Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: The combination of orange zest and cranberries provides a fresh, fruity flavor.
• Tender and Buttery: Sour cream and butter create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this a go-to scone recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Scones:

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• cold butter, cubed
• sour cream
• heavy cream
• large eggs (one for egg wash)
• grated fresh orange zest
• pure vanilla extract
• sweetened dried cranberries (or Craisins)
• sliced almonds, roughly broken
• turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)

Optional Orange Glaze:

• powdered sugar
• freshly grated orange zest
• fresh orange juice

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the dried cranberries.
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, 1 egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully moistened.
6. Form the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently coat with flour and knead a few times to prevent sticking. Pat into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut and Arrange: Using a sharp, floured knife, cut the dough into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 3 inches of space between each.
8. Egg Wash and Topping: In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush over each scone. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and turbinado sugar.
9. Bake: Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream and orange marmalade if desired.
10. Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Drizzle over the warm scones before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 scones
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per scone

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Orange Scones: Replace cranberries with white or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Fresh Cranberry Scones: Substitute dried cranberries with chopped fresh cranberries for a tart contrast.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the sliced almonds for a simpler scone.
• Lemon Cranberry Scones: Swap orange zest and juice for lemon for a tangy variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

What makes these scones moist and tender?

The combination of sour cream and heavy cream keeps the scones rich, soft, and tender.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart. You may want to add extra sugar to balance the flavor.

Why do my scones turn out dry?

Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can lead to dry scones. Be sure to mix just until combined.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut the scones, and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How do I get a flakier texture?

Use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough to create flaky layers.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

Do I have to use an egg wash?

No, but it gives the scones a golden, slightly crisp crust and helps the toppings stick.

Can I use regular sugar instead of turbinado sugar?

Yes, but turbinado sugar adds a nice crunch and caramelized flavor.

How do I make these scones gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! The scones are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery richness. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or as a grab-and-go breakfast, these scones will quickly become a favorite. Try them today and bring a bright citrus twist to your baking!