• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Bread Recipes » Quick Bread Recipes

    Published: Nov 29, 2021 · Modified: Mar 5, 2025 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios

    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.

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • How this recipe came to be:
    • How long do these homemade scones take to make?
    • How many scones does this recipe make?
    • Can scones be frozen after baking?
    • Can other nuts be used in this recipe or left out altogether?
    • Can frozen cranberries be used in this scone recipe?
    • The step-by-step photo instructions:
    • Additional sweet quick bread recipes you'll enjoy:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to 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:

    *Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

    instacart logo
    Walmart logo
    • 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.

    Save this for later.

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Email forwarding service for saving information.

    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:

    • 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.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    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!
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes 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 large egg
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 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
    • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    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, sour cream mixture, one egg, 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

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

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

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

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More Quick Bread Recipes

    • A cast iron skillet with a golden baked Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Blueberries.
      Cornbread Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Blueberries
    • The inside of a Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffin on a plate with rosemary.
      Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
    • A triangle slice of Pumpkin Cornbread on a spatula with a sage leaf on top.
      Pumpkin Cornbread with Sage
    • Two slices of Strawberry Rhubarb Bread with Bananas on a pink and while polka dot plate.
      Strawberry Rhubarb Bread with Bananas

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please tell me what you think... 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. *

    1. Melanie Craft says

      March 05, 2025 at 1:40 pm

      When do I put the sour cream mixture in?

      Reply
      • Renée says

        March 05, 2025 at 3:41 pm

        Hi, Melanie!
        I am so very sorry for my rookie mistake when writing this recipe. I need a second pair of eyes.
        I've since gone in and fixed the recipe card. Thank for you alerting me to the problem.
        You add the sour cream mixture after the butter has been worked into the flour and coarse crumbs
        have been formed. I also noticed that I neglected to add one egg into the recipe card but noticed
        it when I was looking at the process shots that I (thankfully) always use to add to my recipe posts before producing videos.
        Anyway, thanks for kindly letting me know of my error, and I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
        Fondly,
        Renee

        Reply
    2. 01VanillaBean01 says

      December 04, 2013 at 4:52 pm

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

      Reply
    3. Karen says

      December 04, 2013 at 4:34 am

      I love every ingredient in these scones. Just lovely!

      Reply
    4. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:30 am

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

      Reply
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. 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
    8. 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
    9. Renee Goerger says

      December 04, 2013 at 1:25 am

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

      Reply
    10. Liz says

      December 04, 2013 at 12:01 am

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

      Reply
    11. 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
    12. 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
    13. 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
    14. 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

    Primary Sidebar

    Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee holding a cast iron skillet cornbread.

    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

    • A salsa sloppy joe sandwich in a small cast iron skillet with avocado slices and a sesame seed bun.
      Salsa Sloppy Joes
    • A stack of Burrito Dogs with some ketchup and mustard in the background.
      Burrito Dogs (aka Dogs in a Blanket)
    • Four Caprese Sausage Sandwiches on a platter with tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Caprese Sausage Sandwich
    • A stack to Burgerdillas on a wooden cutting board.
      Burgerdillas - Burgers in Tortillas

    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 © 2025 Kudos Kitchen by Renee

    58 shares
    • Pinterest
    • 20Facebook
    • Email
    • Save
    • Flipboard
    • Threads
    • Messenger
    • Bluesky