Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones: Fluffy, Buttery, and Irresistible

If you’ve ever craved the delicate, buttery scones from your favorite bakery, you’re in for a treat. These Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones are light, flaky, and filled with bursts of tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they come together quickly with simple ingredients.

I remember the first time I made scones at home. I thought they would be complicated, but they turned out to be one of the easiest baked goods! The key is using cold butter and not overworking the dough. With this recipe, you’ll achieve that bakery-quality texture right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Scones

  • Light and flaky with a slightly crisp exterior
  • Packed with flavor, thanks to tart cranberries and a buttery dough
  • Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect for beginners, no fancy equipment required

Ingredients for Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)

How to Make Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones

Step1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  2. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
  3. Fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.

Step3: Shape and Cut

  1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle.
  2. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for individual scones.
  3. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step4: Bake the Scones

  1. Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
  2. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden.

Tips for the Perfect Fluffy Cranberry Scones

  • Use cold butter: This ensures a flaky texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough leads to dense scones.
  • Fresh vs. dried cranberries: Both work, but dried cranberries are sweeter.
  • Chill the dough: If time allows, refrigerate shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Orange Cranberry Scones: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Chocolate Cranberry Scones: Fold in ½ cup of white or dark chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
  • Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or spiced cider.

Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze unbaked scones and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

Yes! No need to thaw before mixing them into the dough.

How Do I Get Fluffy Scones?

Keep the butter cold, and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I Make Mini Scones?

Absolutely! Cut the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits of Cranberry Scones

  • Cranberries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and healthy fats.
  • Butter: Provides flavor and flaky texture.

If you love these Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones, try these other delicious treats:

Final Thoughts

These Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones are a must-try for any home baker. They’re buttery, flaky, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table.

Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest board and let me know how your scones turned out. Happy baking!

For more dessert ideas, check out this Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix for a fruity, southern-inspired dessert. Enjoy your baking adventures!

Enjoy your delicious Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones, and if you give it a try and like it, we’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience with us!

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Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones

Bakery-Style Cranberry Scones: Fluffy, Buttery, and Irresistible


  • Author: chefdana.baker@gmail.com
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Fluffy, buttery scones with tart cranberries, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle.
  8. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for individual scones.
  9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  10. Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
  11. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden.

Notes

Use cold butter for a flaky texture. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep scones light and airy. Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking for best results.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: scones, cranberry scones, bakery scones, breakfast, baking

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