Cranberry orange scones

These cranberry orange scones are an easy, tasty treat. With delicate flavors and a tender crumb, they're the perfect snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

As a child, I always loved when my mum would make scones. They were always a go-to treat, at least until she discovered muffins when we first went to Canada (believe it or not, they weren't really a thing in the UK when I was a child).

Scones were probably one of the first things I started to help make as they really are so easy. Plus, they don't take long to bake so there's not too much wait time. 

These scones are a bit more American in style compared to the British scones I grew up with. They are slightly dryer plus use egg and cream (I've drawn on Ina Garten's recipe for these, as well as my previous scones).

However you define them, though, they are definitely tasty, and so easy to make with the help of the food processor. 

Tips for making scones

• Use cold butter cut in small chunks to help keep the scones a little lighter.
• Take care not to over work the dough (for the same reason).
• You can freeze scones before baking then bake from frozen, adding just a couple more minutes to the bake time. Just freeze in a single layer (eg on baking sheet) before transferring to a container or freezer bag.
• Don't add the glaze until they are cool or it will just run off with the warmth. 

This recipe makes a relatively small batch but you can easily multiply everything up if you need more. Personally small is perfect for us so we don't eat too many, and scones are always best fresh.

As I mentioned in my chocolate orange shortbread, orange is not an easy flavor to add to baked goods. It tends to be very subtle, unless you add an extract, but I do think the zest adds a nice freshness.

The orange glaze adds a little more orange, too, and it all pairs well with the cranberries. If you like these flavors together, why not also try a cranberry orange loaf.

I'm afraid I can't really pretend these scones are all that healthy given the ingredients (though I do have others that are much more so, if you're interested, like my carrot cake scones).

However now and then, it has to be done, right? And you can always share the batch, as we did with this last lot (I think it's only fair to share with my kids' teachers - they deserve it!).

These cranberry orange scones make a delicious treat and they're so easy to put together. Perfect for if you have guests coming, or just for a little pick me up when you need it. 

Try these other scone recipes:

• Gingerbread scones
• Coconut mango scones
• Apple and bacon cornmeal scones
• Classic British scones
• Plus get many more snack recipes, both sweet and savory, in the archives.

Tools to make these scones

I'd recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat on top of a Half Baking Sheet to make these (affiliate links).

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

It's Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):

• Chocolate Cranberry Blondies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Cranberry Amaretto Ice Cream from The Redhead Baker
• Cranberry Breakfast Smoothie from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cranberry Crescent Rolls with Maple Icing from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Cranberry Curd Tart from Savory Moments
• Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Palatable Pastime
• Cranberry Mule from The Spiffy Cookie
• Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball from Our Crafty Mom
• Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls from Cookaholic Wife
• Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheeseballs from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Gin & {Cranberry-Orange} Jam Cocktail from Books n' Cooks
• Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites from Sweet Beginnings
• Turkey Nachos with Cranberry Salsa from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Remember to pin for later!