Fresh Orange Scones Recipe
If you’re searching for that one bakery-worthy treat to brighten your morning, Fresh Orange Scones are your answer. These golden, citrusy pastries come together in a flash, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sunshine and citrus. Each bite boasts a tender crumb and a punchy glaze bursting with orange flavor. It’s the sort of recipe that transforms an ordinary breakfast or brunch into something memorable, without fuss or fancy techniques. Trust me, after one taste, you’ll want to bake these Fresh Orange Scones for every occasion—special or just because!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s real magic in how this handful of simple ingredients delivers such spectacular flavor and texture. Every element plays its part: from the vibrant orange zest to the cold butter that ensures flaky layers. Here’s what you’ll need for your batch of Fresh Orange Scones:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy backbone of your scones, yielding that perfect tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to add subtle sweetness and balance the citrusy tang.
- Baking powder: Acts as the essential leavening agent for lofty, bakery-style scones.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—salt sharpens the flavors and prevents the scones from tasting flat.
- Zest of 1 large orange: The secret ingredient for zingy, aromatic bursts in every bite.
- Cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Keeps those scones flaky—using chilled butter is key for texture!
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and a dreamy, soft crumb to your pastries.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds depth to the final flavor profile.
- Fresh orange juice: Delivers that unmistakable fresh orange flavor—don’t use bottled juice if you can help it.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings cozy warmth and rounds out the citrus notes.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Gives you a silky, sweet drizzle that sets beautifully on top.
- More fresh orange juice (for the glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra citrusy zing—totally irresistible.
- Orange zest (for the glaze): A double hit of orange—because more is more in these Fresh Orange Scones!
How to Make Fresh Orange Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep work ensures your scones bake evenly and release easily when they’re done, keeping everything mess-free and simple.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and most importantly, the orange zest. Whisking combines everything thoroughly and disperses that brilliant zest for flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized bits remaining. These nuggets of butter are what make your Fresh Orange Scones delightfully flaky once baked.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. You’ll immediately notice that creamy orange aroma—this is your sneak preview of the flavor ahead!
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and use a spatula (or your hands) to gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork it—the less you mix, the more tender your scones will be.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the soft dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Each slice should be roughly the same size, so they bake up golden and perfect together.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Slide them into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until they’re golden around the edges and just set in the center. Your kitchen will instantly smell like a bakery!
Step 8: Glaze These Beauties
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, more fresh orange juice, and a hint of zest for the glaze. Once the scones are just warm (not piping hot), drizzle that sunshine glaze generously over the top. Let it set for a few minutes—if you can wait that long before grabbing one!
How to Serve Fresh Orange Scones
Garnishes
Finish your scones with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar. A twist of candied orange peel or a few thin curls of zest can make these look positively bakery-fancy, even on a busy morning.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fresh Orange Scones with clotted cream, whipped butter, or a rich fruit preserve. Fresh berries and a pot of your favorite tea or coffee make this an unforgettable breakfast or a lovely addition to a brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the scones on a rustic board with fresh orange slices for an inviting, casual vibe. For a festive touch, tuck edible flowers between the scones, or stack them pyramid-style with glaze dribbling down for ultimate wow-factor at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Fresh Orange Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, making the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, freeze the baked and cooled scones (without glaze) in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature, then glaze as desired. You can also freeze the unbaked wedges and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Warm up leftover Fresh Orange Scones in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or zap briefly in the microwave for a tender, just-baked feel. If they’re already glazed, the icing will melt a bit, making them even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is best for vibrant, natural flavor, but you can use high-quality store-bought juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100 percent juice and doesn’t contain added sugar or artificial flavors.
What can I add to the scones for even more flavor?
Chopped dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even a handful of sliced almonds make excellent additions. Toss them in with the dry ingredients for a fun twist on classic Fresh Orange Scones.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use a good dairy-free butter substitute. The result will still be deliciously tender with a delightful hint of coconut.
Why does the butter need to be cold?
Cold butter is what gives scones their irresistible flaky texture. As the scones bake, the cold butter melts and creates steam, lifting the dough into delicate layers. Soft or melted butter results in dense scones.
How do I prevent overworking the dough?
Gently mix the dough with a spatula or your hands, stopping as soon as the flour disappears. If the dough looks a bit shaggy, that’s perfect—your tender Fresh Orange Scones will thank you!
Final Thoughts
There’s real joy in sharing a plate of homemade Fresh Orange Scones, whether for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday treat. If you crave bright flavors and bakery-style comfort from your own oven, this recipe is truly a must-try. I hope your kitchen is soon filled with the warm, zesty scent of these scones—and that you love every golden, sticky-fingered bite!
Print
Fresh Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fresh Orange Scones are a delightful treat with a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Tender and flaky, these scones are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. The zesty glaze adds a sweet finish to these already delicious scones.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients and cut in the butter. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients and combine with the dry ingredients.
- Shape and bake: Pat the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest to make the glaze.
- Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones before serving.
Notes
- Use very cold butter for flakier scones.
- You can add dried cranberries or chopped white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
