Easy Cranberry and White Chocolate Scones Recipe

It’s time to get cozy in the kitchen and this is the time of year where baking magic happens and the aroma of sweet treats fills the air. Today, I’m whipping up a batch of delightful Cranberry White Chocolate Scones that are sure to become a love-at-first-bite experience. This easy recipe is a twist on the classic scones, combining the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of white chocolate.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Scones

You’ll love these White Chocolate and Cranberry Scones for their delightful balance of flavors and textures. Tart cranberries perfectly complement the sweet, creamy white chocolate chips, creating a harmonious taste in every bite. These moist scones have a golden-brown exterior with a soft, flaky interior that makes for an irresistible combination. You can even take these to the next level with a cream cheese glaze or a white chocolate drizzle.

These flaky scones are easy to make and are sure to add a touch of gourmet sophistication to your breakfast or afternoon tea. I especially like to enjoy this simple recipe on Christmas morning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these scones are a foolproof way to impress and indulge.

Can Scones be Made in Advance

Yes, scones can be made in advance. You can prepare the dough, shape it, and then refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, you can put them directly into the oven from the fridge or freezer; just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming from the cold. This makes scones a convenient option for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients for Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

• 2 + 3/4 cups of flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tbsp of orange zest
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 4 oz of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp of heavy cream, for brushing
• 1/2 cup of milk (oat milk gives a lovely twist)
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries (or a cup of dried cranberries if preferred)
• 1 cup of white chocolate chips

How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Tray: To start, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a prepared baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your scones will glide off without sticking. You can also use cooking spray or a baking mat.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Press the orange zest into the sugar to release the oils. Then, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. These ingredients will form the base of your chocolate cranberry scones.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter pieces into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or a coarse meal. This is where the flakiness of your cranberry scones begins!
4. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and milk. Pour this into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep your scones tender.
5. Add the Goodies: Gently fold in the frozen cranberries and white chocolate chips until they’re distributed throughout the dough. Here’s where the chocolate cranberry magic happens!
6. Form and Cut the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a shape of a disc, about 1 inch thick. Cut the round disk into 8 wedges, and place them on the baking sheet. I like to use a pizza cutting to shape them!
7. Bake to Perfection: Brush the tops of the scones with a bit more heavy cream for that perfect golden brown finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden and firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the chocolate cranberry scones cool on the baking tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. If you love a bit of extra sweetness, a dusting of powdered sugar will do the trick.

How to Store Scones

These chocolate cranberry scones are best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for a couple of days, and a quick warm-up will bring back that just-baked taste and texture.

Can you Freeze Leftover Scones

Yes, you can freeze leftover scones. To do so, let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen scones can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Read more: How to Freeze and Thaw Scones

How to Make Perfect Scones

To make perfect scones, follow these tips:

1. Cold Ingredients: Use cold butter and cold dairy (milk or cream) to ensure the scones have a flaky, tender texture. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, which leads to a rise.
2. Do Not Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough until just combined. Overworking the dough will develop the gluten and make the scones tough.
3. Flour Surface Generously: When shaping the dough, flour your hands and the work surface well to prevent sticking without adding too much additional flour into the dough.
4. Thickness Matters: Pat or roll the dough to the right thickness, about an inch high. Too thin, and the scones won’t rise properly; too thick, and they may not cook evenly.
5. Sharp Cutter: Use a sharp cutter to press straight down and up when cutting out the scones. Twisting the cutter can seal the edges, hindering a good rise.
6. Chill Before Baking: If the dough has warmed up during shaping, chilling the shaped scones for about 15 minutes before baking can improve their rise.
7. Brush the Tops: Brush the tops with milk or cream for color, but avoid dripping down the sides, which can prevent them from rising evenly.
8. Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature to start the baking process quickly and create a good rise.
9. Timing is Everything: Bake until the scones are golden brown. Underbaking can leave them doughy inside, while overbaking will dry them out.
10. Serve Warm: Scones are best served warm, soon after baking. A warm scone allows you to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect scones that are sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a scone recipe that will bring a taste of indulgence to your breakfast table. Whether you’re a fan of Zesty Lemon Blueberry Scones or the classic chocolate scones, this chocolate cranberry version is bound to steal your heart. They’re just as good paired with your morning cup of coffee or cup of tea as they are served for an afternoon tea time.