There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly baked cranberry orange scone. The tart pop of cranberries, the zesty kiss of orange, and that tender, golden crust? Pure joy. If you’ve ever found yourself eyeing those Starbucks scones during your coffee run, this copycat recipe is about to make your mornings brighter and your holidays cozier.

These cranberry orange scones are the holiday scones of your dreams. They’re not just baked goods; they’re festive treats wrapped in citrusy, berry-filled love. Ideal for brunch with friends, gifting to neighbors, or sneaking with your favorite mug of tea while the world is still sleeping.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Scones

Taste just like your favorite Starbucks scones (maybe even better!)
Bright, citrusy flavor with fresh cranberries
Topped with an irresistible orange glaze
Make-ahead friendly and freezer-ready

What You’ll Need

For the scones:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (some whole is fine)
Zest from 1 orange (save 2 teaspoons for the glaze)
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the glaze:

2 teaspoons orange zest
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones Copycat

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and most of the orange zest (set aside 2 tsp for later).
Add cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until it looks crumbly and pebbly.
Stir in the buttermilk with a fork until a soft dough forms.
Gently fold in the cranberries.
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a ball.
Sprinkle flour on your surface and knead the dough 6–8 times. Pat it into a 10-inch circle.
Slice into 8 wedges and place them on your baking sheet.
Brush with beaten egg and bake for 13–16 minutes or until golden.
Cool on a wire rack while you whip up the glaze.
Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and reserved zest until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled scones.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Scones

Use cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. Less fuss = more fluff.
If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick DIY with milk + lemon juice works in a pinch.
Love crunch? Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking.
Fresh cranberries are best, but dried can do in a pinch—just chop them up and soak in warm water for 5 minutes first.

Olivia’s Little Holiday Ritual

Every December, I host a tiny tea party for my girlfriends—complete with twinkle lights, mulled cider, and cranberry orange scones. One year, I slipped them into gift bags, and my friend Jess told me she hid hers from her husband. That’s the kind of devotion these scones inspire. They’re more than baked goods; they’re edible joy.

What to Serve with These Festive Treats

These scones shine on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more delightful:

A cup of chai or Earl Grey tea
Clotted cream or mascarpone
Fruit preserves like orange marmalade or cranberry jam
A side of scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a fuller brunch spread

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers:

Store scones in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-8 minutes.
Want to freeze? Wrap the unglazed scones tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the glaze fresh after reheating.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Scones

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Just soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes first to plump them up.

Do these really taste like Starbucks scones?

Honestly? Better. Fresher ingredients and zero preservatives make a big difference.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the dough, slice the wedges, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

The Joy of Baking at Home

There’s nothing quite like filling your kitchen with the scent of citrus and butter on a chilly morning. These cranberry orange scones are more than a copycat—they’re a tradition waiting to happen. Whether you’re chasing holiday magic or just a better breakfast, this scone recipe brings joy in every bite.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Cranberry Orange Scones That Rival Starbucks: Your Festive Favorite at Home

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 36 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These cranberry orange scones are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavor. Inspired by the Starbucks favorite, they’re topped with a sweet orange glaze and make the perfect holiday breakfast or brunch treat. Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, they’ll quickly become a festive family tradition.

Ingredients

Scale

For the scones:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Zest from 1 orange (reserve 2 tsp for glaze)
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the glaze:

2 teaspoons orange zest
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest (reserve 2 tsp for glaze).
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add buttermilk and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in the chopped cranberries.
On a floured surface, knead the dough 6–8 times, then shape into a 10-inch circle.
Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the baking sheet.
Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 13–16 minutes until golden.
Let scones cool on a wire rack.
Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled scones.

Notes

Cold butter is essential for a flaky texture.

If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water first.

Freeze unbaked scones for fresh-baked flavor anytime.

Buttermilk substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice (rest for 5 minutes).

Add coarse sugar on top before baking for crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American