Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones Copycat Recipe

Introduction

These Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones are a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a delightful treat for breakfast or snack time. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re easy to make at home and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (leave a few whole)
• Zest from one orange, divided (reserve 2 teaspoons for glaze)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and most of the orange zest, keeping 2 teaspoons aside for the glaze.
3. Step 3: Using clean hands or a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Step 4: Add the buttermilk and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a ball.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle your work surface with a little flour and knead the dough 6 to 8 times to bring it together.
7. Step 7: Pat the dough into a 10-inch circle. Cut the circle into wedges using a pastry cutter, sharp knife, or pizza cutter.
8. Step 8: Separate the wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the lightly beaten egg.
9. Step 9: Bake for 13 to 16 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly before glazing.
10. Step 10: To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and the reserved orange zest in a small bowl.
11. Step 11: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice if needed. Drizzle the glaze over each scone with a spoon. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough along with the cranberries.
• Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable, just thaw and drain before chopping.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Brush the scones with heavy cream instead of egg for a vegan option before baking.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds until heated through. The glaze is best added fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these scones?

Yes, these scones freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh?

You can use dried cranberries instead of fresh, but reduce the amount slightly to about 3/4 cup since dried cranberries are sweeter and more concentrated in flavor.

Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones Copycat Recipe

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4.9 from 56 reviews

This Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones Copycat Recipe delivers tender, flaky scones bursting with fresh cranberries and bright orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these scones are coated with a sweet orange glaze that adds a delightful citrus finish. Easy to make with pantry staples, they’re a cozy treat that pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or tea.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Scones:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (leave a few whole)
• Zest from one orange, divided (reserve 2 teaspoons for glaze)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest (reserved from above)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Reserve 2 teaspoons of orange zest for the glaze later.
3. Cut in butter: Using clean hands or a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for flaky scones.
4. Mix dough: Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
5. Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, leaving a few whole for texture and visual appeal.
6. Knead dough: Lightly flour your hands and the work surface. Press the dough into a ball and knead 6 to 8 times to bring it together without making it tough.
7. Shape and cut: Pat the dough into a 10-inch circle. Using a pastry cutter, sharp knife, or pizza cutter, cut the dough into wedges.
8. Arrange and egg wash: Separate the wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the lightly beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake: Bake at 425°F for 13 to 16 minutes until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before glazing.
10. Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, orange juice, and reserved 2 teaspoons of orange zest. Adjust with more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
11. Glaze scones: Use a spoon to drizzle the orange glaze over the slightly cooled scones. Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of tart cranberry and citrus sweetness!

Notes

• Ensure butter is very cold before cutting into the flour to achieve flaky layers.
• Do not overmix the dough; it should be soft but not sticky.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen can be used but may add extra moisture.
• The orange glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice to preference.
• Scones are best served warm on the day made but can be reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: Starbucks scones, cranberry orange scones, copycat recipe, breakfast scones, baked goods, brunch recipe, citrus glaze, homemade scones