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Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios

Simple, tender, and flakey cranberry orange scones just like your favorite bakeries studded with cranberries and pistachios. These scones are just the Starbucks but so much better. The warm citrus glaze on top ties the whole thing together.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Author: Little Spice Jar

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup butter frozen + grated*
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream divided
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios
  • sparkling or turbinado sugar for sprinkling on tops

glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

  • Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet, set aside.
  • Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (you can also do this in a regular bowl with an electric mixer). Stir to combine.
  • Add the butter and mix the ingredients on the low setting until the butter incorporates with the flour. Let the mixer run on the low setting while you drizzle in each of the following ingredients separately, vanilla extract, egg, heavy cream, and sour cream. Fold the cranberries and pistachios into the dough until combined.
  • Flour your work surface and your hands before removing the dough from the mixing bowl. Work the dough into a neat 10 inch circle. Cut into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a dough scraper. Place the scones 1 ½ - 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and sprinkle with sparkling sugar if desired.
  • Bake the scones for 19-22 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for several minutes. You can make the glaze while they cool. Combine the confections sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of the orange juice in a bowl and mix until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of orange juice, 1 teaspoon at a time to help thin it out (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon). Drizzle glaze over the scones and top with additional sparkling sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Scones are best enjoyed the day they are made but will keep in an air-tight container for 1-2 additional days.
  • HOW TO GRATE BUTTER: I like to freeze my butter overnight but you can also do this by freezing the butter for several hours before grating. I grate the butter with a box grater (on the coarse setting). Place the grated butter in a bowl or a plate. Let freeze for several minutes before using it in the recipe.
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