Cranberry, Orange, Butter.. what else could you ever need??

Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy morning at home or impressing guests at brunch, these homemade scones bring a touch of warmth and elegance to any occasion. Dive in and discover how the best scone recipe can transform your breakfast routine!

If you’re anything like me, you start every day with a cup of coffee. One of my favorite things is to have a special treat to pair with my morning coffee. Imagine starting your day with the delicious aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen. This is truly the best scone recipe. It blends tangy cranberries and zesty orange, with the most delicious buttery pastry. Their flaky texture and subtly sweet flavor make them an ideal partner for a steaming cup of coffee, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning moment or sharing a lively brunch with friends. Elevate your coffee break with these tasty homemade scones, and indulge in a little extra joy with each bite.

Heavy Cream vs Buttermilk

I use heavy cream in this recipe, but if you don’t have heavy cream on hand you can swap it for buttermilk. The difference? Heavy cream has a high fat content, so it yields a more rich, velvety scone with a moist and flaky texture. Buttermilk creates a lighter, fluffier scone due to its acidity, which reacts with leavening agents to create a delightful rise and adds a tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste. Whether you prefer the creaminess of heavy cream or the subtle tang of buttermilk, experimenting with both can lead to deliciously unique scone variations.

Tips and Tricks

When it comes to making homemade scones, I have a few tips that can make all the difference in achieving that perfect, flaky texture. First and foremost, use cold butter; I keep mine in the freezer until I’m ready to incorporate it. This is what creates those fluffy layers in the scones. Next, make sure your heavy cream is cold for the best results. When mixing the ingredients, try not to overwork the dough—just combine it until it’s barely mixed. The heat from your hands can melt the butter, so handle the dough as little as possible. (Theme here – keep that butter as cold as possible until the scones are in the oven!) Once you’ve cut your scones into shape, let the dough rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking; this helps them maintain their shape and ensures a tender crumb. Following these tips will set you on the path to scone perfection!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 scones

For the Scones:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup to toss with the cranberries)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter, diced
4 large eggs
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 cup dried cranberries
1 egg, beaten + 2 tablespoons of water (for egg wash)

For the Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice (plus or minus a tablespoon, as needed)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
Add the cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients. Use the electric mixer on low (fitted with the paddle attachment) to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
With the mixer on low, add the eggs one by one. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Mix until just combined. It should look a bit lumpy.
Mix the Cranberries with a bit of flour (1/4 cup). Add to the dough and mix until just combined.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently kneed into a ball. Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough into a 1 inch thick slab (you can also gently press with your hands). Then, you can use a circular cookie cutter to cut out individual scones (my favorite) or you can just cut into triangles.
Place your scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg (or heavy cream if you fancy) and sprinkle with a little sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
While the scones are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with the orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice if needed.
Once the scones are done baking, let them cool on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones and let it set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Scones! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a yummy snack. It’s truly best scone recipe. Happy Baking!!