Name: Orange Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486094H52M50S
Total time: PT-486094H52M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup granulated sugar; Zest of two medium oranges; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen; ½ cup sour cream; 1 large egg; For the glaze: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

These orange scones are a delightful treat that brings together the bright, zesty flavour of fresh oranges with a tender, buttery crumb. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, they make for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore these orange scones because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The fresh orange zest infuses the dough with a vibrant citrus aroma, while the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make and bake up beautifully every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup granulated sugar
Zest of two medium oranges
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen
½ cup sour cream
1 large egg

For the glaze:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Use your fingertips to rub them together until the sugar is moistened and fragrant.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the sugar mixture. Stir to combine.
Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture using the large holes of a box grater. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth.
Stir the sour cream mixture into the flour mixture using a fork until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough into a ball. It will be sticky at first but will come together as you work it.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle about ¾ inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 triangles.
Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth.
Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each scone. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 scones. The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the baking time is 15 to 17 minutes, making the total time around 30 to 35 minutes.

Variations

I like to experiment with different add-ins to keep things interesting. Sometimes I mix in dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for a twist. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice note.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to a month. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

What makes these scones tender and flaky?

The key is using frozen butter and working it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. This creates pockets of butter that melt during baking, resulting in a tender, flaky texture.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will provide a similar tangy flavour and moisture content.

How do I prevent the scones from spreading too much?

Make sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Also, chilling the shaped scones in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare the dough, shape the scones, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, I bake them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

If fresh oranges aren’t available, I use bottled orange juice and skip the zest. While the flavour won’t be as vibrant, the scones will still be delicious.

Conclusion

These orange scones are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Their bright citrus flavour and tender texture make them a favourite in my household. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick snack, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face.