Easy Holiday Scones: Cranberry Orange Bliss

If your idea of a perfect December morning includes a warm drink, fuzzy socks, and something sweet in the oven, these Cranberry Orange Bliss scones are for you. They’re buttery, tender, and full of bright citrus and tart cranberries, like a cozy little bakery moment right in your kitchen.

This recipe is made for busy moms and cozy homebodies who want something special without spending all day measuring, chilling, and fussing with pastry. You can stir these together in one bowl, pop them in the oven, and have a festive treat on the table in under an hour. 🎄

Whether you’re hosting a small holiday brunch, setting out a snack for Santa’s helpers, or just treating yourself after school drop-off, this Cranberry Orange Bliss bake feels fancy but is secretly very simple.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bliss Recipe ✨

• Cozy holiday flavor – Bright orange zest + tart cranberries + vanilla glaze = instant December vibes.

• Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry and fridge staples you probably already have.

• No mixer needed – Just a bowl, a whisk, and clean hands or a pastry cutter.

• Freezer-friendly – Freeze unbaked wedges or leftovers for future cozy mornings.

• Perfect for sharing – Great for neighbors, teachers, or a low-effort holiday brunch spread.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones 🧺

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp fine salt

• 1 tsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

• 2/3 cup cold heavy cream or whole milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Orange Glaze & Optional Toppings

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

• A splash of vanilla extract (optional)

• Extra chopped cranberries or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for topping (optional but pretty)

Overhead view of flour, butter, cranberries, orange, and cream arranged on a wooden board for cranberry orange scones.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones 👩‍🍳

1. Preheat & Prepare

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

2. If using frozen cranberries, keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to fold them in. This helps the scones stay tender and not overly pink.

2. Make the Dry Base

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

4. Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs with small pea-sized bits of butter.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream (or milk), egg, and vanilla extract.

6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently bring everything together until it’s just combined, no dry patches, but don’t overmix.

4. Fold in the Cranberries

7. Add the chopped cranberries and gently fold them into the dough. If the dough feels very sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour. If it feels too dry, drizzle in a tiny splash more cream.

5. Shape & Slice

8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.

9. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges (like a pizza).

10. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. If you have time, chill the tray for 10–15 minutes for extra flaky layers.

6. Bake

11. Brush the tops lightly with a bit of cream or milk for a golden finish.

12. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and lightly golden around the edges.

13. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes while you make the glaze.

7. Make the Orange Glaze

14. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, adding just enough liquid to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Stir in orange zest and vanilla, if using.

15. Drizzle the glaze over the warm (not piping hot) scones. Sprinkle with a little coarse sugar or extra chopped cranberries if you like.

Now you’ve got a tray of Cranberry Orange Bliss scones ready to serve. 💫

Tips & Variations

• Use what you have – Swap cranberries for chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate chips in a pinch.

• Dairy options – You can use half-and-half or full-fat milk instead of cream; just know the scones will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

• Make-ahead – Freeze unbaked wedges on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.

• Less sweet? – Reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup and keep the glaze light if you prefer a not-too-sweet breakfast.

• Gluten-free route – Try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; the texture will be slightly different but still cozy.

Serving Suggestions 🥐☕

• Slow weekend breakfast – Serve warm with butter, extra jam, and a mug of coffee or tea.

• Holiday brunch – Pair with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and your favorite cozy latte (pumpkin chai, anyone?).

• Gift for neighbors or teachers – Wrap a couple of cooled scones in parchment, tie with a string, and tuck a note inside.

• Freezer stash – Keep a few in the freezer for those hectic school mornings when you still want something special.

Golden cranberry orange scones drizzled with glaze on a white plate with a mug of coffee in the background.

FAQ: Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones ❓

1. Can I make Cranberry Orange Bliss scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the shaped scones overnight and bake them the next morning, or freeze them unbaked and bake from frozen. This makes holiday mornings so much easier.

2. Do I have to use fresh cranberries?

No. Frozen cranberries work really well, just don’t thaw them first. You can also use dried cranberries, but reduce the amount slightly (they’re sweeter and more concentrated).

3. How should I store leftover scones?

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

4. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The scones are still delicious without it. You can brush them with a little cream and sprinkle them with coarse sugar before baking for a simpler finish.

A Cozy Final Note 💌

These Cranberry Orange Bliss scones are my love letter to cozy holiday mornings, simple ingredients, warm flavors, and just enough sweetness to feel special without being fussy.

If you bake them, I’d love to hear how they turned out:✨ Leave a comment,📌 Save the recipe on Pinterest for later, or ☕ share a photo of your cozy breakfast corner and tag it with your favorite holiday emoji.

Here’s to slow mornings, warm ovens, and treats that make November and December feel just a little more magical. 🧡