• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Proportional Plate
  • RECIPES
  • LIFESTYLE
  • DESIGN
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • LIFESTYLE
  • DESIGN
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • LIFESTYLE
    • DESIGN
    • ABOUT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sweets

    Cranberry Orange Scones

    Published: Oct 27, 2020 Modified: Oct 27, 2020 by Candice

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Buttering a scone with title text.
    Buttering a scone on a white plate with title text.
    Stack of scones with title text.

    Cranberry and orange is a classic combination for the holidays, and these scones make a scrumptious treat. This recipe makes the fluffiest scones you will ever have! I think scones need to be light and fluffy, and these deliver!

    Three fruit scones stacked on top of each other.
    TABLE OF CONTENTS hide
    1 Why You Should Make This Recipe
    2 Ingredients
    3 Orange Honey Butter Recipe
    4 Step-by-Step Recipe
    5 Cranberry Scone FAQs
    6 More Cranberries!
    7 Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Honey Butter

    Why You Should Make This Recipe

    I am not a fan of dense or crunchy scones. Some scone recipes are very heavy, which means it gets hard to eat even one whole scone. There's a reason that traditional British scones are served in halves with jam and cream - it's needed to cut through the heaviness!

    These tart cranberry orange scones, however, are unlike your normal firm, dense scone. They're as fluffy as can be and are infused with light orange zest and rich cranberry.

    The cranberries mixed throughout have a tart flavor, and the orange zest adds a light citrus element, both of which cut through the (usually heavy) scone batter.

    Instead of rolling the scones, we are lightly mixing and adding them as dollops of dough to the baking sheet. This keeps them light and fluffy.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for cranberry orange scone recipe.

    fresh cranberries - you can also use dried cranberries in this recipe, but to keep the recipe tart, as intended, make sure your dried cranberries do not have any added sugar.

    heavy cream - the heavy cream reacts with the acid of the oranges and curdles to create butter and buttermilk. If you do not want to make the butter from scratch, you can purchase buttermilk and butter, instead. However, you will not get the orange and honey flavor infused into it as you would with this recipe.

    turbinado sugar - has a slightly caramel flavor that I find lovely, especially in this recipe. You can also substitute with raw cane sugar or granulated sugar if you cannot find it.

    Orange Honey Butter Recipe

    A key part of this recipe is the incredible orange honey butter. You will need to make this first before progressing with your scones.

    Add cream, the zest of 1 orange, honey, and pinch of salt to a food processor (photo 1). Blend for 4-5 minutes, until the liquid separates (photo 2). The solids in the mixture are the butter you will use to spread on the scones, and the liquid is the buttermilk you will use in the scone recipe.

    Making butter in a food processor.

    Strain over a bowl to separate the two, and set the butter aside (photos 1 & 2 below). If you have a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, you can use it to help to squeeze the butter and separate it completely from the buttermilk out (photo 3).

    Straining butter in a nut milk bag over a bowl.

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Pre-heat your oven to 350F. Put the cranberries on a baking tray, and roast them for 20 minutes (photo 1). When baked, toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside for later (photo 2).

    Roasting cranberries on a baking sheet.

    You may wish to use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries. You will need 1 and ½ cups of dried cranberries to replace the freshly roasted cranberries in this recipe.

    Now for the scone dough. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, zest of the second orange, salt, and the cold cubes of butter to a food processor (photo 1 below). Pulse the mixture until it is the texture of breadcrumbs.

    Add the pulsed mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup buttermilk, and mix to combine the ingredients (photos 2 & 3). You can add more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. You may not need more, just see how your dough feels as you stir.

    Next, add the roasted cranberries (photo 4). Gently fold them in with a spoon or spatula (photo 5). The dough should not be a liquid or tight mixture (photo 6).

    Mixing cranberry scone dough in a bowl.

    You don't need to rest your scone dough before transferring to a baking sheet. Other recipes may call for resting, but with this recipe the dough is ready to cook as soon as the cranberries are combined. If you're not ready to bake just yet, your scone dough can be stored in the refrigerator overnight and baked the next day. Perfect if you're looking to save time and make ahead!

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or similar (I'm using a silicone baking mat). With a pastry brush, brush a small amount of buttermilk in the 6 spots where you will put the scones. This will keep them from sticking during baking.

