Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Scones

Featured in: Seasonal Favorites

These buttery, golden scones fuse tart cranberries with the mild heat of jalapeño and creamy pools of cream cheese, yielding a vibrant baked treat. Their crisp edges and fluffy interior make them perfect for brunch, alongside coffee or tea, or as a satisfying snack any time of day. The process is simple: mix dry ingredients, fold in mix-ins, stir in wet ingredients, shape, bake, and serve. For extra heat, keep a few jalapeño seeds, and for tangy notes, goat cheese is a delicious substitute. Enjoy these scones warm, topped with whipped cream cheese or butter for a flavorful bite.

Updated on Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:45:48 GMT
Tender cranberry jalapeño dip scones with golden edges, perfect for brunch gatherings.  Save
Tender cranberry jalapeño dip scones with golden edges, perfect for brunch gatherings. | tastyeffect.com

Tender, flaky scones inspired by the flavors of cranberry jalapeño dip, these treats combine sweet, tart cranberries with a gentle jalapeño kick for the perfect brunch offering or savory snack.

This recipe came from a craving for the classic cranberry jalapeño dip, which I often serve at holiday gatherings. I wanted all those bright flavors baked into a handheld treat.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Mix-ins: 3/4 cup (90 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped, 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced, 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese, diced and chilled
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold unsalted butter, cubed, 2/3 cup (160 ml) cold heavy cream, 1 large egg
  • Topping: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing), 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Making dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and cut into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add-ins:
Stir in chopped cranberries, diced jalapeño, and cream cheese cubes.
Wet mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg. Pour over the dry mixture and stir just until dough comes together, avoiding overmixing.
Shaping:
Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat into a 1-inch thick disc. Cut into 8 wedges and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
Topping and Baking:
Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Flaky scones bursting with sweet cranberries and a jalapeño kick, ideal for snacks.  Save
Flaky scones bursting with sweet cranberries and a jalapeño kick, ideal for snacks. | tastyeffect.com

The first time my family tasted these, everyone loved the hint of heat balanced by sweet cranberries. Making scones together has become our new brunch tradition.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or forks, baking sheet, parchment paper, knife

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk, Eggs. Check labels if uncertain for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per scone: 290 calories, 15 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein

Savory cranberry jalapeño dip scones, warm and inviting, topped with coarse sugar. Save
Savory cranberry jalapeño dip scones, warm and inviting, topped with coarse sugar. | tastyeffect.com

Serve these scones warm with whipped cream cheese or butter for the perfect finishing touch.

Recipe FAQ

How spicy are these scones?

The jalapeño adds gentle warmth. For more heat, keep some seeds when dicing the pepper.

Can I substitute cream cheese?

Yes, goat cheese offers a tangier flavor and works well with cranberry and jalapeño.

What's the best way to serve them?

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter for added richness and flavor.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart; dried cranberries are recommended, but you can try fresh with a bit of extra sugar.

How should scones be stored?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Are these scones vegetarian?

Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian. Check labels when using substitutes or toppings.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Scones

Flaky, tender scones with cranberries and jalapeño. A savory, sweet snack ready in under 40 minutes.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
38 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-ins

01 3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
02 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
03 1/2 cup cream cheese, diced and chilled

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
02 2/3 cup cold heavy cream
03 1 large egg

Topping

01 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing)
02 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Phase 03

Cut in Butter: Add cold unsalted butter to dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, blend until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Phase 04

Mix in Flavorings: Fold in chopped dried cranberries, diced jalapeño, and cubes of cream cheese.

Phase 05

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk cold heavy cream with egg. Pour over flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 06

Shape Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface. Pat lightly into a disc approximately 1 inch thick. Slice into 8 wedges and place onto the prepared tray.

Phase 07

Add Finishing Touches: Brush tops of wedges with heavy cream. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Phase 08

Bake and Serve: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until scones are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or forks
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs. Inspect all packaged ingredients for potential hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 5 g