paired with tart cranberries and finished with a bright orange glaze create a treat that’s comforting, fresh, and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend morning, or just because, these scones deliver bakery-style flavor right from your own kitchen.
Once you bake them, don’t be surprised if they become a seasonal tradition 🍊🍒✨