Pistachio Cranberry Scones Recipe with Lime Glaze

Pistachio cranberry scones are full of tart cranberries, chopped pistachio nuts, and buttery layers of tender dough with golden brown crust. We topped this scone with a lime glaze and it was absolutely delicious. Enjoy these fluffy scones for breakfast or an afternoon snack. This easy scone recipe is ready in less than 15 minutes and is a great way to start your day.

I love waking up early to bake delicious scones. It is super relaxing to bake and try new flavor combinations too. I usually make my standard default Chocolate Chip Scone recipe, however, one particular morning I tried something new and am so glad I did! This cranberry-pistachio scones recipe is a keeper and would be great to make for the holidays! 

If this is your first time making scones don't be nervous. Check out my Master Scone Recipe to get started. It has helpful tips for making any scone recipe whether sweet or savory! Scones are easy to make and I will walk you through step by step so you will have a nice, fluffy, and tender scone, one that will rival any coffee shop!

Tools for baking

Before we start to make our homemade scones, it is a great idea to prep our work area with the ingredients and items we will be using. Here are my go-to baking tools I use for every batch of the best scones.

• Pastry blender we mention this item with every single recipe because it is THE item that will ensure a fluffy outcome for your scones. You can use 2 knives or your hands, but a pastry blender or pastry cutter is best.
• Parchment paper a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is not only great for non-stick baking, but it is also awesome for easy cleanup! No pan scrubbing is needed!
• Mixing bowl should be a large mixing bowl if you want to make this a one-bowl recipe! I mix and also knead the scone dough right in the bowl before turning it out onto a floured surface. 

Secret to Making Good Scones

First, let's go over THREE VERY IMPORTANT THINGS you MUST DO to ensure a perfect flaky scone:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees for at least 20 minutes before baking. A hot oven will help your scones rise tall instead of being flat.
2. Make sure you're using COLD butter. It does not matter if you use cold unsalted butter or salted butter, but it MUST BE COLD. As the butter melts it will allow for air to create flaky scones
3. Minimal handling of the dough. The more you knead the scone dough, the tougher it becomes and you will end up with a flat, hard scone.

Scone ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• Half-and-half, plus 1 tablespoon
• Dried cranberries
• Pistachio nuts shelled

How To Make Pistachio Cranberry Scones Recipe

Grab your cup of coffee or tea ready and get these pretty wedges into the oven and soon you will be enjoying nice warm and buttery scones!

As I mentioned above in the Baking tips section, it is important to preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Be sure to do this at least 20 minutes before you intend to bake.

We are going to mix our dry ingredients first. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 

Now, in the flour mixture, we are going to cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should see lumps of butter and that is exactly what you want.

Add in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. Give a gentle stir.

Next, we are going to add our wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, stir in 2/3 cup half-and-half until just moistened. If you only have heavy cream That is ok too. Add in your vanilla extract and stir.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 5 to 10 times and pat dough into a 1-inch thick round disc shape.

With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges and transfer dough triangles onto a prepared baking tray 2- inches apart. I can usually fit all eight on a large baking sheet.

With a pastry brush, brush tops of scones with 1 Tablespoon half-and-half, and sprinkle each top with sugar for a little extra sweetness.

Place scones in oven on the middle rack.

Bake until golden brown, which is about 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool on wire rack.

Serve warm scone with your cup of hot tea or coffee!

Enjoy plain or drizzle with a lime glaze on fully cooled scones. 

Glaze ingredients: 

1 Cup of confectioner sugar, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 Tablespoon milk. 

Combine all ingredients until smooth and slightly runny consistency. Add powdered sugar if too runny, and add a little bit of milk if too thick. 

Storing Scones

If you have any leftover scones, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, or keep them on the counter at room temperature loosely covered with a sheet of plastic wrap.

Other scone recipes you should try: Maple walnut scones, best cranberry scones, fresh peach scones, fresh strawberry scones, cinnamon chip scones, almond scones

Pistachio Scone Recipe