Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
If you’ve been on the lookout for a bright, tangy treat to freshen up your mornings or teatime, look no further. This Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe brings together tender, flaky scones bursting with the natural sweetness and zing of fresh orange zest, all topped with a glossy, citrusy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Every bite is a delightful harmony of buttery richness and lively orange flavor that feels like sunshine on your plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these scones will become your go-to for a cozy breakfast or an elegant snack served warm with coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that you probably already have at home. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect scone texture and vibrant taste—bright orange zest adds freshness, the frozen butter creates flakiness, and sour cream lends tenderness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to enhance the orange flavor without overpowering it.
- Orange zest: Provides a burst of natural citrus aroma and flavor that’s the heart of these scones.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your scones, giving structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and works with the sour cream for tenderness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Frozen unsalted butter: Critical for flaky layers—grating it into the dough keeps it cold and creates that tender crumb.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that complements the citrus notes.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on or incorporated for extra silkiness and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze—it’s ultra fine and dissolves beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: The liquid component in the glaze, packing a real punch of fresh citrus.
How to Make Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having everything prepped before the dough comes together ensures a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this mixture aside allows you to seamlessly mix it with your sugar and zest later without clumps.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Orange Zest
In a larger bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar with the orange zest. This step is key because mixing them early releases the essential oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with aromatic citrus flavor that infuses every scone.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour Mixture
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the sugar and orange zest, tossing everything together so it blends evenly. This helps distribute all the leavening agents and salt uniformly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Work in the Butter
Using a grater, shred the frozen butter directly into the flour mixture. Then, use your hands to gently work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is crucial here—it creates steam during baking, which makes for flaky, tender scones.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Egg
In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and egg until smooth. Gently stir this mixture into the flour and butter mixture until just combined. Overmixing can toughen your scones, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a neat 8-inch circle about three-quarters of an inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal triangles. This traditional shape isn’t just charming—it helps the scones bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the cut dough triangles onto your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the tops glow with a beautiful golden color. Then let them rest on the pan for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool further.
Step 9: Prepare and Apply Citrus Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice until silky smooth. Dip the cool scone tops into the glaze or drizzle it generously over each piece. The glaze adds a shiny, sweet, and tangy finish that ties the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra orange zest or finely chopped candied orange peel on the glaze before it sets. Toasted almond slivers also add a lovely crunch and complement the citrus flavors nicely.
Side Dishes
These scones are delightful on their own, but if you want to create a full spread, consider serving them with fresh whipped cream, clotted cream, or a side of homemade berry jam. A pot of hot tea or a freshly brewed cup of coffee completes the perfect indulgent moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the scones in a circular pattern on a pretty cake stand for an inviting presentation. For gatherings, create individual scone plates accompanied by mini jars of whipped honey butter or lemon curd. This recipe is versatile and welcomes beautiful, casual elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the scones have fully cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days but are best enjoyed within the first day for optimum texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked scones by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months and make an excellent ready-to-go breakfast or snack.
Reheating
To warm frozen or stored scones, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their flaky tenderness and keeps the citrus glaze fresh and glossy.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as substitutes. Both will keep the dough moist and tender while maintaining a slight tang that complements the orange zest.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for zest or juice?
Fresh orange zest and juice are really the heart of this recipe’s bright flavor, so fresh is best. However, you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch, but avoid using dried zest as it won’t impart the same freshness.
Why is frozen butter important in making scones?
Frozen butter helps create those lovely flaky layers. As the butter melts during baking, it releases steam, which lifts and separates the dough layers, giving you that irresistible scone texture.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for pastries, and make sure to follow any additional binding instructions the blend requires. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How thick should I pat the dough before cutting?
Patting the dough to about three-quarters of an inch thick ensures the scones bake evenly — thick enough to be tender and fluffy inside, but not so thick that they remain doughy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyous about baking Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe. The way the citrus flavors brighten the rich, buttery dough makes each bite a little celebration of fresh, home-baked goodness. Whether you’re serving these scones for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon delight, I guarantee they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite that friends and family will ask for again and again. Don’t hesitate—grab those oranges and start baking!
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Fresh Orange Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These Fresh Orange Scones are a delightful treat bursting with zesty citrus flavor and a tender, flaky texture. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these scones are topped with a sweet orange glaze that enhances their bright, fresh taste. Made with simple ingredients like fresh orange zest, sour cream, and butter, they bake up golden and flaky in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Sugar and Orange Zest: In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the freshly grated orange zest to evenly distribute the citrus flavor throughout the scones.
- Add Flour Mixture and Butter: Toss the flour mixture into the sugar and zest combination. Grate the frozen unsalted butter into the bowl, then use your hands to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate small bowl, whisk the sour cream and egg until smooth. Gently fold this wet mixture into the flour and butter mixture just until incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Shape Dough and Cut Scones: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat it into an 8-inch diameter circle about ¾ inch thick, and cut it into 8 equal triangular pieces.
- Bake the Scones: Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Let the scones cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze or drizzle it over the top, allowing it to set before serving for a luscious finishing touch.
Notes
- Using frozen butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze to achieve desired consistency.
- For extra zest, sprinkle additional orange zest on top of glaze before it sets.
- Store scones in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
