These Glazed Orange Scones are a citrusy delight—tender, flaky, and bursting with fresh orange flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, they strike a beautiful balance between sweet and tangy. The dough is enriched with orange zest and sour cream, creating a moist interior with a golden, crisp exterior. A luscious orange glaze adds a glossy finish and extra zing, making each bite feel like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers bakery-quality results right from your oven.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 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 powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for extra punch)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Infuse the Sugar
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub them together with your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant and slightly moist—this step releases the oils from the zest and intensifies the orange flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the orange sugar mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Butter
Grate the frozen butter directly into the flour mixture using the large holes of a box grater. Toss gently with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key to creating flaky layers.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until large clumps form. Use your hands to gently bring the dough together into a ball—it may seem crumbly at first, but it will come together.
Step 6: Shape and Cut
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 7-inch circle about ¾-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 equal triangles. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🍥 Make the Glaze
While the scones cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—adjust with more juice or sugar as needed.
Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Double glaze: For extra sweetness, let the first glaze layer set, then drizzle a second coat.
- Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a twist.
- Make ahead: Freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat briefly in the oven for best texture.
These orange scones are a citrus-kissed treat that’s both comforting and elegant. Want to try a lemon-lavender version or a sugar-free glaze next? I’ve got plenty of zesty ideas to keep your baking fresh and fabulous!