There’s something magical about citrus in a baked treat, and these Fresh Orange Scones are proof that a simple homemade pastry can brighten up any morning. Each bite is tender and buttery, bursting with real orange zest and capped with a sweet, tangy glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking for a breakfast or snack that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, these scones deliver a fresh, zesty flavor that’s sure to win you over—whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring a quiet moment with coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fresh Orange Scones is that they use simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create a memorable treat. Every component plays an important role in building the perfect texture and infusing that unmistakable citrus aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the scone, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the orange flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives the scones their tender rise and light, fluffy interior.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the orange zest’s brightness.
- Orange zest (from about 1 large orange): The star ingredient, infusing every bite with a burst of fresh citrus.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Ensures flaky layers and that signature scone richness; keep it as cold as possible!
- Heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Creates a tender crumb and golden tops.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a little extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warmth and depth.
- Orange extract (optional): For an extra punch of citrus, especially if you love a bold orange note.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Makes the glaze silky and sweet, perfect for drizzling.
- Fresh orange juice (for the glaze): Brings a tangy, natural flavor to the topping.
- Orange zest (for the glaze): Reinforces that lovely citrus aroma and makes the glaze pop.
How to Make Fresh Orange Scones
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting everything ready beforehand means you can work quickly, which is essential for keeping the butter cold and your scones light.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and that wonderfully fragrant orange zest. This step ensures each scone will have a consistent crumb and a beautiful distribution of citrus flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to your dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Keeping the butter cold is key to flaky, tender scones, so work quickly and avoid over-mixing.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange extract if you’re using it. This velvety mixture will bring the dough together and add richness, while the extracts boost those sweet, aromatic notes in the finished scones.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit shaggy—overmixing can make scones tough. If you see a few streaks of flour, that’s perfectly fine.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently two or three times, just to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle, then cut into 8 even wedges. This classic wedge shape bakes up beautifully and is easy to portion.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your scone wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with a little extra cream to encourage a gorgeous golden crust. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and your kitchen smells like a citrus grove in bloom.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over warm or cooled scones and let it set for a few minutes before serving. The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that really makes these Fresh Orange Scones shine!
How to Serve Fresh Orange Scones
Garnishes
A little extra orange zest sprinkled on top of the glaze adds a pop of color and a fragrant, zesty finish. If you love texture, try a light dusting of coarse sugar before baking for a subtle crunch. Edible flowers or a few thin strips of candied orange peel also make a delightful, elegant touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fresh Orange Scones with a bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a simple fruit salad for a breakfast that feels like a treat. They’re also wonderful alongside a cup of strong coffee, black tea, or even a homemade hot chocolate for cozy afternoons. For brunch spreads, serve them with other pastries and some soft cheeses to round out the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack scone wedges on a pretty cake stand or rustic wooden board for a charming presentation. For a brunch buffet, cut the dough into mini triangles for bite-sized treats and arrange them in a circular pattern. Or, wrap individual scones in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade gift—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a cheerful morning surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Fresh Orange Scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, especially if you let them cool completely before sealing them up. For maximum freshness, add a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled (and before glazing, if possible), place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the fresh orange glaze just before serving for that bakery-fresh taste.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop leftover scones in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If they’re glazed, keep an eye on them so the icing doesn’t melt away completely. Warm scones are especially delightful with a pat of butter or a spoonful of marmalade.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in the scone dough?
You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly less rich and tender. For the fluffiest, most decadent Fresh Orange Scones, stick with heavy cream if possible.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the bright orange outer layer of the orange peel. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can taste bitter. Zesting directly over your mixing bowl captures all those fragrant oils!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape, and cut the scones, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them straight from the fridge the next morning. Chilled dough will give your Fresh Orange Scones an even flakier texture.
How do I make the scones extra moist?
The key is not to overmix the dough and to use cold butter and chill your cream and egg. If you want even more moisture, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even dark chocolate chips are delicious in Fresh Orange Scones. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients before adding the wet mixture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, buttery, and truly homemade, these Fresh Orange Scones are guaranteed to lift your spirits and impress anyone lucky enough to snag one. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite citrus treat!
Print
Fresh Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fresh orange scones that combine the zesty brightness of oranges with a tender, buttery crumb. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these homemade scones are topped with a sweet orange glaze that enhances their citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and freshly grated orange zest to evenly distribute the flavors and leavening agents.
- Incorporate butter: Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange extract if using, to create a smooth wet mixture that will bind the dough.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Knead and shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2–3 times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle to ensure even thickness for baking.
- Cut and prepare scones: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Brush with cream: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a bit of heavy cream to promote browning and a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the scones for 16–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Make the glaze: While scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable for the perfect finishing touch.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled scones and allow it to set before serving to enhance the citrus flavor and add sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra sweet and crunchy topping, sprinkle coarse sugar on the scones before baking.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking for optimal texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
