Cranberry Orange Scones Glaze (Printable)
Buttery scones with tart cranberries and a sweet, citrusy orange glaze, perfect for breakfast or tea.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 3/4 cup dried cranberries
11 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
→ Orange Glaze
12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
14 - 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly blended.
03 - Add cold butter cubes and cut into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Pour the wet mixture over the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just barely combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Gently fold in dried cranberries and nuts if using. Handle minimally to maintain tenderness.
07 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat gently into a 1-inch thick round disk, about 7 inches in diameter.
08 - Cut the disk into 8 equal wedges. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
09 - Lightly brush the tops of each scone with additional heavy cream for golden browning.
10 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11 - Transfer scones to a wire rack and let cool completely before glazing.
12 - Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable. Add more juice if needed for desired consistency.
13 - Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the cooled scones. Allow glaze to set for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- These scones strike that perfect balance between tart and sweet, making them impossible to stop at just one
- The orange zest transforms them from ordinary breakfast into something that feels special enough for company
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes tough scones, so mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together
- Cold butter is non-negotiable here, or you will lose those flaky layers
03 -
- Grate your orange zest before juicing, it is much easier to handle the fruit that way
- If the dough feels too sticky to work with, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping