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Cranberry Orange Scones Easy Recipe with Fresh Citrus Glaze

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Fluffy, tender scones bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, finished with a fresh citrus glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch, gifting, or a cozy breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (about 1 large orange)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 large egg, cold
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved or whole
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Rub zest into sugar for extra flavor.
  3. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Cut in with a pastry cutter, two forks, or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, orange juice, and cold egg.
  5. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in cranberries and optional nuts.
  6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle (about 8 inches across).
  7. Cut circle into 8 equal wedges. Arrange on baking sheet, spaced apart for crisp edges or close for softer centers.
  8. Bake 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and set. Rotate pan halfway through for even browning.
  9. Transfer scones to wire rack. Cool at least 10 minutes before glazing.
  10. For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  11. Drizzle or spoon glaze over cooled scones. Let set 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, keep all ingredients cold and avoid overmixing. You can substitute dried cranberries (soaked in warm water for 5 minutes), use gluten-free flour, or make vegan adaptations. Scones freeze well and can be reheated in the oven. For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange scones, citrus glaze, breakfast, brunch, easy scone recipe, homemade scones, bakery style, holiday baking, fruit scones, quick scones

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cranberry-orange-scones-easy-recipe-with-fresh-citrus-glaze/