• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Appetizer Favorites
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizer Favorites
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Bread Recipes » Quick Bread Recipes

    Published: Nov 29, 2021 · Modified: Jul 29, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios

    Sharing is caring!

    54 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe
    A vertical two image collage of Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios along with a title text overlay graphic.
    A vertical closeup of a glazed Cranberry Orange Scone on a plate with orange slices, cranberries, and pistachios as garnish.
    A direct overhead vertical photo of a baking sheet filled with triangle shaped Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios.

    Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios are light in texture but heavy in flavor. They're delicious for breakfast or in the afternoon with a spot of tea!

    A direct overhead vertical photo of a baking sheet filled with triangle shaped Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios.

    I originally shared this recipe in 2013. I've recently updated this post with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Cranberry Orange Scones is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    A vertical closeup of a glazed Cranberry Orange Scone on a plate with orange slices, cranberries, and pistachios as garnish.

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • fresh whole cranberries
    • shelled pistachios (optional)
    • sour cream
    • orange zest
    • orange juice
    • all-purpose flour
    • baking soda
    • baking powder
    • cream of tartar
    • salt
    • butter
    • pure vanilla extract
    • confectioners sugar

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • food processor or chef's knife and cutting board
    • mixing bowls
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • pastry blender
    • citrus zester
    • orange juicer (optional)
    • whisk
    • baking sheets
    • parchment paper
    • kitchen timer

    How this recipe came to be:

    Years ago, when I first started my food blog, I used to belong to a baking group called Twelve Loaves.

    Every month a theme was picked, and every month we'd all bake something different that revolved around that theme.

    In December of 2013, the theme was "holiday bread."

    This is my holiday bread submission for that time, and this is a little of what I wrote about this recipe back then...

    For me, when I think of the holidays I think of red and green.

    I decided to use the flavors and festive colors of cranberry, pistachio, and another holiday favorite of mine that conjures up the aromas of Christmas in my mind…oranges. 

    How long do these homemade scones take to make?

    Approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.

    They'll take about 15 minutes to prepare, and 30 minutes to bake.

    How many scones does this recipe make?

    As written, this recipe makes 10 large scones.

    Can scones be frozen after baking?

    You bet.

    Allow the scones to cool completely, and then wrap each scone well in plastic wrap, or layer them in air-tight freezer containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

    Can other nuts be used in this recipe or left out altogether?

    Sure thing.

    If you're not a fan of pistachios (or nuts in general), please feel free to leave them out of this recipe entirely.

    Or, please feel free to substitute your favorite chopped nut in place of the pistachios.

    Can frozen cranberries be used in this scone recipe?

    In a pinch, yes, but I feel that fresh cranberries work best.

    However, if frozen cranberries must be used, make sure to thaw the berries slightly before GENTLY chopping and mixing them into the batter so they don't bleed their color and turn the scones pink.

    The step-by-step photo instructions for making Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios:

    • In a food processor, pulse the whole cranberries, pistachios, and 2 teaspoons sugar until roughly chopped. Set aside.
    • In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Set aside.
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
    • Using a pastry blender (or two forks) cut the butter into the flour mixture until the dough forms coarse crumbs.

    • Stir in the vanilla extract and the cranberry pistachio mixture. *Note - The dough will still be quite crumbly.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until the dough just comes together.
    • Form the dough into a large circle (about 10" in diameter) approximately ¾" thick.
    • Cut into 8 wedges and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Bake the scones for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown.
    • Cool completely.
    • Meanwhile, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and 1 tablespoon orange zest in a small bowl.
    • Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each scone.

    Additional sweet quick bread recipes you'll enjoy:

    *Strawberry Banana Quick Bread (shown below and featured in the video)

    With only one bowl and a few simple ingredients, you can have this Strawberry Banana Bread baking in the oven in no time flat!

    Strawberry Banana Bread on a plate with fresh strawberries and almond slices.

    *Chocolate Chip Dessert Loaf (not shown)

    Chocolate Chip Dessert Loaf with Coconut and Pecans is rich and decadent. A small slice will go a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth…but a large slice is even better! LOL

    *Eggplant Zucchini Bread (shown below)

    Yep, you read that right… Eggplant Zucchini Bread. It’s so moist and flavorful, AND it’s a great way to bump up the nutrition level of your next zucchini quick bread without anyone being the wiser.

    Two loaves of Eggplant Zucchini Bread with a knife, an eggplant, and a zucchini, in the background.