    Mould your dough into 6 evenly sized scones. Try not over-handle the mixture while doing this. When placed on your sheet, brush the tops of each dough form with some more buttermilk.

    Fruit scones on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

    Bake the scones for 17-20 minutes. Once baked, place on a wire cooling rack. Once cooled enough, serve the cranberry orange scones immediately with your delicious orange honey butter!

    If you do want to freeze the scones for later, you can! Let the scones cool completely before freezing, and place them in an airtight container for maximum freshness. To defrost for serving, let your scones thaw to room temperature and then pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes.

    Cranberry Scone FAQs

    Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

    Yes, but to maintain the tartness of this recipe, use unsweetened cranberries. In this recipe, you will need 1 cup of dried cranberries. Soak them in liquid for 10 minutes before baking so they plump up.

    How do I get these scones to be fluffy?

    We are using both baking powder and baking soda. Make sure both are within the expiration dates. Also, do not overwork the dough. Mix until they just barely come together.

    Do I need to cook the cranberries before baking?

    Yes, fresh cranberries need to be cooked before using, either on the stovetop or in the oven.

    Can you eat raw cranberries?

    Yes! They are delicious chopped or pulsed in a food processor and used in relishes, smoothies, or salad dressings.

    Hands spreading butter on a scone.

    More Cranberries!

    I love using cranberries when they are in season, and here are my favorite ways:

    • Cranberry Thyme Shrub
    • 3-Ingredient Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Cranberry Brie Crostini with Apples & Thyme

    ★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

    I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m up to.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 25 votes

    Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Honey Butter

    Cranberry & orange is a classic combination for the holidays, & these scones make a scrumptious treat. This recipe makes the fluffiest scones ever!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Kosher, Vegetarian
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 863kcal
    Author: Candice

    Ingredients

    • 1 quart heavy cream
    • zest of 2 oranges
    • ¼ cup honey
    • pinch salt
    • ½ lb. cranberries fresh
    • 2 cups all‐purpose flour
    • ⅓ cup turbinado sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¾ stick cold unsalted butter cubed
    • 1 cup buttermilk do not purchase (leftover from orange butter)

    Instructions

    Orange Honey Butter:

    • Add the cream, zest of 1 orange, honey, and pinch of salt to a food processor. Run for 4-5 minutes, until the liquid separates. The solids are the butter you will use to spread on the scones, and the liquid is the buttermilk you will use in the scones.
    • Strain over a bowl.

    Cranberry Orange Scones:​

    • Preheat to 350F. Put the cranberries on a baking tray. Roast 20 minutes. Toss with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
    • Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, zest of the other orange, salt, and cold cubes of butter to a food processor. Pulse until it is the texture of breadcrumbs.
    • Add the entire mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup buttermilk. Mix to combine. Add more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. You may not need more. Add the cranberries. Gently fold together. It will not be a liquidy or tight mixture.
    • Line a baking sheet. With a pastry brush, brush a small amount of buttermilk in the 6 spots you will put the scones. This will keep them from sticking.
    • Do not over-handle the mixture. Gently mold into 6 scones. Place on your sheet pan. Brush the tops of each scone with more buttermilk.
    • Bake 17-20 minutes.
    • Let cook on a wire rack.
    • Serve immediately!

    Notes

    The cranberries are tart, so this scone will not be like your average sweet cranberry scone.
    You can skip the orange honey butter and purchase unsalted butter and buttermilk instead of the heavy cream.
    Scone dough can be stored in the refrigerator overnight and baked the next day.
    If you do want to freeze the scones for later, you can! Let the scones cool completely before freezing, and place them in an airtight container for maximum freshness. To defrost for serving, let your scones thaw to room temperature and then pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
    *Inspired by Tyler Florence's Mixed Berry Scones.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 863kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 71g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Cholesterol: 249mg | Sodium: 596mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2720IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 233mg | Iron: 2.2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @ProportionalPlate or tag #ProportionalPlate on Instagram! I'd love to see what you're making!

    This post was originally published in January of 2018, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips October of 2020.

    « Cranberry Thyme Shrub
    Apple and Sausage Stuffing with Tarragon »
    95 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marisa F. Stewart

      December 01, 2019 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      I'd never made scones before but I'd always wanted to. I saw your recipe and it inspired to finally do something about it. I had all the ingredients so I made a batch. I served them to my friends when they stopped by for coffee and they loved them. This will definitely be a recipe that I'll be making again.

