The Famous Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Barefoot contessa cranberry orange scones represent a delightful twist on traditional pastry perfection.

Bakers adore these tender, crumbly treats that blend tangy citrus with sweet-tart berries.

Rich butter creates an impossibly light texture that melts in your mouth.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of bright orange essence and ruby-red cranberry bursts.

Warm from the oven, these scones transform ordinary mornings into special moments.

Soft, delicate crumbs complement the unexpected flavor combination that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Prepare to elevate your baking skills with this irresistible morning indulgence: your taste buds will thank you.

An Easy Guide to Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Freshly grated orange zest

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Work in the Butter

Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until butter breaks down into tiny pea-sized pieces. This creates those magical flaky layers scones are famous for.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Heavy cream

Slowly pour the creamy mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Toss dried cranberries with a light dusting of flour, then gently fold into the dough. This prevents them from sinking during baking.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Lovingly knead it into a beautiful ball, then roll it out until it’s about 3/4 inch thick. Pro tip: Use gentle hands to keep the scones tender.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

Use a 3-inch round cutter to create perfect scone circles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut additional scones.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with a light dusting of sugar. This creates a gorgeous golden crust that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and a firm texture when touched.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Let the scones cool for about 15 minutes. Whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and watch them disappear!

Serving Tip: These scones are best enjoyed fresh, paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend morning or an afternoon treat with friends.

Clever Hints for Cranberry Orange Scones

• Chill Butter Strategically: Cold butter creates those irresistible flaky layers that make scones melt in your mouth, so keep it straight from the refrigerator and work quickly.
• Handle Dough Delicately: Treat the mixture like a delicate dance, mixing just until ingredients come together to prevent tough, dense scones that will disappoint.
• Freeze Before Baking: A quick 15-minute chill in the refrigerator helps scones maintain their beautiful shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Zest Up the Flavor: Grate fresh orange zest directly into the dough for a more intense citrus punch that will make these cranberry scones truly memorable.
• Glaze with Genius: Drizzle the orange glaze while scones are still slightly warm to help it seep into the nooks and crannies, creating a delectable sweet finish.

Keep Cranberry Orange Scones Fresh

• Freeze Whole: Protect freshly baked scones by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then placing inside a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying at room temperature.
• Refrigerate Smart: Maintain scone quality by storing in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Place in the refrigerator's coolest section, away from strong-smelling foods. Consume within 5 days for peak freshness and flavor.
• Counter Storage: Keep unglazed scones at room temperature in a breathable container for maximum 2 days. Select a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent staleness. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to preserve soft texture and prevent drying out.

Adore Cranberry Orange Scones

• Burst with Citrusy Elegance: These scones deliver a zesty orange punch that dances across your taste buds, transforming an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience with bright, fresh citrus notes.
• Perfectly Tender and Crumbly: The combination of double cream and precise mixing technique creates a scone texture that's simultaneously delicate and substantial, breaking apart with a satisfying crumble that melts in your mouth.
• Quick Breakfast Luxury: From start to finish, these scones take just over 30 minutes to prepare, offering a sophisticated morning treat that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen without demanding complex culinary skills.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with festive cranberries and finished with a delicate orange glaze, these scones are perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or special morning celebrations that call for something extra special.

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones

• All Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for tender scones, high-quality flour ensures smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown exterior.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy scones.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to rich texture.
• Double Cream: Creates rich, luxurious moisture and tender crumb.

• Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy aroma and complementary flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds tartness and delightful fruity bursts.

• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates flaky texture.
• Egg Wash: Helps achieve glossy, golden-brown surface.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides extra sweetness and sparkle on top.

• Icing Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle.
• Orange Juice: Adds tangy flavor and thins glaze for drizzling.

Creative Spins on Cranberry Orange Scones

• Lemon Lavender Bliss: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and dried cranberries with dried lavender buds. The citrusy and floral combination creates a sophisticated and refreshing scone perfect for afternoon tea.
• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Swap dried cranberries with dark chocolate chips and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. This version transforms the classic scone into a rich, indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Nutty Maple Harvest: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough and replace part of the sugar with maple syrup. Finish with a maple glaze instead of the orange juice version for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
• Ginger Spice Sensation: Mix in ground ginger and finely chopped crystallized ginger to the dry ingredients. Replace orange zest with additional warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a zesty, warming scone that tingles the taste buds.

A Tasty End to Cranberry Orange Scones

Barefoot Contessa’s cranberry orange scones emerge as pure culinary poetry, blending zesty citrus notes with sweet-tart berries in perfect harmony.

British afternoon tea traditions meet modern American baking elegance through this sophisticated recipe.

Ina Garten’s signature touch transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary morning delights.

Crisp edges and tender centers create scone perfection that beckons breakfast enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike.

Homemade magic radiates from each carefully crafted bite, promising sensory satisfaction beyond expectations.

With gentle orange undertones and bright cranberry accents, these scones invite passionate bakers to explore, savor, share their delicious dish, sprinkle social media with mouthwatering snapshots, engage fellow pastry enthusiasts, and spread delectable inspiration worldwide.

Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Scones offer a delightful blend of zesty citrus and tart cranberries in a buttery, flaky pastry. Ina Garten’s classic recipe creates a perfect breakfast treat that brings warmth and comfort to your morning table.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 4.25 cups (530 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 50 grams sugar

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 240 milliliters (1 cup) cold heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)
• 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Fat and Add-ins:

• 340 grams (12 ounces) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 120 grams dried cranberries
• 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water (for egg wash)
• 0.5 cup plus 2 tablespoons (75 grams) confectioners’ sugar
• Extra sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 200°C (400°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal scone baking.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, meticulously combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and freshly grated orange zest.
3. Integrate cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture, mixing on low speed until the texture resembles coarse pea-sized crumbs.
4. Whisk eggs and heavy cream (double cream) in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth liquid blend.
5. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
6. Gently coat dried cranberries with a light dusting of flour to prevent sinking during baking, then fold into the dough with minimal stirring.
7. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, gently kneading into a cohesive ball before rolling to approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) thickness.
8. Using a 7.5 centimeters (3-inch) round pastry cutter, carefully cut out scone shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Collect remaining dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting additional scones to maximize ingredient usage.
10. Delicately brush scone tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crisp exterior.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the scones achieve a rich golden-brown color and feel firm when touched.
12. Allow scones to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then create a simple glaze by whisking icing sugar with fresh orange juice.
13. Drizzle the citrusy glaze over the slightly cooled scones, creating an elegant and flavorful finishing touch.

Notes

• Freeze butter chunks to create pockets of fat that melt during baking, ensuring ultra-flaky texture.
• Gently fold ingredients to prevent tough, dense scones that lose their delicate crumb.
• Rest dough in refrigerator to allow gluten to relax and butter to firm up, helping maintain crisp edges.
• Handle dough minimally, using fingertips to barely bring ingredients together without warming the mixture.
• Enhance citrus notes by zesting fresh orange directly into the dough and glaze for vibrant, natural flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 110mg