These cranberry lemon scones are light and fluffy, just like you’d expect from your favourite bakery. Topped with a lemon drizzle, these scones are perfect for breakfast or with a cup of afternoon tea.
There is something special about a perfect scone. They are buttery and flakey and there are endless varieties.
These bakery style cranberry lemon scones are one of my favourites.
These scones are loaded with fresh cranberries and lemon zest and then, to take them over the top, they are coated in a tangy lemon drizzle.
I know that sounds like a lot of work, but I promise these scones are easy to make.
I like to make these as large wedges and I get eight scones out of a batch. If you don’t want large scones (though I don’t know why you wouldn’t) you can cut these smaller without any issues.
It is super easy to change things up in this recipe, using raspberries or blueberries instead of the cranberries, and if you don’t love lemon like I do, you could leave it out, or use oranges.
These scones are great served warm with some butter or preserves. I think they make a perfect breakfast, but they are also pretty good for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Either way, you can’t go wrong.
HOW TO MAKE BAKERY STYLE CRANBERRY LEMON SCONES
The first thing to ensure your cranberry lemon scones are full of flavour is to make sure you are using fresh lemon and fresh cranberries.
Frozen cranberries are fine too, you just don’t want to use dried.
I use a rasp for zesting my lemon, then I juice the same lemon for use in the wet ingredients and the lemon drizzle.
My favourite type of juicer is the type with handles that you squeeze, like in the photo below. I find this type is the best at getting every last drop of juice out of the lemon, it does a great job on limes and oranges as well.
Once you’ve zested and juiced your lemon, add 2 tablespoons of the juice to the milk and set aside for a few minutes.
You are going to add the dry ingredients to a food processor, add the cold butter, then pulse until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can cut the butter in with a pastry blender.
Dump the contents of the food processor into a medium sized bowl.
Next add the sugar and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Then make a well in the centre and add the liquid ingredients, stirring just until combined. Add the cranberries to the bowl and combine them with the dough.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, or a large sheet of parchment paper. I like using the parchment paper because it makes clean up ridiculously easy.
Press the dough into a 9 inch circle, then cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Place the wedges on a parchment lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Next, mix the egg and 2 tsp of milk and brush on the scones.
Pop them in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are nice and golden brown.
Remove the scones to a cooling rack, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then coat in the lemon drizzle.
Serve immediately or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
THINGS TO KNOW & HELPFUL HINTS
- Make sure you are using cold butter. It is the steam that releases from the butter that creates the beautiful, flakey scones.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough. You want to mix it just until everything comes together and press it out gently. Overworking will cause the gluten to develop and the scones will become tough.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? You can! You may have to add a bit more liquid and the scones will be a bit heavier in texture, but it will work.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, you can. However, because cranberries and lemon are both tart, the sugar helps to balance the flavours. If that doesn’t bother you, go ahead and reduce it.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Best ever apple streusel muffins
Flakey cheddar chive biscuits
Air Fryer Blueberry turnovers
Bakery Style Cranberry Lemon Scones
Ingredients
- 2.5 Cups Flour All purpose
- 1 Tbsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 Cup Cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 Tbsp Lemon juice fresh
- 2 tsp Lemon zest zest from one medium lemon
- 3/4 Cup Fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 Egg beaten
- 2 tsp Milk
For the Lemon Drizzle
- 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Place flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and butter in a food processor and pulse until it resembles course crumbs. Alternatively, you can cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender. Dump the mixture into a large bowl.
- Mix the milk and 2 tbsp lemon juice together in a small bowl or measuring cup and let stand 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the sugar to the dry ingredients, then stir in the lemon zest.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk, stir just until combined, then fold in the cranberries.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface or large sheet of parchment paper.Gently press the dough into a 9 inch circle, then cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. It is important not to handle the dough more than necessary or it will become tough. Place the wedges on a parchment lined baking sheet with 1 inch room between them.
- Mix egg and 2 tsp of milk together and brush over scones.
- Place in the oven and bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove scones from the oven to a cooling rack.
- Allow to cool about 10 minutes. Then mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Drizzle over the scones and serve.
Can I use a cup of buttermilk which is what the milk and lemon juice are? I always have buttermilk in the refrigerator. Thank you.
Buttermilk will work for sure. I chose lemon juice and milk for this one because I like them extra lemony, but you could always add a bit more zest if you wanted. Even if you don’t use lemon juice in the scone itself, the lemon drizzle gives it a great lemon flavour. I hope you enjoy!
These were so easy to make and turned out perfect. I never was brave enough to try making them at home before and I’m so glad I found this recipe! Thanks!
I’d never ever say no to a scone! Love the addition of lemon and cranberries. Cranberries is something I don’t have very often so I’d love to give this recipe a go. I love lemon in sweet recipes. Adding a little tartness makes such a difference.
Great scones recipe, thanks for sharing and I cannot wait to make them!
These look great – I love cranberry scones. I can’t wait to try this version
These scones look very refreshing.
I was wondering if you can use gluten free flour for these. Also, if it is possible to use a sugar alternative, too. I know it takes all the fun out of these scones but that’s what the doc wants! I was thinking orange juice and zest would also be great with the cranberries!
I have not tested these with gluten free flour, but there are lots of all purpose gluten free flour mixes on the market. I would just be sure to try one of those, and not a gluten free all purpose baking mix which usually includes added learners and salts. All gluten free blends have a different texture than traditional flour, however, so that may affect the final result. As far as sugar, you can reduce it, leave it out, or use an alternative. Orange juice and zest is great in these, and given as a suggestion in the recipe. Let me know how these turn out if you decide to try them with alternatives.
They look delicious!
These look totally delicious! I’m feeling them for christmas brunch this year!
Though cranberry and lemon are a favorite combo of mine, I’m glad you give alternatives. Also, your helpful tips for new bakers was great too. I don’t think I’ve ever made a “good” scone but will try these. Thanks for the recipe!
I hope they work out for you. The trick really is the cold butter and not overworking the dough. Good luck!