Homemade Cranberry Scones have always been one of my favorite morning treats. Growing up, I would often visit local bakeries in search of the perfect scone—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. This Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones recipe brings back those memories, making it easy to recreate that delicious bakery experience right at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make scones that look and taste like they came straight out of a bakery. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a little warmth to your kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Scones
When it comes to making scones, the key to getting that perfect flaky texture is in your ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, cold butter, sugar, salt, and buttermilk. The cold butter creates a flaky texture, while buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor. It’s important to keep the butter cold to create layers in the dough. For this recipe, I recommend using unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the scones, ensuring they aren’t too salty. The sugar will provide just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart cranberries.
Mixing the Dough Without Overworking It
Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients and butter, gently mix the dough. Avoid overworking it, as this can make the scones tough. You want the dough to be slightly sticky, with small lumps of butter still visible. The trick is to handle the dough as little as possible. Once the dough starts coming together, fold in fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor. The fruit will not only add a pop of color but will also bring a tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the scones. After gently mixing, you’re ready to shape and bake.
Shaping and Baking Your Homemade Cranberry Scones
When shaping the dough, divide it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into wedges, just like you would cut a pie. This method ensures that all the scones bake evenly, giving them that perfect bakery-style appearance. For an added touch, brush the tops with a little cream and sprinkle sugar over them. This simple step gives the scones a golden, slightly crunchy top that’s irresistible.
Bake the scones at a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), to get that perfect golden brown crust. The high heat helps the scones rise quickly, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender and fluffy interior. After 15-20 minutes, the scones should be lightly browned on top and firm to the touch. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to preserve their crispy texture. Enjoy the heavenly aroma as they cool, and get ready to serve up these delicious, bakery-quality scones!
Flavor Variations and Customizing Your Homemade Cranberry Scones
For a fun twist, add some orange zest to the dough. The citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The zest adds brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the scones. If you’re looking to change up the flavor entirely, you can swap the cranberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix in chopped apples or pears for a seasonal variation.
Although these cranberry scones are delicious on their own, you can take them to the next level with a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract to create a glaze that’s sweet but not overpowering. Drizzle it over the cooled scones for an extra touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and richness.
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Homemade Cranberry Scones – A Simple, Perfect Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones are crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside, with the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet dough. Easy to make at home, they bring bakery-quality results right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Heavy cream and sugar, for brushing and topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and mix gently until the dough just comes together.
- Fold in the cranberries and optional orange zest carefully.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape into a 1-inch thick disc.
- Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool on a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a sweeter scone, toss cranberries in a little sugar before adding. You can also drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry scones, breakfast scones, bakery-style scones, cranberry recipes
Storing and Serving Tips for Your Homemade Cranberry Scones
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly ensures that they remain fresh. Keep your cranberry scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the scones for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, and they’ll be as fresh as the day they were baked.
These cranberry scones are perfect for serving at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even for a cozy breakfast. Serve them with clotted cream, butter, or a dollop of jam for an indulgent treat. For a more festive touch, pair the scones with a hot cup of tea or a rich cup of coffee. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet morning, these scones are sure to be a hit at the table. The best part? They bring the charm of a bakery right into your own home, making every moment feel special.
FAQ
Can you use fresh cranberries in scones?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh cranberries in scones! Fresh cranberries give a tart, juicy burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, flaky texture of the scones. Just be sure to fold them into the dough gently to prevent crushing the berries. If you prefer a sweeter scone, you can toss the cranberries with a little sugar before incorporating them into the dough to balance out their tartness.
What is the secret of making good scones?
The secret to making good scones lies in using cold ingredients, handling the dough gently, and not overmixing it. Cold butter creates flaky layers in the dough, while buttermilk ensures tenderness. Mixing the dough minimally is key to achieving a light, airy texture. The dough should be slightly lumpy with visible pieces of butter for the perfect scone. Shaping the dough carefully and baking it at a high temperature will also help you achieve that golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
What is a bakery scone?
A bakery scone is a traditional British pastry that’s slightly sweet, flaky, and often served with tea. It has a light, crumbly texture and is typically made with flour, butter, sugar, and a liquid like milk or buttermilk. Bakery-style scones are often studded with fruits like cranberries, raisins, or blueberries and are baked to a golden-brown perfection. They’re usually served with clotted cream, butter, or jam. The key to a bakery scone is its delicate, airy texture, achieved by using cold ingredients and handling the dough gently.
Related Recipes for More Baking Inspiration
If you love these Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones, try these other delicious treats:
- Buttermilk Chocolate Cake – A rich, moist cake perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Pumpkin Banana Bread – A warm and spiced quick bread.
- Garlic Bread Rolls – A savory option, ideal for dinner sides.
- Mini Pineapple Coconut Cheesecakes – A tropical, creamy dessert.
- Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix – A fruity, southern-inspired classic.