If you’re a fan of citrus-infused treats, these Fresh Orange Scones are a must-try. Perfectly tender and flaky, they burst with bright orange flavor and are topped with a sweet, tangy orange glaze. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these scones are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
Scones:
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 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
Orange Glaze:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Sugar and Zest: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Add the flour mixture and toss to combine.
Incorporate Butter: Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture. Using your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth. Gently stir this into the flour mixture until just combined.
Form the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle about ¾ inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 triangles.
Bake: Transfer the triangles to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Make the Glaze: While the scones are cooling, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth.
Glaze the Scones: Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the tops.
Serving Tips:
Freshness: These scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when they’re warm and the glaze is slightly set.
Pairing: They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve with clotted cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh and tender if kept sealed properly.
Refrigeration: For extended storage, keep the scones in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, place the scones in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap each scone individually. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness.
Can I use a different type of citrus for this scone recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the orange zest with zest from other citrus fruits such as lemons or limes. Just make sure to adjust the amount of juice in the glaze to match the citrus you choose for the best flavor balance.
What can I use instead of sour cream in this recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will provide the necessary moisture and acidity to achieve the scone’s tender texture.
Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough up to a day in advance. After cutting the dough into triangles, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones are done when their tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the scones are golden but still soft in the middle, they might need an additional minute or two. Be careful not to overbake as they can become dry.
Conclusion:
These Fresh Orange Scones are not only delicious but also easy to make. Their bright citrus flavor and tender texture make them a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the burst of fresh orange in every bite!
Indulge in the delightful taste of Fresh Orange Scones. These scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with vibrant citrus flavor. Topped with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a batch of scones that are irresistibly fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scones:
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
Orange Glaze:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Add flour mixture and toss to combine.
Grate cold butter into the mixture. Using hands, work in butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until smooth. Gently stir into flour mixture until just combined.
Place dough on a lightly floured surface, pat into an 8-inch circle about ¾ inch thick, and cut into 8 triangles.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until tops are golden. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip tops of cooled scones into glaze or drizzle on top.
Notes
For the best texture, use frozen butter and work it quickly into the flour mixture.
If the glaze is too thick, add additional orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.