Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a burst of bright, fruity flavor, you have to try this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe. These scones are incredibly tender, thanks to the moist sour cream, and balanced perfectly by the tart cranberries and zesty orange. Whether you’re planning a special holiday breakfast or just want a cozy addition to your afternoon tea, these scones will quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and essential ingredients come together to make these scones truly shine. Each one plays an important role—whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or that signature citrus-tart combo that makes this recipe stand out.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure that gives scones their tender yet sturdy texture.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully for that light, flaky crumb.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream for optimal tenderness and lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the dough from tasting flat.
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The key to flakiness and richness; keep it cold for the best texture.
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen cranberries, halved): Adds a lovely tart bite and beautiful pops of color.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Injects bright, aromatic citrus notes that brighten every bite.
• ⅔ cup sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tanginess that keeps scones soft and flavorful.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Optional glaze (½ cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice): Offers a glossy, sweet finish with a hint of orange juice zing.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step gets your kitchen ready for all the baking magic about to happen.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first creates an even base for the scone dough, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and has the right lift.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. That small butter chunkiness is what creates those flaky layers we all love in scones.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Orange Zest

Next, stir in the cranberries and orange zest. This is where the scones start coming alive with color and flavor, the sweet and tart cranberries paired with fragrant citrus brightness that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. These will add richness and moisture to your scones, bringing the dough together without making it dry or crumbly.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make scones tough, so a light hand here keeps them tender and fluffy.

Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead gently a few times to gather it, then pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Slice it into 8 equal wedges—these will become your individual scones, each with a perfect golden crust after baking.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Place the wedges spaced apart on your baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly before serving so the flavors settle and the edges crisp up just right.

Step 9: Optional Glaze

If you want to take your Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe to the next level, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to create a drizzly glaze. Pour it over the cooled scones for an irresistible sweet and citrus finish.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of the orange glaze is all you need to make your scones look bakery-worthy. A few fresh orange slices or whole cranberries on the side can add a festive and elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, a dollop of clotted cream or honey butter, and fresh fruit for a lovely brunch spread. Their slightly tangy flavor complements creamy spreads and light jams especially well.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your scone experience by serving them warm stacked with a smear of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey, or slice open and fill with lemon curd for a fun twist. They also make incredible mini sandwich bases for smoked turkey or brie, creating a delightful savory-sweet bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), wrap the scones tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps their tender crumb intact and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. You can freeze the dough either before or after baking. Wrap individual baked scones tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, or freeze the cut dough wedges on a tray, then bag for later baking directly from the freezer.

Reheating

For warm, freshly baked goodness, reheat leftover scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cranberries work wonderfully, but remember to halve them and don’t thaw frozen cranberries before adding—they’ll keep their texture and moisture better that way.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture, though sour cream tends to provide a richer texture and flavor in this recipe.

How do I make these scones dairy-free?

Try swapping the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream to keep that moisture. The texture might shift slightly but they’ll still be tasty.

Why should I keep the butter cold?

Cold butter creates the distinct flaky layers in scones because it melts during baking, creating small steam pockets. Warm butter blends too much with the flour and results in a denser texture.

Can I make these scones ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking, or bake the scones a day ahead and reheat them gently. This makes your party prep a breeze and ensures fresh-tasting scones for your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe is one of those magical baked goods that feels both special and wonderfully cozy. It’s incredibly satisfying to pull these golden, aromatic scones from your oven, knowing how the bright citrus and tart cranberries will make any morning or afternoon so much brighter. Give this recipe a try—you’ll not only impress your friends and family but also create a new staple that you’ll look forward to baking over and over again.

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