Homemade cranberry scones topped with a delicious orange-infused glaze are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

My favorite time of year to enjoy these scones is during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year. There’s just something about cranberries that puts me in a festive mood.

So, if you’re looking to add a little holiday spirit to your next weekend brunch, this recipe will do the trick! While you are at it, make your brunch even better with these incredible orange chocolate muffins. 

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Origins of Scones

Where did scones originate from? There’s an age-old debate on whether they came from England, Scotland, or Ireland. However, if you ask my kids, they will tell you they originated at Starbucks (haha). 

The pronunciation of scones is just as highly debated. Since I am in the US, I’m just going to say scone, as in rhymes with cone, and call it a day.

No matter where they are from or how it is pronounced, there’s no denying a scone is a wonderful buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that goes perfect with a cup of tea.

Orange Cranberry Scones

Most of what is needed to make scones would be considered a pantry staple, so most of the ingredients are things you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
sugar
salt
unsalted butter
heavy cream
sour cream
egg
vanilla extract
orange extract
orange zest
dried cranberries

Glaze:

powdered sugar
orange juice

Be sure to check out my other recipes for breakfast:

Bundt Pan Banana Bread
Berry Cheesecake Parfait
Pumpkin Pancakes

Plus some great drinks for brunch:
Cranberry Mimosas
Blackberry Elderflower Cocktails
Peach & Berry Sangria
Raspberry Sorbet Champagne Float

How to Make Homemade Scones

Gather your ingredients together. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix in the unsalted butter with a fork until the butter is in tiny pieces.

Grab another bowl, and whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, and your orange zest. Fold the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients – just until combined. Add in the dried cranberries and stir until just mixed.

Sprinkle some flour onto a clean work surface. Transfer your scone batter onto the floured surface and lightly knead it into a ball.

Press the dough down into a ½” high rectangle (approximately 6” x 10”). Cut in half lengthwise, and then each half into 3 rectangles. Then, cut each rectangle diagonally to create triangle-shaped pieces.

Transfer the scones to your baking sheet, leaving 1-2” between them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking. This is an important step because you want them to go in the oven cool.

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F, then add the baking sheet to the oven when ready. Bake the scones for 18-20 minutes, or until they are nicely golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 5-10 minutes.

While the scones are cooling down a bit, prepare the orange glaze by stirring the powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl until smooth.

Drizzle the orange glaze on top of each scone and serve.

You can save time before your brunch by making these scones ahead of time. they store well at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container, for about 3-5 days. 

They also hold up well if frozen. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Gather everyone together this holiday season for a wonderful breakfast or brunch and serve these deliciously decadent orange cranberry scones. 

Did you give this recipe for homemade scones a try? Let me know in the comments below or snap a photo and tag @coolbeanliving on Instagram. I’d love to see it!