These easy cranberry scones are the perfect addition to any brunch table. Fluffy, lightly sweet, and packed with tangy cranberries, they’re the kind of treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of tea, or just in the mood for something a little special, these scones are sure to impress. The best part? They come together quickly, and you’ll have fresh, warm scones in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These cranberry scones are easy to make, with minimal effort required. The combination of fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest gives them a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea. Plus, they’re a delightful mix of tender and flaky, with a slight crunch on the outside. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, these scones are a foolproof way to elevate your brunch spread!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if preferred)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Full list of ingredients with measurements will be provided below.
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
Add the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, being careful not to crush them. If you’re using dried cranberries, they can be folded in the same way.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round disc, about 1-inch thick.
Cut the Scones
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, if using.
Bake the Scones
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cold Butter is Key: The colder the butter, the flakier the scones will be. Make sure to keep the butter chilled and work quickly when cutting it into the flour mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Cranberry Alternatives: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work well, or you could even use raisins or currants for a different twist.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the scones after they cool.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the cranberries.
- Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute and use a flax egg to make these scones vegan.
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use dried cranberries instead, though be sure to reduce the sugar slightly, as dried cranberries are often sweeter.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cranberry scones are perfect for pairing with:
- Coffee or Tea: Serve these scones alongside your favorite hot beverage, such as a smooth latte, chai tea, or freshly brewed coffee.
- Fruit Jam or Clotted Cream: A dollop of raspberry jam or a spoonful of clotted cream is a delicious addition to these scones.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with citrus, berries, and melon makes a perfect side dish to these sweet and tangy scones.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for about 20 seconds to warm them up.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these scones?
A: Yes! After cutting the dough into wedges, place the unbaked scones on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container, and bake them straight from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes when ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.
Q: Can I make these scones without orange zest?
A: Yes, you can skip the orange zest, or you could substitute it with lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A: Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples would be great in these scones. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed.
Conclusion
These easy cranberry scones are the perfect treat for your next brunch or breakfast gathering. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, a light and flaky texture, and a pop of citrus, they’re sure to impress your guests (or just be a cozy morning indulgence for yourself!). With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, they’re as easy as they are delicious. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Cranberry Scones for Your Next Brunch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, British
Description
These Easy Cranberry Scones are a delightful and quick addition to any brunch. With a perfect balance of sweet cranberries, a touch of orange zest, and a buttery, flaky texture, these scones are a crowd-pleaser. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute treat or special gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for the dough)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick and cut it into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These scones are perfect for adding a glaze! You can mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice and drizzle it over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg