There is something truly magical about a warm, tender scone fresh from the oven, especially when bursting with the bright flavors of cranberry and orange. This Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe perfectly balances tangy citrus zest, sweet dried cranberries, and the rich creaminess of sour cream to create a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of tea or impressing guests at brunch, these scones offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to baking the best scones. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect crumb, flavor, and color that make this recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure for light, fluffy scones.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the tart cranberries.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and fluff up beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Orange zest: Adds a fresh, aromatic burst of citrus that brightens the scones.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut into cubes, it creates flaky layers for that perfect texture.
- Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tart fruitiness in every bite.
- Sour cream: Makes the scones tender, moist, and rich with tanginess.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Fresh orange juice: Deepens the citrus flavor while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet note.
- Heavy cream or milk: Used for brushing the tops to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Adds a sparkling crunch on top.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and zesty orange peel until well combined. This will ensure every bite has that lovely citrus punch.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, add your cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or simply your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is crucial because those little butter bits create flaky layers as the scones bake—exactly what we want for that delightful texture.
Step 3: Stir in Cranberries
Once the butter is incorporated, gently fold in the plump dried cranberries. Their tart sweetness will beautifully contrast the buttery, citrusy dough, bringing moments of popping flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and harmonious. This mixture adds moisture and tenderness that transform these scones into melt-in-your-mouth delights.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together but remain slightly crumbly to keep things tender.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 even wedges. This traditional shape is classic and perfect for sharing.
Step 7: Bake with a Beautiful Finish
Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream or milk to encourage golden browning. For an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Let your scones cool slightly before enjoying that first irresistible bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a touch of orange juice drizzled over warm scones elevates their sweetness and enhances the citrus notes. Alternatively, a little dollop of clotted cream or softened butter lets the scones speak for themselves with rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy start to your day. Fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or a bowl of mixed berries, adds a refreshing contrast that complements the cranberry orange flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch centerpiece, serve the scones stacked on a tiered cake stand, surrounded by small bowls of assorted jams and honey. You could also turn these scones into breakfast sandwiches by slicing them in half and filling with cream cheese and smoked salmon or your favorite nut butter and sliced fruit for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover scones fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps their crumb soft and tender.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. This is perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated scones in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp on the outside. You can also microwave them for 20–30 seconds, though the oven method helps maintain their flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! If using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly and consider adding a bit more sugar to balance out the tartness. Also, gently pat the cranberries dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is key to achieving the tender, moist crumb in these scones, but you can substitute part or all of it with Greek yogurt for a slightly different tang and texture without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have orange zest or fresh orange juice?
While orange zest and juice add a wonderful brightness, you can substitute with lemon zest and juice in equal amounts for a different citrus twist that still works beautifully.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature or bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I get the scones to be flaky?
The secret to flaky scones is using cold butter and not overworking the dough. Incorporate the butter in small cubes and mix just until combined so little pockets of butter create layers as the scones bake.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe a try because it delivers such a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that make any morning feel special. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to revisit often, sharing these bright, buttery scones with loved ones or savoring them quietly with your favorite hot drink. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are a delightful breakfast treat bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange flavor. Tender and moist thanks to sour cream, they feature a golden-brown crust topped with coarse sugar for a subtle crunch. Perfect for holiday mornings or any time you crave a flavorful, easy-to-make baked good.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest, distributing all ingredients evenly.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, creating the flaky scone texture.
- Add cranberries: Stir in the dried cranberries, evenly distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Form the dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry crumb mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Shape and cut dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with heavy cream or milk to promote browning. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the scones to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra moisture and tang, substitute part of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- If using fresh cranberries instead of dried, chop them finely and increase the sugar slightly to balance their tartness.
- These scones freeze well. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and reheat before serving to enjoy fresh.
