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
Scale
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