    *Blueberry Banana Quick Bread (not shown)

    Blueberry Banana Quick Bread with white chocolate and pecans is a definite upgrade from your typical banana loaf recipe. It’s easy to make too!!

    *Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

    A vertical two image collage of Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios along with a title text overlay graphic.

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's delicious and easy Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios recipe.

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    A Cranberry Orange Scone on a holiday plate along with cranberries and pistachios.

    CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES with PISTACHIOS

    Renee Goerger
    Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios are light in texture but heavy in flavor. They're delicious for breakfast or in the afternoon with a spot of tea!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Quick Bread, sweet quick bread
    Cuisine English
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 617 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup fresh whole cranberries
    • 1 cup shelled pistachios
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 3 tablespoons orange zest, divided (about 3 oranges)
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar plus 2 teaspoons
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup butter
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

    Instructions
     

    • -In a food processor, pulse the whole cranberries, pistachios, and 2 teaspoons sugar until roughly chopped. Set aside.
    • -In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Set aside.
    • -Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • -In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
    • -Using a pastry blender (or two forks) cut the butter into the flour mixture until the dough forms coarse crumbs.
    • -Stir in the vanilla extract and the cranberry pistachio mixture. *Note - The dough will still be quite crumbly.
    • -Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until the dough just comes together.
    • -Form the dough into a large circle (about 10" in diameter) and approximately 1" thick.
    • -Cut into 8 wedges and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • -Bake the scones for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown.
    • -Cool completely.
    • -Meanwhile, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and 1 tablespoon orange zest in a small bowl.
    • -Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each scone.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 617kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 8gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 498mgPotassium: 324mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 780IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's easy and sweet holiday scones recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

    More Quick Bread Recipes

    • Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Pizza
    • NY Times Blueberry Muffins
    • Raspberry Spice Monkey Bread
    • Cheddar Bay Biscuits

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 01VanillaBean01 says

      December 04, 2013 at 4:52 pm

      Aww, what a cute coffee mug and what a wonderful recipe for holiday scones!

      Reply
    2. Karen says

      December 04, 2013 at 4:34 am

      I love every ingredient in these scones. Just lovely!

      Reply
    3. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:30 am

      Thank you so much, Liz! Coming from you that means a lot!

      Reply
    4. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:29 am

      Thank you Renee. I actually stuck them in the freezer and am giving most of them to a friend for her birthday in a couple of days. I thought they would make a fun and tasty gift.

      Reply
    5. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:28 am

      Thank you Lora! Thank you for the great fun and for starting this group!

      Reply
    6. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:27 am

      My pleasure, Paula. I've been enjoying my participation with the #TwelveLoaves group. Everyone is so friendly and helpful!

      Reply
    7. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:25 am

      Thank you Alice. Glad you appreciate all the photos. I enjoy taking them too 🙂

      Reply
    8. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:25 am

      Wish I would have thought of that Jenny! Cute idea 🙂

      Reply
    9. Liz says

      December 04, 2013 at 12:01 am

      Your scones look spectacular, Renee! Perfect for the holidays!

      Reply
    10. Renee Dobbs says

      December 03, 2013 at 11:54 pm

      Such festive scones for the season. The pistachio and cranberry color (and flavor) combo is just wonderful. The bit of citrus from the orange must really brighten these up too.

      Reply
    11. Jenny Hartin says

      December 03, 2013 at 9:42 pm

      Those look gorgeous. You should have made a display on the tray like a Christmas tree - ho ho ho!

      Reply
    12. Lora CakeDuchess says

      December 03, 2013 at 3:51 pm

      The last couple weekends have been filled with cranberry scones. My daughter adores them! I love your addition of pistachios! Thank you for baking along with us, Renee!

      Reply
    13. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says

      December 03, 2013 at 11:15 am

      Oh wow, pistachios in a scone! I might just take the whole tray home Renee. Gorgeous baking for the holiday season! Thanks for baking along this month!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Kudos Kitchen by Renee. This information will not be used for any purpose other than enabling you to post a comment. *

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

    More →

    Fast and Easy Dinners

    • Spaghetti Stuffed Bell Peppers
    • Skillet Pork Tenderloin
    • Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Portobellos
    • Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna
    • Ground Beef Sauerbraten Goulash
    • Chili Mac with Cornbread Crust

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

    Copyright © 2022 Kudos Kitchen By Renee