If you love the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and buttery in your baked treats, you are going to adore this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe. These scones are a heavenly mix of zesty orange and tart cranberries, enriched with the creamy goodness of sour cream that keeps them tender and moist. Baked to a golden perfection and topped with crunchy almonds and a delicate orange glaze, these scones are an absolute delight for breakfast or afternoon tea. Get ready to fall head over heels with every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious scones, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create an irresistible texture and flavor. The key is in quality basics: fresh orange zest for brightness, sweetened cranberries for a burst of fruitiness, and cold butter to ensure flaky layers.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and the soft crumb of the scones.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right hint of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that create those light, fluffy scones.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Cold butter: Cubed for easy blending and key to flaky, tender layers.
- Sour cream: Lends moisture and tang, keeping the scones soft.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and a delicate crumb texture.
- Eggs: One in the batter for richness and one for that glossy egg wash finish.
- Fresh orange zest: Imparts bright, citrusy notes that complement the cranberries perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet undertones to round out the flavor.
- Sweetened dried cranberries: Bursting with fruity tang and sweetness.
- Sliced almonds: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
- Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, caramelized finish.
- Powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice: Combined into a glaze that adds a shiny, citrusy touch.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is ready to bake your scones to a perfect golden brown. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix forms the base of your scones and the leavening agents start working here to give the scones their rise.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is critical for achieving flaky layers. Stir in the sweetened dried cranberries gently, ensuring they are well distributed but not crushed.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, one egg, freshly grated orange zest, and pure vanilla extract. These wet ingredients add moisture and a hint of fragrant citrus that makes these scones so special.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the dough is fully moistened but not overworked. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together well.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch diameter circle, about 1 inch thick. This rustic shape will be cut into 8 wedges—the classic scone shape that’s both charming and perfect for individual servings.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Carefully transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet. Make sure there is at least 3 inches of space between each scone so they have room to expand and brown evenly.
Step 8: Egg Wash and Topping
Brush the tops of each scone with the beaten egg reserved earlier for that beautiful golden sheen. Then sprinkle over the sliced almonds and turbinado sugar for a lovely crunch and extra sweetness.
Step 9: Bake the Scones
Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are nicely golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to finish setting.
Step 10: Add the Optional Orange Glaze
For an extra burst of citrus sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and zest to make a glaze. Drizzle this over the warm scones just before serving. This final touch makes the Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a spoonful of clotted cream pairs beautifully with these scones. You can also top them with a little more fresh orange zest or a few fresh cranberries for color and flair.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these scones alongside a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee to start your day right. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a light fruit salad or a smear of your favorite jam, enhancing their sweet-tart magic.
Creamy Ways to Present
For a lovely twist, serve your scones with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or whipped cream sweetened lightly with honey. The creamy richness contrasts beautifully with the zesty orange and tart cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Be sure they’re completely cooled before storing to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the scones in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the texture and melts any glaze slightly, making them taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and release moisture, which may affect the scones’ texture. If you want to experiment, chop them finely and reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you do not have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that still provides creaminess and a slight tang.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based butter, a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternative, and an egg substitute, you can make a vegan version. The flavor will be excellent, though the texture may be slightly different.
How do I prevent scones from drying out?
Don’t overbake them; remove scones from the oven as soon as they’re golden. Also, the sour cream in this recipe helps keep them moist and tender.
Are these scones good for breakfast or dessert?
Absolutely! These scones are versatile enough to enjoy any time of day – bright and fresh for breakfast or a sweet treat in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about homemade scones, and this Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to bake and share. With its lively citrus zing and bursts of cranberry sweetness, paired with that tender, buttery crumb, it’s a recipe that brings smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sour Cream Scones are tender, flaky, and packed with bright flavors of fresh orange zest and sweet dried cranberries. Enhanced with a buttery almond topping and an optional tangy orange glaze, they make a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, divided (1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
- 1 ½ tbsp grated fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- â…” cup sweetened dried cranberries (or Craisins)
- 3 tbsp sliced almonds, roughly broken
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)
Orange Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then stir in the dried cranberries evenly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, 1 large egg, grated orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding gently until a moist dough forms without overworking.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between each to allow for expansion during baking.
- Egg Wash and Topping: Beat the remaining egg and brush it gently over the tops of each scone for a golden finish. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and turbinado sugar evenly over the scones for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Scones: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Add the Optional Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly grated orange zest, and fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones just before serving to add a tangy sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones.
- Space scones well on the baking sheet to allow even cooking and proper rise.
- The orange glaze is optional but adds a lovely citrus brightness.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for an easy cleanup.