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
Scale
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
