These copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones have just a hint of orange and are stuffed with delicious cranberries and a drizzle of orange glaze.
They’re a tasty treat with afternoon tea and a great quick sweet breakfast. Scones may seem intimidating to make, but I promise they’re easy and a favorite among tea lovers.
These homemade cranberry orange scones are perfectly sweet and are a special treat to enjoy for breakfast, a snack, or at a tea party.
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Why you’ll love these cranberry and orange scones
Inspired by a discontinued Starbucks scone, just a pinch of orange zest and delicious chewy cranberries make this copycat Starbucks scone the perfect tea accompaniment.
They’re not too sweet and include a sweet orange glaze on top. The combination of the tart cranberries with the glaze makes these orange cranberry scones super delicious.
If you’re looking for a scones recipe without eggs, this is it. No eggs are used here. They get the perfect texture from the buttermilk and a mix of baking powder and baking soda.
For more scone recipes and baking tips get the Ultimate collection of scone recipes.
What you’ll need for this recipe
- Butter – You’ll use cold unsalted butter. Starting with frozen butter may help the butter cubes stay cold through the process.
- Flour – Regular all-purpose flour is used to give these tender scones the perfect texture.
- Buttermilk – The buttermilk works with baking powder and baking soda to give the scones the texture you expect.
- Cranberries – Rather than fresh cranberries, I prefer to use dried. This makes it easier to enjoy these scones year-round.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Using a combination of these two leavening agents helps the scones rise just enough while remaining an eggless scone recipe.
- Salt – Just a little bit of salt is added to this easy scone recipe. It helps enhance and join the flavors.
- Sugar and Maple Syrup – Using both of these sweeteners helps add depth to the sweetness in these scones.
- Powdered Sugar, Orange Zest, and Fresh Orange Juice – Some orange zest will be used in the scones to give them their orange flavor and the rest will be mixed with the powdered sugar and orange juice to make the sweet glaze.
Easy Preparation Steps
- First, preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Next, mix your dry ingredients. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add butter cubes to the flour mixture, and mix in with a pastry cutter until the dough becomes a coarse meal.
- Next, stir in buttermilk until just moistened and fold in 1/2 of dried cranberries and orange zest.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Divide the scone dough in half to form a thick circle and flatten it out with the palms of your hands. Cut into 6 triangles using a sharp knife.
- Take the remaining cranberries and maple syrup and combine them in a small bowl. Slice the scones in half add a spoonful of cranberries in the middle and then replace the top of the scone. Do this for both discs.
- Add scones to a prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, while the scones are baking, make the glaze by mixing the remaining orange zest, the powdered sugar, and the orange juice. Let the scones cool to room temperature, then add the glaze.
What is the best way to eat scones?
Whatever way you like to eat scones, you can make them quick and serve them at your next get-together.
Here are some fun serving suggestions:
- Serve them with your favorite jam or condiment.
- Eat them with your favorite hot tea or coffee.
- Enjoy them alone as a snack or for breakfast.
- Serve them at brunch or your next afternoon tea party with tea party sandwiches.
- I include an orange glaze for these orange cranberry scones, but you can add an orange zest clotted cream instead. An orange curd also pairs perfectly with these.
Another fun idea, while you’re enjoying your scones, is to learn about the origin of scones and read this inspirational Teacup Story.
Baking Tips & Notes
- Don’t be intimidated when making scones.
- They are simple to make. The key is not to handle for too long and make sure the butter is cold.
- When you incorporate it into the dough make sure to have chunks or little bits of butter that you can see. This will make it lighter and more delicious.
- You can omit the glaze if you prefer them without. Add a dollop of clotted cream (optional) Serve with a cup of hot tea.
How to shape scones
- While the shape of scones looks difficult to make, it’s easy. Just form the dough into a thick circle and flatten it out with your hands. Then cut it like you would a pizza.
- You can also use this scone pan or a larger scone pan. Starbucks scones are big, but I like to make them smaller.
Equipment Used in Making this Recipe
Favorite Related Recipes
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Scone Recipe
Cranberry Orange Scones Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 Cups all purpose flour
- 1/3 Cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 Cup cold butter Cubed
- 1 Cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 Cups dried cranberries , divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
Glaze
- 1/2 Cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ⅓ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add butter cubes and mix in with a pastry blender until dough becomes coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk until just moistened. Mix and fold in 1/2 of dried cranberries and orange zest. Mix until completely incorporated. You can use a Kitchen Aid with a dough hook. This is the easiest method.
- Turn dough onto a lightly-floured surface and knead gently until dough is no longer sticky.
- Divide dough in half and form into a circle and flatten out with palms of hands. Cut into 6 triangles.
- Take remaining cranberries and maple syrup and combine in a small bowl. Slice scones in half and add a spoonful of cranberries in the middle and then replace the top of the scone. Do this for both discs.
- Add scones to a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- When cooled make the glaze and drizzle on scones on some parchment or waxed paper. Enjoy
Theresa @DearCreatives says
These were one of my favorite sconce when I worked for SB. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Candi Elm says
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like them.
