Apple Cranberry Scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, and more. A big fluffy scone recipe with chunks of fresh apple, dried cranberries, and warm spices.
You will also want to try Frozen Berry Scones, and Strawberry White Chocolate Scones too. Looking for a savory scones recipe, I have that too.
If you have never baked scones before, no worries. They are not difficult, and I have a few tips to help you get bakery-style scones at home. Moist and soft inside with crumbly edges. The perfect Irish apple scone.
Have you ever baked biscuits from scratch? Baking Powder Biscuits and Cottage Cheese Biscuits are both great recipes to start with. Baking scones and biscuits are very similar.
While you are in the baking spirit, give these Cranberry Bran Flake Muffins a try too. The perfect breakfast muffin.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS can be found at the bottom of this post.
This Simple Scone Recipe Needs:
- All-purpose flour – bleached or unbleached.
- Brown sugar – light or dark will work.
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter – cold unsalted works best.
- Buttermilk – check out the recipe tips below.
- Fresh apples – peeled and diced.
- Dried cranberries
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Turbinado sugar
Be sure to read the suggestions and recipe tips below.
Baking Apple Cranberry Scones Is Easy
I can eat these for breakfast any day of the week. Great for my afternoon tea too. No wonder the English love scones.
Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the butter and work into the flour mixture.
- Add the buttermilk and mix to combine.
- Toss in the cranberries and apples.
- Once the ingredients are combined, turn onto a floured surface.
- Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
- Top with sugar and bake.
- Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and cool.
- Scones are ready to eat.
Suggestions/Recipe Tips
Butter – be sure it is cold and cut it into small pieces before adding it to the flour mixture. I like to use a wire potato masher to break it up in the flour. You can use a pasty cutter or even 2 knives will work.
Buttermilk – if you don’t have any on hand you can thin out some sour cream or greek yogurt with water. Alternatively, you can add some vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Put 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a measuring cup and add enough milk to measure 1 cup.
Spices – I used a combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Feel free to adjust the amounts that work for you. Like more cinnamon, no problem. Add a touch of ground cloves to the mix. You can also use an apple pie spice blend for this recipe.
Apples – any variety will work. Be sure to peel them.
Turbinado sugar – used for topping can be omitted if you like. You can also use sanding sugar, raw sugar or if you prefer, top them with a simple glaze when they are cool.
Add-ins – if you are not into cranberries, add some nuts, chocolate chips or toffee bits.
Storage – they will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for longer.
Serving – can be served at room temperature (with jam) or heated up (perfect with some butter). I like to heat mine in the oven just until warm. You can also use the microwave, but they will not have a crispy exterior.
FAQs
The less kneading the better. Overworking will produce a tough and chewy texture.
If you would like a golden, shiny top, you can use an egg wash. Beat an egg, and brush the top of each scone. If you are adding a sugar topping, do this after brushing on the egg.
Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU.
Looking for more recipes that contain apples and cranberries? Give these a try:
- Apple Pudding – is a family favourite in our house.
- Cranberry Sauce – is a must on the holiday dinner table.
- Chickpea Apple Salad – the perfect fall salad for lunch and great for brunch too.
Easy Apple Cranberry Scones
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold, unsalted butter (cubed)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 4 ounces fresh apples (diced)
- 2 ounces dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 400º F.
To Make The Scones:
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices in a large bowl and whisk.2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Using a pastry cutter, potato masher or 2 knives, cut in the cold butter. There should be pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.½ cup cold, unsalted butter
- Make a well in the centre, and add the buttermilk and combine until just mixed. The dough should hold together. If it is still too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.¾ cup buttermilk
- Add the diced apple and cranberries. Fold in until combines, but do not over mix.4 ounces fresh apples, 2 ounces dried cranberries
To Bake The Scones:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead a couple of times.
- Form into a ball, then press it out into an 8 inch circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife.
- Transfer to the baking sheet, and top with sugar.1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and transfer to a baking rack to cool.
Isabelle
My kids love these scones because the dried cranberries aren’t so tart as fresh ones. I make a batch with dried cranberry for them and a batch with fresh cranberries and these don’t last long!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Dried cranberries are perfect in these delicious scones.
Kristina
This was a great recipe. I had a huge bag of leftover fresh cranberries so I used those in a smaller amount rather than the dried and the scones turned out wonderful.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Fresh or dried cranberries are great in this apple scone recipe.
Amy
My kitchen smelled divine while these scones were baking. They were absolutely perfect with my morning coffee.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Fresh baked scones and coffee is the perfect breakfast in my books.
Amanda
I made these scones over the weekend, and they were the perfect way to end the holiday week! I just loved the warmth those spices added. Delicious recipe.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
We love these scones too. Glad you enjoyed them.
Ann
I love scones, but have just started making them at home. This recipe was delicious! Will definitely make these again!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Glad you enjoyed this easy scone recipe.
Mikayla
Found this just in time to whip them up for an easy and Very Tasty Thanksgiving morning treat. We could grab and eat while we meal prepped.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Sounds like the perfect recipe to enjoy while prepping the holiday meal.
Maggie
I made a batch for breakfast. Then I found myself snacking at lunch. My son took a few to his practice. They were gone within a day. lol. Delicious!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Well you can never resist a fresh baked scone any time of the day.