If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that feels special without being complicated, these cranberry orange scones are about to become your new favorite. They’re tender, flaky, and have the perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright citrus flavor.
Why These Cranberry Orange Scones Work
The secret to amazing scones lies in texture and flavor. Cold, grated butter creates those flaky layers everyone loves. Fresh cranberries add pops of tartness. Orange zest brings brightness to every bite.
But here’s what really makes these cranberry orange scones special: Kalona SuperNatural Organic Buttermilk. Our buttermilk creates an incredibly tender crumb while adding a subtle tang that complements the fruit perfectly. Because it comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and is minimally processed, you get richer flavor and better texture in your baked goods.
The Perfect Holiday Baking Project
These scones are ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want something homemade that feels a little fancy. The cranberries make them festive and seasonal, while the orange glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Best of all? They come together quickly. No fancy equipment needed, just a mixing bowl, a cheese grater, and your hands.
Why Kalona SuperNatural Buttermilk Makes a Difference
Our organic buttermilk comes from small family farms where cows are raised on pasture and fed grass. We use low-temperature vat pasteurization and non-homogenization to keep the buttermilk as close to its natural state as possible.
This minimal processing means our buttermilk retains its full flavor and natural culturing benefits. In baking, it creates tender, moist results that you can taste in every bite of these cranberry orange scones.
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Cranberry Orange Scones: A Perfectly Flaky Holiday Treat
Description
This is a recipe we’ll be making again and again! 🍊 Tart cranberries, orange zest, and our Organic Buttermilk make these scones perfectly tender and flaky. The sweet orange glaze is so tasty, too! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible.
Save this and let us know when you try them! 😋
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Zest of ½ an orange (or 2 tsp)
Wet Ingredients:
- 12 tbsp cold butter, grated
- 1 cup Kalona SuperNatural Organic Buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Mix-ins:
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries
Orange Glaze:
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and orange zest.
- Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter directly into the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until the mixture has a mealy texture and the butter is well distributed. Fold in the fresh cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky. If too dry, add more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Turn the dough onto the lined baking sheet and shape into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges like a pizza, but keep them together in the circle shape.
- Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- While scones cool, make the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Let scones cool for at least 5 minutes, then drizzle with orange glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Scones Every Time
- Keep everything cold: Cold butter is key to flaky scones. Grate it straight from the fridge and work quickly.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overworking creates tough scones.
- Use fresh cranberries: They hold up better during baking and provide the best flavor in these cranberry orange scones.
- Check the consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add buttermilk gradually if needed.
- Cut before baking: Slice into wedges before baking, but keep them together. This makes them easier to pull apart while keeping the edges crisp.