Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones

If you’re looking for a cozy, bakery-style treat to start your day or serve at brunch, Ina Garten’s Cranberry Orange Scones are just the thing. These tender, flaky scones are lightly sweetened and bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange zest. They come together with simple ingredients but offer the rich flavor and texture of a high-end pastry.

What Are Ina Garten’s Cranberry Orange Scones?

These scones are a classic combination of tangy dried cranberries and the citrusy aroma of fresh orange zest. Ina Garten’s version uses cold butter, heavy cream, and eggs to produce scones that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Finished with a sweet orange glaze, they strike a perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Warm French Lentils
• Ina Garten Vegetable Casserole
• Ina Garten Tri-Berry Muffins

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones

• Perfect balance of sweet and tart – Cranberries and orange are a timeless pairing
• Flaky and tender texture – Thanks to cold butter and cream
• Great for holidays or everyday baking – Feels festive but simple enough for weekly treats
• Freezer-friendly dough – Make ahead and bake as needed
• Looks beautiful with glaze and zest – Impressive for guests or gifts
• No fancy tools required – Just a bowl, whisk, and your hands
• Pairs well with coffee or tea – A classic bakery-style match

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones

For the scones:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ pound (3 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1 cup dried cranberries

For brushing:

• 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons milk or cream (egg wash)

For the glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add cold diced butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and cold heavy cream. Pour into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Shape Dough

Fold in the dried cranberries. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly into a ball. Flatten into a ¾-inch thick rectangle or round and cut into triangles using a sharp knife or biscuit cutter.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Let the scones cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.

What to Serve With Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones

• Hot coffee or tea – Classic and comforting pairing
• Clotted cream or butter – Adds richness to each bite
• Orange marmalade or jam – Enhances the citrus flavor
• Fresh fruit salad – For a balanced breakfast plate
• Yogurt and granola – To create a brunch spread
• Scrambled eggs or frittata – Adds savory contrast
• Sparkling juice or mimosa – A festive beverage option

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Keep butter and cream cold – Essential for flaky texture
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined to avoid toughness
• Use fresh orange zest – Adds natural brightness and aroma
• Chill shaped scones before baking – Helps them rise higher
• Bake on parchment paper – Prevents sticking and promotes even browning
• Let scones cool before glazing – Keeps the glaze from melting off
• Double the batch and freeze extras – Great for make-ahead baking

Variations of the Recipe

• Use fresh cranberries – For extra tartness (chop and lightly toss in flour)
• Swap cranberries with blueberries or raspberries – For different flavor profiles
• Add chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add texture
• Include a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg – Adds warmth
• Replace orange zest with lemon – For a lemon-cranberry twist
• Make mini scones – Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats
• Top with coarse sugar before baking – For crunch and sparkle

How to Store Leftovers

• Cool completely before storing – Avoids condensation
• Store in an airtight container – At room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for longer storage – Up to 5 days
• Freeze unbaked or baked scones – Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months
• Label and date your container – For freshness tracking
• Avoid glazing before freezing – Add glaze after reheating for best texture
• Reheat gently before serving – Restores warmth and softness

How Do I Reheat Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Scones?

• Oven method: Reheat at 325°F for 8–10 minutes until warm
• Microwave briefly: 15–20 seconds per scone, but texture may soften
• Toaster oven works well: Brings back a slightly crisp edge
• Add a pat of butter after reheating – Makes them extra indulgent
• Glaze after reheating if frozen – Keeps it fresh and glossy
• Don’t overheat – Can dry out or make the scones rubbery
• Wrap in foil to retain moisture – Especially for reheating multiple scones

Nutritional Value (per scone)

• Calories: 390
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 280mg

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in cranberry orange scones?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Just chop them roughly and toss with a little flour before mixing into the dough to prevent them from bleeding too much color.

How do I make scones flaky and tender?

Use very cold butter and handle the dough minimally. The key is to keep the butter from melting before baking to create steam, which gives scones their signature flakiness.

Can I freeze cranberry orange scone dough?

Absolutely. Shape the dough into scones, place on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Why did my scones turn out dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make scones dry. Measure flour correctly, and remove scones from the oven once the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Orange Scones bring together buttery, flaky pastry with the fresh brightness of citrus and the tart sweetness of cranberries. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough for any celebration. Enjoy them with your favorite drink, a dollop of cream, or just as they are—warm and straight from the oven.

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