There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen. I found myself craving that nostalgic scent after a busy week, and a bag of cranberries in my refrigerator sparked the perfect idea—Cranberry Scones! These delightful treats are an unexpected yet delicious way to elevate your coffee break or weekend brunch.
Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly scone with bursts of sweet and tart cranberries; it’s a blissful experience anyone can treasure. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and under 35 minutes from start to finish, you can indulge in bakery-quality scones right at home without the stress. Plus, they are versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy your own cravings.
So, dust off your mixing bowl and preheat your oven. Let’s dive into this easy Cranberry Scones recipe that will bring warmth and a hint of festivity into your kitchen, all while saying goodbye to boring fast food!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Scones
- These Cranberry Scones are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, so you can quickly whip them up any time you crave a sweet treat.
- The combination of sweet and tart cranberries in each buttery, crumbly bite creates a delightful flavor explosion that is sure to please everyone’s palate.
- Their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family brunch, an afternoon tea with friends, or a festive holiday gathering.
- With their golden color and inviting aroma straight from the oven, these scones not only taste amazing but also add a visually appealing touch to your table.
Cranberry Scones Ingredients
For the Scone Dough
• All-purpose flour – provides the structure for these delightful Cranberry Scones, ensuring the perfect crumb.
• Sugar – adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
• Baking powder – the leavening agent that helps the scones rise, creating that lovely fluffy texture.
• Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
• Cold butter – crucial for achieving that flaky, tender texture; keep it chilled!
For the Mix-Ins
• Fresh or dried cranberries – the stars of this recipe, delivering bursts of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
For the Wet Ingredients
• Milk – provides moisture to bind the dough together; whole milk or buttermilk works best for richness.
• Vanilla extract – a splash of warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Cranberry Scones
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential to ensure your scones bake evenly and achieve that lovely, golden-brown color we all crave.
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Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir them together until well blended, allowing the dry ingredients to mingle and prepare for the next steps.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for achieving that flaky texture in your scones.
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Fold in the cranberries gently. Whether you’re using fresh or dried cranberries, toss them into the flour mixture, ensuring a delightful fruit burst in every bite.
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Whisk together the milk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. This combination adds moisture and a touch of warmth to the dough—perfect for balance!
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Mix the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the dough, as we want those scones light and fluffy!
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Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle. Aim for about 1-inch thickness for evenly-baked scones.
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Cut the dough into wedges with a sharp knife and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This positioning allows them to rise while baking.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. The wonderful aroma you’ll experience will be the best part—trust me!
Optional: Serve warm with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cranberry Scones?
A warm kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked scones evokes the comfort of homemade treats perfect for any gathering.
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Creamy Clotted Cream: The rich, luxurious texture adds a delightful contrast to the crumbly scones.
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Sweet Honey Butter: Drizzling honey butter over your scone amplifies its sweetness; it’s simply irresistible.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Crisp, vibrant fruits provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich scones, adding bursts of flavor.
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Citrus-Infused Tea: A fragrant tea with notes of citrus complements the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for autumn afternoons with your scones.
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Vegetable Quiche: A slice of savory quiche adds protein and pairs well with the sweet elements of the scones.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Include a side of cookies for a delightful contrast—sweet meets sweet in the most delicious way.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks that cleanse the palate make for a classic pairing with your cranberry scones.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Scones are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can mix the cranberries into the dry mixture ahead of time to save even more time when you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to enjoy those delightful scones, simply add the wet ingredients, mix gently, and shape into wedges before baking. This way, you’ll have bakery-quality scones in no time, just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Scones
Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them fresh, ensuring they retain their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm up in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the scones in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Reheating: To revive their freshly baked taste, use an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave, as it helps restore the scones’ lovely crispness.
Cranberry Scones Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and create your own delightful twist on these scones!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free delight.
- Nutty Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and richer flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the scones and enhance the berry’s tartness.
- Cheesy Surprise: Mix in 3/4 cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory twist that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile, offering comforting, aromatic notes.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the baked scones for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Dried Fruit Medley: Combine cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries for a fruity medley that adds complexity and sweetness.
- Boozy Twist: Soak dried cranberries in orange juice or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the dough to introduce an unexpected depth of flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture in your cranberry scones, ensure your butter is as cold as possible before cutting it into the flour mixture.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough when incorporating the milk and vanilla, as this can lead to dense scones instead of light and fluffy ones.
- For a beautiful golden top, brush the scone wedges lightly with milk or an egg wash before baking.
- Keep an eye on your scones around the 15-minute mark to ensure they do not overbake and lose their delightful texture.
Cranberry Scones Recipe FAQs
How do I select fresh cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for those that are plump and firm, with a vibrant red color. Avoid any that are shriveled or have dark spots all over, as these may be spoiled. If you’re considering dried cranberries, ensure they are moist and chewy rather than hard and overly sweet!
What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Scones?
Very simple! For room temperature storage, place your leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Remember to warm them in the microwave for just a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I freeze Cranberry Scones?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, place the baked scones in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my scones turn out dense?
Ah, a common issue! If your scones are dense, it’s often due to overmixing the dough. Be cautious when combining the wet and dry ingredients; mix just until combined. Additionally, ensure that your butter is cold and cut in well for that perfect flaky texture. If you notice your baking powder is old or expired, this can also affect the rise, so check that too!
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Certainly, always important to know! This Cranberry Scones recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the milk and butter. For those with gluten sensitivity, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, and for a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Always ensure to check for nut allergies if serving to guests.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- pastry cutter
- Sharp Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Scone Dough
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Cold butter cut into small pieces
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 cup Fresh or dried cranberries
For the Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Milk whole milk or buttermilk preferred
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make Cranberry Scones
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in the cranberries gently.
- Whisk together the milk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Mix the milk mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle.
- Cut the dough into wedges and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
