If you’re looking for a simple and delicious treat, cranberry scones are a great choice. They are soft, flaky, and have a nice blend of tart cranberries and a touch of sweetness that makes them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You don’t need many ingredients, and the recipe is easy to follow.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Making cranberry scones at home is simple, and the result is a warm, tender pastry with a golden crust and juicy bursts of cranberry flavor. Adding a bit of orange zest or a light glaze can make them even more special. Whether you want a quick snack or something to share with friends, these scones are a tasty option you’ll enjoy making.
Related Recipe: Blackberry Scones Easy Recipe for a Summer Breakfast Treat
Homemade Cranberry Scones Recipe
This recipe uses fresh cranberries, a touch of orange zest, and rich butter to create tender, flaky scones. You’ll find clear steps, key ingredients, tips for fluffiness, plus easy advice for making ahead and storing your scones.
Related Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Scones Recipe for Thanksgiving Brunch
Cranberry Scones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, chopped)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 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, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cranberries so they are evenly distributed.
Related Recipe: Easy Cheese Scones for Cozy Fall Evenings
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together. Pat into a circle about 1-inch thick.
Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Related Recipe: Best Blueberry Scone Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Treat
Tips for Fluffy Scones
Keep your butter cold to create layers that bake into flakiness.
Don’t overwork the dough — mix until just combined to avoid toughness.
Use fresh baking powder to ensure a good rise.
Related Recipe: Cozy Holiday Baking: Classic Scones Recipe
Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if your kitchen feels warm.
Cut scones evenly to cook through at the same rate.
Brushing with cream right before baking helps a golden crust form.
Related Recipe: 6 Best Holiday Scones Recipes for Festive Baking
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare scones dough a day ahead and keep it chilled, then bake fresh when ready.
Alternatively, bake the scones and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Store leftover scones in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigeration is okay but may dry them out.
Freezing before or after baking both work well.
Serving and Flavor Variations
You can change up your cranberry scones with different toppings, swap some ingredients, and find perfect drinks or sides to enjoy them with. These small tweaks can make your scones taste fresh every time you make them.
Topping Ideas
Try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice to add a sweet, citrusy touch. You can also spread butter or cream cheese on warm scones for a rich, creamy finish.
If you want something crunchy, sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking. A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup works well too.
For a little extra burst of flavor, dust your scones with cinnamon or nutmeg after baking. This pairs nicely with the tart cranberries.
Ingredient Swaps
You can add orange zest or a teaspoon of orange extract to bring a fresh, tangy flavor to your scones. This complements the cranberries beautifully.
If you don’t want to use eggs, try replacing them with applesauce for a mild fruity taste and moist texture. Half-and-half or heavy cream will make your dough more rich and tender.
To make scones a bit healthier, swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Keep in mind that this may make the texture slightly denser.
Pairing Suggestions
Cranberry scones taste great with a warm cup of tea, like Earl Grey or chamomile. These teas bring out the scones’ fruity tang without overpowering them.
Coffee, especially a light roast, also pairs well with scones. Its slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the fruit and glaze.
For a fun brunch, serve your scones alongside sliced fresh fruit or a small bowl of yogurt. This adds variety and keeps things light.
Follow my Christmas Recipes board on Pinterest.