If you’ve ever caught yourself craving that perfect tangy-sweet bite from Starbucks’ famous cranberry orange scones, I’ve got fantastic news for you. This Cranberry Orange Scone Recipe (Starbucks Copycat) brings that beloved citrus scones flavor right into your kitchen—no fancy coffee run needed! These homemade scones deliver a tender crumb with bursts of cranberry and zesty orange that’ll have you hooked from the very first bite.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, this recipe balances sweet and tart in all the right ways. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, so you can impress friends or just treat yourself on a cozy morning.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Scones

Authentic Starbucks copycat recipe that nails the citrus scones flavor.
Homemade scones with tender, flaky texture and fresh orange zest.
Balanced sweetness from dried cranberries and a luscious orange glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus ¼ cup for dusting
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (organic if possible)
1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
⅔ cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until pea-sized bits remain.

In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla, orange extract, and orange zest until smooth.
Fold wet ingredients gently into dry ingredients until just combined. Carefully stir in dried cranberries for even distribution.
Lightly flour your work surface and transfer dough onto it. Knead gently into a ball, then press into a ½-inch thick rectangle about 6×10 inches.

Cut dough lengthwise in half, then cut each half into three rectangles. Slice each rectangle diagonally to make triangles—classic scone shapes!
Place scones spaced 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.

While cooling, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm scones before serving.

Tips for Baking Perfect Cranberry Orange Scones

Keep your butter cold to achieve those tender, flaky layers that make scones special. Don’t overmix the dough; gentle folding preserves texture and prevents tough scones. If you want a more intense orange flavor, add an extra pinch of zest or a splash more orange extract. And that glaze? Feel free to adjust the orange juice amount to get the perfect drizzle consistency.

A Little Backstory

I started making these after a morning craving for Starbucks’ citrus scones took over. Baking them myself was a game changer—not only do they taste amazing, but you can customize the glaze and fruit to your liking. Now, they’re a staple for cozy weekend mornings, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are delightful with a hot latte, cappuccino, or simply a cup of black tea. For an extra treat, spread a bit of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm scone. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for brunch.

How to Store Your Scones

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, freeze them wrapped individually for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to bring back their flaky goodness.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Scones

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before folding into the dough.

Are these scones dairy-heavy?

They do contain butter, cream, and sour cream for richness, but you can try dairy-free substitutes with some experimentation.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Substituting with a gluten-free baking blend may work, but texture will vary slightly.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of citrus and warm cranberries? This Cranberry Orange Scone Recipe is your ticket to homemade scones that taste just like the Starbucks favorite—maybe even better. Tie on your apron and get baking!

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Cranberry Orange Scones: The Best Starbucks Copycat Citrus Scones You Can Make at Home

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Author: Amanda Hartwellen
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8–12 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cranberry Orange Scones deliver that beloved Starbucks copycat flavor with tender, flaky layers bursting with dried cranberries and bright orange zest. Finished with a luscious orange glaze, these homemade scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus ¼ cup for dusting
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (organic preferred)
1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
⅔ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until pea-sized bits remain.

In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla, orange extract, and orange zest until smooth.
Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Stir in dried cranberries evenly.
Lightly flour work surface and transfer dough. Knead gently into a ball and press into ½-inch thick rectangle (6×10 inches).

Cut dough lengthwise in half, then each half into three rectangles. Slice diagonally to make triangles.
Arrange scones 1–2 inches apart on baking sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden. Cool 5–10 minutes on baking sheet.

Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice to make glaze. Drizzle over warm scones.

Notes

Keep butter cold for flaky layers.

Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.

Adjust orange juice in glaze for preferred consistency.

Frozen cranberries can be used—thaw and pat dry first.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Copycat