Tangy Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe for Breakfast Bliss

Cranberry orange sour cream scones bring warmth and comfort to any morning breakfast spread.

Sweet-tart berries dance alongside zesty citrus notes in this delightful pastry creation.

Soft, tender textures promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates traditional baked goods.

sour cream adds unexpected richness and ensures an incredibly light, fluffy crumb.

Complex flavor profiles blend seamlessly, redefineing an ordinary morning treat into something extraordinary.

Home bakers can easily master this elegant recipe with a few simple techniques.

Seasonal ingredients redefine these scones into a memorable culinary adventure that celebrates classic flavor combinations.

Drinks and Sides for Cranberry Orange Scones

• Pair with Citrusy Morning Coffee: Brew a bright, medium-roast Colombian coffee with orange notes to complement the scones' orange zest and enhance the cranberry's tartness.
• Match with Creamy Earl Grey Tea: Steep a luxurious Earl Grey tea with bergamot to balance the scones' richness and highlight the subtle citrus undertones.
• Create a Breakfast Spread: Serve alongside whipped honey butter, orange marmalade, and a small fruit compote to elevate the scones' flavor profile and provide delightful texture contrasts.
• Indulge with Champagne Brunch: Enjoy a crisp, slightly sweet sparkling wine or mimosa that cuts through the scones' buttery texture and adds a celebratory touch to the morning meal.

Tasty Twists on Classic Cranberry Orange Scones

• Lemon Lavender Scones: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add dried lavender buds to the dry ingredients for a floral, citrusy flavor profile that brings elegance to the classic scone.
• Chocolate Chip Cranberry Variation: Fold dark chocolate chips into the dough alongside dried cranberries, creating a rich and tangy combination that adds decadent sweetness to the original recipe.
• Maple Pecan Version: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup in the wet ingredients and mix chopped pecans into the dough for a nutty, warm-flavored scone that feels like a cozy autumn morning.
• Berry Almond Fusion: Substitute dried cranberries with mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries, then sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a vibrant, fruity scone with delightful crunch.

Why Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Stand Out

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: Orange zest and juice infuse these scones with a vibrant, fresh tang that wakes up your taste buds and adds a sunny, zesty dimension to every bite.
• Enjoy Bakery-Quality Texture: The combination of sour cream and cold butter creates incredibly tender, flaky scones with a delicate crumb that rivals professional bakery offerings, making you feel like a master pastry chef.
• Versatile Breakfast or Snack Companion: These scones shine at morning brunches, afternoon tea, or as a delightful pick-me-up, pairing perfectly with coffee, tea, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the scones, providing a soft and tender base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Provides moisture, richness, and tanginess to the scones.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.

• Dried Cranberries, Orange Zest: Bring bright, tangy flavor and vibrant citrus notes.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds crunch and nutty texture.
• Turbinado Sugar: Provides a sweet, crunchy topping.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds citrusy brightness to the glaze.

• Unsalted Butter: Crucial for creating flaky, tender scone texture.

Steps to Make Sour Cream Scones at Home

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Gather all ingredients and equipment. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Using a pastry blender, cut cold butter into dry ingredients until mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Fold in dried cranberries.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Mixture

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Egg
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Form Scone Dough

Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Gently fold until just combined. Transfer dough to lightly floured surface.

Step 6: Shape Scones

Dust dough with flour. Carefully pat into 8-inch circular shape, about 1 inch thick. Use sharp knife to cut into 8 wedges.

Step 7: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk remaining egg with water. Brush over scone tops.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

• Sliced almonds
• Turbinado sugar

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Place scones on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Create Optional Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Drizzle over warm scones.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Plate scones warm. Serve with whipped cream or orange marmalade if desired.

Tips for Baking Fluffy Cranberry Scones

• Butter Technique: Ensure butter is ice-cold and cut into small cubes for flakier, more tender scones.
• Mixing Mastery: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense scones; stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
• Flour Finesse: Lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour.
• Shaping Strategy: Pat the dough gently and evenly to create uniform scones that bake consistently.
• Freshness Factor: Serve scones warm for the best texture and flavor, and store any leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Scones

Storage: Seal cooled scones in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.

Refrigeration: Place scones between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their texture. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Reheating: Warm scones in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. For a quicker method, microwave individual scones for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious to avoid making them tough or dry.

Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Orange zest and tart cranberries dance through creamy sour cream scones, creating a delightful breakfast pastry. Rustic and elegant, these scones offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors you can savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (100 g) sweetened dried cranberries
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ tablespoons grated fresh orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, roughly broken
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)

Optional Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons juice from orange

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry blender, creating a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Fold dried cranberries into the butter-flour mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, blend sour cream, heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Gently merge wet ingredients with dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together without overmixing.
7. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface, dusting with additional flour to minimize stickiness.
8. Shape the dough into an 8-inch circular disk, approximately 1 inch thick.
9. Slice the circular dough into wedges using a flour-coated sharp knife.
10. Arrange scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them generously apart.
11. Prepare an egg wash by whisking the remaining egg with water, then brush over each scone.
12. Sprinkle sliced almonds and turbinado sugar across the scone surfaces.
13. Bake for 20-22 minutes until achieving a golden-brown appearance.
14. Optional: Create a glaze by mixing powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice, adjusting consistency as needed.
15. Drizzle glaze over warm scones and serve with whipped cream or orange marmalade.

Notes

• Zesty Orange Kick: Grated orange zest infuses these scones with bright, citrusy notes, elevating the traditional cranberry flavor profile.
• Texture Perfect: Cold butter and minimal dough handling ensure ultra-tender, flaky scones with delightful layers.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy warm with fresh whipped cream or orange marmalade for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Customization Options: Swap almonds for pecans or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to personalize the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Glaze Magic: Optional orange glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the tart cranberries and rich sour cream base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 289
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg