Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
There is nothing quite as delightful as waking up to the bright, zesty aroma of Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe filling your kitchen. These scones offer a perfect balance of tender crumb, a gentle citrus punch from fresh orange zest, and a luscious glaze that ties everything together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe brings a sunny twist to classic scones that feels both warm and refreshingly vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a moist, fluffy texture highlighted by a burst of citrus flavor and a subtle buttery richness. Each item is chosen not only for taste but also for that perfect texture and visual appeal.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps balance the citrus brightness.
- Orange zest: Infuses the dough with fresh, tangy orange flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your scone’s tender yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Gives the scones a natural lift and light texture.
- Baking soda: Helps create the perfect crumb when paired with sour cream.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Frozen unsalted butter: Keeps scones flaky and buttery; use cold for best results.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the scones tender.
- Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a golden, rich finish.
- Melted unsalted butter: Brushed on top for a beautiful golden crust.
- Powdered sugar: The base of your citrus glaze to add sweetness and shine.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze flavor.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Key to giving your glaze that true citrus kick and freshness.
How to Make Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the backbone of your scones, ensuring they rise just right and have that perfect crumb.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Orange Zest with Flour Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the granulated sugar and freshly grated orange zest. This step releases all those wonderful citrus oils, making the scones incredibly fragrant. Then, add your dry flour mix to this sugar-zest combo and toss to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Incorporate Cold Butter
Here’s where the magic of flaky scones begins. Grate the frozen butter directly into the dry ingredients. Then, using your hands, gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized bits. This ensures every bite is buttery and flaky.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and the egg until smooth and creamy. Slowly stir this mixture into the flour and butter blend, mixing just until everything comes together—overmixing here can toughen the scones. The dough will be slightly sticky and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into an 8-inch circle about ¾ inch thick. This thickness helps achieve scones that are tender but not dry. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 equal triangles, just like slicing a pizza, and carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones for 15 to 17 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will smell heavenly at this point! Let them cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before moving them to a rack to finish cooling—it helps them firm up without drying out.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Citrus Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth to create your glaze. You can either dip the scone tops directly into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. This glaze adds a glossy, sweet, and tangy finish that perfectly complements the tender scones.
How to Serve Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a little extra grated orange zest or finely chopped candied orange peel on top after glazing. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a charming, bakery-style look. Fresh herb leaves like mint can add a lovely contrast if you’re wanting to elevate your presentation.
Side Dishes
These scones shine alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for an effortlessly elegant breakfast or snack. You might also pair them with fresh berries or a bowl of Greek yogurt for a refreshing, balanced touch. A slather of good-quality butter or a mild cream cheese spread is always a welcome companion too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a brunch or special occasion, arrange the scones on a tiered cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece. You can serve the glaze on the side for dipping, letting guests add as much as they please. Another idea is to accompany them with mini jars of orange marmalade or honey for added indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover scones, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to two days. To preserve their signature tender texture, avoid storing them in the fridge, which can dry them out.
Freezing
Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each cooled scone tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep for up to three months—perfect for making ahead and enjoying whenever a citrus craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that fresh-baked crispness on the outside and soft crumb inside. You can freshen the glaze with a quick drizzle of orange juice and powdered sugar if needed.
FAQs
Can I use dried orange zest instead of fresh?
While dried zest can offer some flavor, fresh orange zest truly delivers the bright, lively citrus notes that make this recipe special. For the best results, stick with fresh zest whenever possible.
Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the scones tender. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but it should be plain and full-fat for similar texture.
Why is my dough crumbly after mixing the butter?
This crumbly texture is normal and good—it means your butter is evenly distributed to create flaky layers. As soon as you add the wet ingredients, the dough should come together smoothly.
Can I make mini scones instead of full-sized ones?
Absolutely! Mini scones will bake a bit faster too, so keep an eye on them and reduce baking time to around 12 to 14 minutes. Mini versions are perfect for parties or tea time.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Pat the dough into about ¾ inch thickness. This thickness ensures that your scones bake evenly with a fluffy, tender inside and beautifully golden outside without being dry.
Final Thoughts
Making Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you get to fill your kitchen with enticing aromas and enjoy bites bursting with bright, cheerful flavor. These scones are perfect for sharing or indulging in a quiet, cozy moment with your favorite cup of tea. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these little bursts of happiness disappear from your plate!
Print
Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These Fresh Orange Scones are a delightful and zesty treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Featuring bright orange zest and a tangy sour cream base, these scones offer a tender, flaky texture with a sweet orange glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are an easy and impressive baked good to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Scone Dough
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange (or 2 medium oranges)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: 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 medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Sugar and Orange Zest: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest, mixing well to release the fragrant oils from the zest. Add the flour mixture to this bowl and toss together until evenly combined.
- Add Butter: Grate the frozen butter into the flour and sugar mixture. Using your hands, gently work the butter into the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with small pea-sized bits throughout. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth. Gently stir this wet mixture into the flour and butter mixture just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and approximately ¾ inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal triangular wedges.
- Bake: Transfer the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the scones cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable. Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze or drizzle it generously over them to enhance flavor and add sweetness.
Notes
- Use frozen butter and grate it cold to achieve a tender, flaky texture in the scones.
- Adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency—thicker for dipping, thinner for drizzling.
- For extra orange flavor, add a bit more zest to the dough or sprinkle some zest on top before baking.
- Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- These scones can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
