If you love the comforting warmth of freshly baked scones with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright orange zest, then this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. These scones are wonderfully tender thanks to the sour cream, with pops of juicy dried cranberries and citrusy orange flavor that make every bite delightful. They are simple to make, yet deliver bakery-quality taste that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe, you’ll want to bake them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the buttery richness to the bright citrus notes, every element plays an essential role in making these scones truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the scones.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to lighten the texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy aroma and bright flavor.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed): Key for flaky layers and rich taste.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds tart and chewy bursts throughout the scones.
- 2/3 cup sour cream: Keeps the scones moist and tender with a slight tang.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice: Infuses extra citrus notes and moisture.
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping): Gives a lovely crunch and sparkle on top after baking.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the 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 bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the orange zest. This dry mixture sets the foundation for the scones, and the orange zest will fill your kitchen with an inviting citrus aroma.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Add Cranberries
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. This step creates those irresistible flaky layers. Then, gently stir in the dried cranberries, scattering their sweet-tart flavor evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice. This creamy mixture brings moisture and a lovely tang that balances the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly. Make sure the wet ingredients are well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Combine and Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the scones may turn out tough instead of tender. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. This shape helps ensure even baking.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 even wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. For a sparkling finish, sprinkle coarse sugar on each wedge before placing them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the scones cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Garnishes
These scones are naturally flavorful enough to enjoy plain, but a light drizzle of orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice can elevate their citrus brightness even further. A small pat of softened butter or a smear of clotted cream adds a luscious, creamy touch that complements the tart cranberries.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a classic combination. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange the scones on a tiered cake stand and scatter fresh cranberries and orange slices around for a festive look. Or, serve scones with a selection of jams and marmalades, inviting everyone to customize their bites with flavor combinations they love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without becoming stale.
Freezing
These scones freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover scones warm and fresh, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back their flaky texture and melts the butter beautifully. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and contain a lot of moisture, which might alter the texture of your scones. If using fresh, consider reducing the sour cream slightly and tossing the berries with a bit of flour before adding, but dried cranberries are usually best for this recipe.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides similar moisture and tanginess, and can make the scones a little lighter, too.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to the cutting step, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and baking to make handling easier.
What if I don’t have orange zest? Can I use orange extract?
While orange zest gives the freshest, most natural citrus flavor, orange extract can be used in a pinch. Use a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) as extracts are concentrated, and adjust the orange juice accordingly to keep the balance.
Are these scones gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free scones, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratios and baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe truly brings together the best of flavors and textures for a homemade bakery experience that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing morning or hosting a festive brunch, these scones will brighten the table and warm the heart. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this cozy, citrusy goodness with someone you love!
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 the tangy flavors of dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. Made tender and moist by sour cream and enriched with buttery goodness, they bake up golden and flaky, perfect for holiday brunches or any cozy morning. The optional coarse sugar topping adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Fats and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Topping
- Coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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 mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Whisk well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will contribute to the scone’s flaky texture.
- Add Dried Cranberries: Stir the dried cranberries into the crumbly mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut Into Wedges: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges. Arrange them spaced slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle the tops of the scones with coarse sugar to add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a similar texture and tang.
- For extra orange flavor, drizzle the cooled scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
- These scones freeze well; to reheat, warm them in the oven or toaster oven to restore freshness and crispness.
