Name: Fresh Orange Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing); 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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If you’re searching for a bright, bakery-style treat to make any morning feel special, Fresh Orange Scones are the answer! These sunny, pillowy scones are bursting with citrus flavor from real orange zest and juice, laced with a buttery richness, and topped with that perfect zippy glaze. It’s a recipe that feels both homey and a little bit elegant—exactly what you want for brunch with friends, or a cozy moment with your favorite mug of tea. One batch of these golden beauties and you’ll be hooked, bite after fragrant bite.

Fresh Orange Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Fresh Orange Scones is how you can create so much flavor and texture from simple ingredients you probably already have. Each element brings something unique: rich butter for flakiness, heavy cream for tenderness, and plenty of real orange to make the flavors sing.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your scones, giving them structure and crumb.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten, balancing tart citrus notes.
Baking powder: Ensures your scones rise tall and light.
Salt: A small amount to sharpen all the delicious flavors.
Orange zest (from 1–2 oranges): The star of the show, infusing the dough with pure citrus fragrance.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Key for a flaky, tender texture; keep it cold for the best lift.
Heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Adds richness and moisture, and the cream-brushed tops bake up to a lovely color.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds softness.
Vanilla extract: A subtle undertone that enhances both the orange and the buttery scone crumb.
Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with citrus.
Fresh orange juice (for glaze): Takes the orange flavor over the top with a fresh, zingy finish.

How to Make Fresh Orange Scones

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the scones puff up beautifully as they bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the scones won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Zest

In a spacious bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and that fragrant orange zest. Make sure the zest is evenly distributed so there’s citrus in every bite.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingertips if you love getting hands-on), gently work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Bits of butter should still be visible—this is what creates flaky layers in your Fresh Orange Scones.

Step 4: Make the Wet Mixture

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This trio brings moisture and helps the dough come together quickly without overmixing.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined—there’s no need for a totally smooth dough. Overmixing can make your scones tough, so a light hand is key here.

Step 6: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop. Give it a few tender kneads to pull it together, then pat it into a disc about 8 inches across. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. Each piece will bake up into a beautifully rustic scone.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the scones to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream to help them brown in the oven. Slide the sheet onto the center rack and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the scones turn golden and your kitchen fills with the most irresistible aroma.

Step 8: Glaze

Let your scones cool completely before drizzling the glaze. Mix up powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until your glaze is thick yet pourable, and then zigzag it generously over each scone. For an even more citrusy punch, stir in a bit of orange extract here. Give the glaze a few minutes to set before enjoying!

How to Serve Fresh Orange Scones

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle extra orange zest on top of the wet glaze—just a pinch is enough for a bright pop of color and extra aroma. You can also dust the scones lightly with a little extra powdered sugar, or finish them with thin orange slices for a baker’s touch.

Side Dishes

Fresh Orange Scones shine brightest alongside a mug of your best coffee or a pot of Earl Grey tea. For a full brunch spread, serve with fresh fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or even scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory combination. The scones’ citrusy notes pair perfectly with seasonal berries, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the scones smaller for sweet, shareable mini-scones at a brunch buffet. Stack them on a tiered cake stand with edible flowers or candied orange peel for a truly special tea-time treat. Or nestle each scone in a parchment wrapper for a lovely homemade gift that travels beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, simply store cooled Fresh Orange Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their texture, avoid sealing them while they’re still warm, as this can make the glaze a little sticky and the scones less fluffy.

Freezing

Fresh Orange Scones freeze remarkably well! Let the scones cool completely (and glaze them if you prefer), then place in a zip-top freezer bag or wrap tightly in foil. They’ll keep their flavor for up to three months. For best results, freeze scones individually so you can grab one (or more!) whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To refresh a scone, pop it into a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and restores the tender crumb. If you’ve frozen them, let the scones thaw at room temperature first before reheating, so the glaze doesn’t melt away.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract if I don’t have fresh oranges?

Absolutely! If oranges are out of season or unavailable, you can use a half teaspoon of orange extract in both the dough and the glaze to boost citrus flavor. The result will still taste bright and lovely, though zest and fresh juice always deliver the best aroma and color.

Why is my dough so crumbly—did I do something wrong?

It’s totally normal for scone dough to seem a bit shaggy at first! If you can press it together and it holds its shape, you’re on the right track. If it feels too dry, add just an extra splash of cream a teaspoon at a time until it comes together. Try to handle the dough gently for the most tender scones.

Can I make Fresh Orange Scones gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still be wonderfully flavorful and perfect for sharing with everyone.

Is it possible to make Fresh Orange Scones dairy-free?

You can! Use a cold vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter, and swap out the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy creamer. The flavor will shift a bit, but the scones will bake up tender and delicious with a lovely orange glaze on top.

Will these scones stay fresh if I make them a day ahead?

Yes, Fresh Orange Scones are still delightful the next day—just store them in an airtight container once they’re fully cooled. If you want to serve them warm, gently reheat in the oven before adding glaze for the very best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about pulling a pan of Fresh Orange Scones from your oven and sharing their warm, citrusy scent with people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or making scones for the first time, this recipe is set to become a favorite in your kitchen—so gather your oranges and let yourself indulge in something bright and homemade today!

Fresh Orange Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Fresh Orange Scones are a delightful citrus-infused treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. With a tender crumb and a sweet orange glaze, these homemade scones are sure to brighten up your breakfast or brunch.

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 1–2 oranges)

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
Cut in butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry mixture and stir just until combined.
Knead and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead lightly, pat into a circle, and cut into wedges.
Bake: Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush with cream, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over cooled scones.