🍊 Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scones (Copycat Recipe)
Tender, Buttery, Bright, and Better Than the Original
If you’ve ever bitten into a Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scone, you know the appeal instantly: that soft, crumbly texture, the sweet-tart cranberries, and the fresh orange glaze that perfumes the whole pastry. These scones feel indulgent yet comforting, fancy yet familiar — the perfect companion to a morning coffee or afternoon tea.
The good news? You can recreate them at home, with simple ingredients, no special equipment, and results that are even better than the café version. Fresher, more flavorful, and generously glazed, these homemade scones capture everything people love about the original — without the dryness or the price tag.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8 large bakery-style scones)
For the Scones
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare for Success
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pro tip: Cold ingredients are essential for flaky scones. Keep your butter, cream, and even mixing bowl cold if possible.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. The zest is crucial — it provides that unmistakable citrus aroma that defines these scones.
Rub the zest into the sugar slightly with your fingers to release the essential oils. This small step makes a big difference.
3️⃣ Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
Do not overmix. Those little butter pockets melt during baking, creating a tender, flaky crumb.
4️⃣ Add Cranberries
Stir in the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly so every scone gets that perfect sweet-tart bite.
5️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. The dough should look slightly shaggy — not smooth or sticky.
6️⃣ Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7️⃣ Chill (The Secret Starbucks Step)
Place the tray of scones in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This firms up the butter and ensures the scones hold their shape and bake tall — just like the Starbucks originals.
🔥 Baking the Scones
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until:
- The tops are lightly golden
- The edges are set
- The bottoms are just golden brown
Do not overbake. Starbucks-style scones are tender and soft, not dry or crumbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before glazing.
🍊 Making the Orange Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla if using.
The glaze should be thick but pourable — similar to honey. Adjust with more juice or sugar as needed.
✨ Glazing Like Starbucks
Once the scones are slightly warm (not hot), spoon the glaze generously over the tops, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.
For a true Starbucks look:
- Let the first layer set for 5 minutes
- Add a second drizzle for that glossy bakery finish
Allow the glaze to firm up before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These scones are perfect:
- With coffee, latte, or cappuccino
- Alongside black or Earl Grey tea
- As part of a brunch spread
- Wrapped individually for gifting
They taste best the day they’re made but remain excellent for 2–3 days.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
Make Them Even Better
- Soak cranberries in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before using
- Brush scones with cream before baking for extra color
- Add a pinch of cardamom for warmth
Healthier Option
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour
- Reduce sugar slightly
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes)
- Freeze baked, unglazed scones for up to 2 months
❤️ Why This Copycat Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it:
- Uses real orange zest, not artificial flavor
- Keeps butter cold for flaky texture
- Avoids overmixing
- Balances sweetness with tart cranberries
- Uses a thick, bakery-style glaze
Many people say these are better than Starbucks — softer, fresher, and more flavorful.
Final Thoughts 🍊
Once you make these Cranberry Orange Scones, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen — especially during fall, winter, and holiday mornings. They’re comforting, elegant, and irresistibly fragrant.
Make a batch, brew a coffee, and enjoy the magic.