Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Icing Glaze

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Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Icing are tender, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus flavor in every bite. Made with fresh cranberries, real orange zest, and rich cream, these bakery-style scones strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Finished with a simple orange glaze made from fresh-squeezed juice, they’re a cozy treat for slow mornings, holiday brunches, or a comforting afternoon alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.

closeup of finished Orange Cranberry Scones stacked on a plate.

Orange Cranberry Scones

These Cranberry Orange Scones with Orange Icing are a beautiful addition to any holiday table.

With their festive pops of cranberry and bright citrus flavor, they’re perfect for Christmas morning, winter brunches, or sharing with loved ones alongside a conversation and warm cup of coffee or tea.

Cranberry orange scone on a stack of plates broken in half to show texture.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour

  • granulated sugar

  • baking powder

  • butter
  • sea salt
  • heavy cream
  • orange zest
  • fresh cranberries
  • fresh squeezed orange juice
  • powdered sugar
ingredients for the cranberry orange scones in small bowls.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, orange zest, baking powder, and salt.

Some tips for making this recipe

  1. Keep ingredients cold. Cold butter and cream create the flakiest texture.
  2. Gently fold in the cranberries to avoid crushing them.
  3. If your dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.

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Add the cold cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the fresh cranberries.

Pour in the cold heavy cream. Gently mix just until a dough forms, do not overmix.


Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle of orange glaze over the top of the finished scones.
closeup of finished Orange Cranberry Scones stacked on a plate.

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the dough, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for best texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover scones?

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the best texture, but whole milk can be used in a pinch. The scones may be slightly less rich and tender.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know your thoughts on this cranberry orange scone recipe by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Pinterest!

Thank you! ~ Mary

closeup of finished Orange Cranberry Scones stacked on a plate.

Cranberry Orange Scones

These cranberry orange scones are soft, flaky, and full of bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh cranberries and finished with a simple orange glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Serving Size 8

Ingredients

Scone Ingredients

Glaze Ingredients

Instructions

For the scones

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Zest the orange and whisk together in a large bowl with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Stir in the fresh cranberries. Pour in the cold heavy cream. Gently mix just until a dough forms, do not overmix.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops lightly with a bit of cream. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.Allow to cool for 15 minutes before glazing.

For the glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable.
  • Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones.

Notes

Keep ingredients cold. Cold butter and cream create the flakiest texture.
Gently fold in the cranberries to avoid crushing them.
If your dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour.
Storage:
Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

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