Shelley says
Yum, I love cranberry-orange scones (or almost any scone,for that matter)!
Candi Elm says
I do too. I am glad you stopped by for a visit.
Cassie says
Those look so yummy!
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Candi Elm says
Thanks Cassie.
Alexis Grace says
I haven't had scones i forever! I would love a special occasion to give these a shot!!
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Candi says
They are easy and look fabulous
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Maureen says
Love these! Always a favorite at Starbucks 🙂 Perfect for Sunday brunch.
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Candi says
Thanks for visiting Maureen. Have a great week.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Christie Bielss says
These look delicious! I've always wanted to make scones and your recipe looks easy.
Candi says
It is very easy. Thanks for stopping by.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Sheila says
I have cranberries in my pantry that I know what to do with now 🙂
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Candi says
Perfect. Now you can use those cranberries.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Barbie says
Hi…I will be making these today, they look great. Two questions though, the recipe says the amount of cranberries, then divided but I don’t see this reflected in the instructions…is there something missing? And does this recipe make 8 or 16 scones? I’m not sure.
Many thanks.
Candi Elm says
You will divide the cranberries for the two discs of dough. You can make 8 large scones or if you use a small scone pan it makes about 12.
Jen says
You instruct to mix in the cranberries before you divide the dough, though.
Candi Elm says
Yes, then the two dough balls are complete and ready to be cut into wedges to bake.
Kim Smith says
These look good, and will be perfect for the next planning meeting at the Garden Club.
Candi says
Thanks Kim, they would be great for your meeting.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
@hchybinski says
Yum – I love scones and this is a keeper!
Candi says
THanks for visiting.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Jill @ E.H.M. says
Trying this recipe tomorrow!!
Candi says
i know you will love it.
My recent post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones
Becca at It's Yummi says
I stopped buying these scones because they became so expensive. I love that I can make them myself! This post has been Stumbled!
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Candi Elm says
Thanks for visiting and for your stumble.
@GirlGoneMom says
I have never tried making scones before – now I have to give it a try. Thanks!!
Candi Elm says
They are easy to do. Thanks for your visit.
Jaime @ MTK says
I've never had one of the scones at Starbucks but these sound absolutely delicious!
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candielm says
They are really good, but you can make your own just as easy.
Clare says
I've never tried cranberry orange scones but they sound really good – I'm a fan of the plain and the cheese varieties!
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candielm says
The orange gives it just enough flavor to really enjoy it.
kkkjk5 says
Those look delicious! Thanks for linking up last week to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned it to the Bloggers Brags PInterest Board.
Candi says
You\’re welcome, thanks for hosting the link up. I am glad you stopped by.
candielm says
Thanks for hosting the link up and coming over to my blog.
birdsongmanor says
Oh good gosh… I need to go bake right now! Thanks for this recipe.
kidsratrip says
These are my favorite scones ever. Can't wait to try these!Pinning.
Kirsten says
Candi,
I had the most tender cranberry orange scones, bought on a whim, with my tea at a recent book group meeting in a local coffee shop. I never knew scones could be so light!
These look terrific, and I think I’ll use a piece of parchment paper instead of a cookie sheet, since it’s my secret to success with pizza.
Thanks!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says
I can’t believe I’ve never made scones, these look like a great way to start!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
These look great! I’ve made a copycat version of their pumpkin scones, and they’re AMAZING. These are definitely on my to try list!
Cate | Chez CateyLou says
I am obsessed with baked goods at Starbucks – it is a struggle to resist them. I can’t wait to try this recipe – they look delicious!
Meredith @ The Palette Muse says
Yum! I love cranberry orange anything, especially scones! Pinning. One question though, on my screen the amount of sugar isn’t showing up. Can you clarify?
Eileen Kelly says
We love scones! Cranberry and orange are a perfect combo! I will be making these for the family often! Great for our snacks too!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
I love scones! Orange and cranberry together is a great flavor combination.
Sarah says
I’m going to HAVE to try these this week. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Christina says
This is a great recipe! I”ll be making it again and again!
Sandra Shaffer says
The orange glaze is such a nice flavor to pair with cranberries. Not too sweet and lovely with a cup of warm tea. Thanks!
Terri says
The cranberries along with the orange together in these scones are absolutey delicious! Will definitelymake again!
Kristin says
I love scones! These are actually even better than the ones you buy! Thanks for the tip on how to freeze them too – that really came in handy.
Linda says
I agree that your instructions need tweaking in a couple of places. But the scones were delicious with substituting 1 cup of craisans. I will use less sugar next time – and less maple syrup as it’s just a tad too sweet for me.
Pamela C says
Regarding the Cranberry Orange Scone recipe, what do you do with the 2 tsp maple syrup? The recipe does not indicate when/where to add the syrup? Thank you!
Debby says
Can you just add all the cranberries and zest to the mixture?