Name: Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons orange zest (about 1 orange); 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 heaping cup (125g) frozen cranberries; 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream (optional, for brushing); Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling); 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 2–3 Tablespoons (30-45ml) fresh orange juice

There’s something about the bright zing of orange combined with tart cranberries that just feels like a warm hug in scone form. This Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe hits that sweet spot between cozy and refreshing, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Two triangular scones with a light golden-brown crust and visible red berry pieces inside, drizzled with white icing in neat lines across the top, sit close together on a white plate with a cracked textured pattern. Around the scones, a few whole red berries are scattered, adding pops of color. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a red and white checkered cloth nearby. The overall appearance is warm and inviting, showing a fresh baked look with a slightly rough texture on the scones' surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many mornings this Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe has brightened in my kitchen. It’s got that perfect balance of citrusy freshness and the cozy sweetness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery dough topped with a shiny orange glaze. Honestly, it’s a simple recipe that feels just a little special.

Bright and balanced flavor: The orange zest and juice perfectly complement tart cranberries for a fresh taste that’s never overpowering.
Easy to make at home: With just a few steps and basic ingredients, you get bakery-worthy scones without the fuss.
Beautiful presentation: The glossy orange glaze not only adds sweetness but makes these scones look irresistible.
Versatile for any occasion: Breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack – these scones always feel like a treat.

Seven triangular scones are arranged on a white marbled surface. Each scone has a golden-brown crust with visible red cranberry pieces baked inside. The scones are drizzled with thin white icing lines spread evenly across their tops for decoration. Two small orange slices rest among the scones, adding a bright contrast. Whole cranberries are scattered randomly around the scones, enhancing the fresh look. The texture of the scone tops looks crumbly and slightly rough, showing their baked nature. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen to help you get that perfect scone texture and flavor. The frozen butter, for one, is a game-changer that keeps your scones flaky and tender. And the combination of fresh orange zest and juice makes all the difference in bringing those fruit flavors forward.

Flat lay of a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small mound of granulated sugar, a few teaspoons of coarse baking powder, a single teaspoon of salt crystals, fresh whole orange with bright orange zest strands beside it, a thick slab of frozen unsalted butter partially grated, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, one large whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a cluster of fresh frozen cranberries with frosty sheen, a small white ceramic bowl of fine confectioners’ sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh orange juice, all perfectly arranged with balanced spacing and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base for a tender yet sturdy scone, making your dough easy to work with.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully without being too fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Orange zest: Adds fresh citrus oils that pop, giving the scones their bright character.
Frozen unsalted butter: Keeps the dough cold, ensures flakiness, and adds richness.
Heavy cream: For moisture and tenderness, making sure the scones stay soft.
Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a golden bake.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
Frozen cranberries: Tart bursts of flavor that contrast beautifully with the sweet dough.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the glaze’s silky sweetness.
Fresh orange juice: Liquefies the glaze while boosting that citrus kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste. Sometimes, I swap the cranberries for frozen blueberries, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist. Feel free to personalize it so the scones feel like your own signature treat.

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of ground cardamom gives these scones an unexpected floral note—perfect if you want something unique yet subtle.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients and grate the butter

I start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest—this ensures the flavors are evenly spread. Then I grab my frozen butter and grate it with a box grater right into the bowl. This is a trick I swear by because the small butter pieces make the scones super flaky. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, I gently mix until I see pea-sized crumbs. If you find it sticking to your fingers too much, pop it in the fridge for a bit before moving on.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients and add cranberries

Next, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla in a small bowl. Pour this over the flour and butter mixture, then gently fold in the frozen cranberries. It’s okay if the dough looks a little sticky—that's how you know it's just right. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour; if too dry, add a tablespoon or two more cream.

Step 3: Shape and chill the dough

Flour your hands and your work surface, then dump the dough out and carefully pat it into an 8-inch disc. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the disc into 8 wedges. For an extra touch, brush the tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle some coarse sugar for crunch. I find chilling the wedges in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes helps them keep their shape in the oven.

Step 4: Bake until golden

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), line a baking sheet, and arrange the scones 2-3 inches apart. Bake them for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown around the edges and softly browned on top. The smell filling your kitchen at this point? Absolutely heavenly. Let them cool a bit while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make and drizzle the orange glaze

Whisk your confectioners’ sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth, thick or thin depending on your preference. Pour it generously over the warm scones—this is that glossy, sweet finish that really elevates the whole experience. Trust me, it’s worth every drip and lick-your-fingers moment after.

Top Tip

I’ve made these scones countless times, and here are the little secrets that save the day every time. Keeping your butter really cold is non-negotiable if you want flaky layers, and don’t rush the chilling step before baking—it helps control spread and gives you that classic scone shape.

Freeze the butter: Grate it straight from the freezer to keep the dough cold and flaky.
Don’t overmix: Mixing just until the dough comes together preserves tenderness—overworking will make tough scones.
Chill the dough: Even a short chill helps scones hold shape and improves texture.
Freeze extras before baking: Shape scones, freeze on a tray, then store frozen. Bake straight from freezer adding a few minutes to time.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe

cranberry orange scones - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these scones—just a light dusting of extra orange zest after glazing adds a fresh, vibrant note. Sometimes, I scatter a few whole cranberries on top before glazing for a festive look that also gives a juicy pop as you bite in.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or a latte if you like a creamier comfort. On brunch days, I serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday brunch, I arrange the scones on a tiered cake stand with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme and cranberries tossed around—it instantly makes the table feel festive and special. Wrapping individual scones in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming edible gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones—glazed or not—store beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. After that, I pop them in the fridge, where they last up to 5 days but tend to dry out a little faster, so I always recommend warming before eating.

Freezing

I freeze these scones in two ways: either freezing the shaped dough wedges before baking or freezing baked scones without glaze. Freezing dough lets me bake fresh scones anytime by adding a few extra minutes in the oven straight from the freezer—such a lifesaver for last-minute company.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually microwave the scones for about 30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feel without drying them out. Then, if you saved some glaze, drizzle a little on top right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work well in this Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe. Just keep in mind that frozen cranberries help keep the dough colder, which is great for flaky scones. If you use fresh, you may want to chill the dough a little longer before baking.

How can I prevent my scones from spreading too much in the oven?

The secret is keeping your dough cold and chilling the shaped scones before baking. Using frozen butter and chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes helps the scones hold their shape and results in that classic, slightly rustic look.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that scones might be a little less tender or flaky than traditional versions, so you might want to experiment with the blend and possibly add a touch more moisture.

What does the orange glaze add to the scones?

The orange glaze adds a beautiful sweet-tart finish that complements the scone's flavors. It gives them a glossy look and an extra layer of moisture, making each bite just a bit more decadent and special.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Scones with Glaze Recipe are a little bit of sunshine in your day, whether you’re sharing them over coffee or just sneaking a warm one when no one’s looking. I love how approachable the recipe is, yet the results feel so delightfully special. Give this one a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite staple in your baking rotation.