If you love bakery-style scones but try to keep carbs in check, these diabetic-friendly cranberry orange scones are about to become your new morning favorite. They’re buttery and tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with bright citrus flavor—without relying on refined flour or sugar.
Classic scones are delicious, but they’re usually made with white flour and lots of sugar, which can send carbs skyrocketing. This recipe takes a smarter route: almond flour + a touch of coconut flour for structure, a low-glycemic sweetener for sweetness, and orange zest for maximum flavor with minimal carbs. For the cranberry “pop,” we use fresh cranberries (naturally tart and lower in sugar than sweetened dried cranberries) or unsweetened freeze-dried cranberries if you want a more concentrated burst.
Important note: “diabetic-friendly” doesn’t mean “one-size-fits-all.” Everyone’s body responds differently. These scones are designed to be lower in net carbs than traditional scones, but if you manage diabetes, it’s smart to check your labels, count carbs, and monitor your blood sugar response.
Let’s bake scones that taste like a treat—while still fitting your goals.
Focus Keyword
Diabetic-friendly cranberry orange scones
Why You’ll Love These Low-Carb Scones
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Lower carb than traditional scones (no white flour, no refined sugar)
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Big flavor from orange zest + vanilla + buttery dough
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Tender, bakery-style texture without dryness
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Freezer-friendly for easy breakfasts
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Customizable (keto-ish, dairy-free, nut-free adjustments below)
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
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2 cups blanched almond flour (fine, not almond meal)
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2 tbsp coconut flour (helps absorb moisture)
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1/3 cup granulated monk fruit/erythritol blend (or your preferred low-carb sweetener)
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp baking soda (helps browning)
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1/2 tsp salt
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Optional: 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (improves structure; recommended but not required)
Flavor + mix-ins
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Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tbsp, packed)
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1/2 tsp orange extract (optional, boosts citrus)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or 1/3 cup unsweetened freeze-dried cranberries)
Wet ingredients
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1 large egg
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1/3 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) or sour cream
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1/4 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for lighter)
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6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional egg wash
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1 egg + 1 tsp water (or cream)