      Reply
      • Candice

        December 01, 2019 at 11:35 am

        This makes me so happy to hear, Marisa. I'm glad you already had the ingredients at home, and that your friends loved them. Thank you for sharing with me!

        Reply
    2. Analida Braeger

      November 28, 2019 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      I love making scones as they are like a blank canvas for introducing many different types of flavors and textures. These fresh fruit scones are fantastic!

      Reply
      • Candice

        December 01, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you so much, Analida. Glad to hear you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    3. Michelle

      November 27, 2019 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      That orange honey butter!! Yum. These scones are perfect for Christmas morning. Your steps are so easy to understand. It made me feel like I could actually pull this off and I did! And I love that you can make this ahead of time and pop in the oven. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 30, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        I'm so happy to hear it, Michelle!!

        Reply
    4. Tara

      November 26, 2019 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      I just love recipes where I can use up all the fresh cranberries that are available this time of year. Another great make ahead and freeze recipe. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 26, 2019 at 11:57 am

        Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Tara.. I'm all about make-ahead, too... so happy we're on the same page!

        Reply
    5. Amanda

      November 25, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      I just love the texture of these scones! And the cranberry-orange flavor is perfect for the holidays. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 26, 2019 at 11:57 am

        Thank you so much, Amanda!

        Reply
      • Candice

        November 30, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed them, Amanda!

        Reply
    6. Veena Azmanov

      November 24, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      Cute and creative and colorful. I love the Cranberry and orange flavor to making these Scones. A must try recipe. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 30, 2019 at 3:57 pm

        Thanks, Veena! Glad to hear you enjoyed the tartness of the cranberries coming through with this one!

        Reply
    7. Beth

      November 24, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      I really love the flavor combination of cranberry and orange! It's so good and these are marvelous!

      Reply
      • Candice

        December 01, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Love hearing it, Beth... thank you!

        Reply
    8. Jessica

      November 24, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      Alright, I can do this! Excited to try a fool proof recipe with my daughter this weekend.

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 30, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Yay! How did it go? I always love to hear!

        Reply
    9. Anita

      November 24, 2019 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      Orange and cranberries combo is my favorite during the holiday season. This scones just scream Thanksgiving breakfast, or Christmas breakfast to me. 🙂

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 25, 2019 at 2:57 pm

        Thank you, Anita! I'll be making these again right after Thanksgiving, myself!

        Reply
    10. Erika

      November 24, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      These scones are amazing! Such a great use of fresh cranberries. And love that it isn't overly sweet like other cranberry recipes.

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 25, 2019 at 4:01 pm

        So happy to hear it, Erika! Love preserving the tartness of the cranberries in this one 🙂

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman with a flower.

    Candice Walker

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire it. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

    READ MORE

    Follow

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Winter Recipes

    • Persimmon Pancakes
    • Saffron Bamieh
    • Potato Knishes
    • Matcha Lace Cookies (like Florentines)

    As Featured In

    Collage of logos.

    Fan Favorites

    • Persimmon Bread & Baking with Persimmons
    • Dalgona Matcha Latte
    • Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
    • Quick & Easy Steak Taco Recipe

    SUBSCRIBE w/EMAIL

    6 Healthy & Plant-Centered Trends for 2020, Meal Plans, & So Much More!




    Disclosure and Privacy Policy

    Woman with a flower.

    Candice Walker

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire it. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

    READ MORE

    Follow

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Winter Recipes

    • Homemade Pita Bread
    • The Ultimate Crispy Latke Recipe
    • Irish Matcha & Baileys Irish Matcha
    • Matcha Irish Cream (Like Baileys!)

    As Featured In

    Collage of logos.

    Fan Favorites

    • Easy Homemade Gnocchi
    • Pasta Puttanesca
    • Cardamom Krumkake with Mascarpone Filling
    • How to Make Bubble Tea with Any Tea

    SUBSCRIBE w/EMAIL

    6 Healthy & Plant-Centered Trends for 2020, Meal Plans, & So Much More!




    Disclosure and Privacy Policy

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Candice
    • About Food Guilt

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Proportional Plate LLC

    95 shares