Orange Scones

Orange Scones

Orange scones are delightful baked treats that bring a little sunshine to your day. With their zesty flavor and tender texture, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, orange scones are sure to brighten your mood.

Why Make This Recipe

Making orange scones is easy and rewarding. This recipe requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, the fresh orange zest and juice give these scones a vibrant flavor that is hard to resist. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, these scones are a wonderful choice.

How to Make Orange Scones

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, cold, grated or cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (for the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for the glaze)
• Zest of 1 orange (for the glaze)
• Juice of 1/2 orange (for the glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed, or grated butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops look set.
9. Let the scones cool slightly. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, orange zest, and orange juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the warm scones.

How to Serve Orange Scones

Serve orange scones warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a spread of butter or jam. Enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage for a delightful treat.

How to Store Orange Scones

To store leftover scones, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze scones. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Orange Scones

• Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough; gentle mixing is key.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Experiment by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you like.

Variation

You can switch up the flavor by using lemon or lime zest and juice instead of orange. This gives the scones a fresh, tangy taste that is just as delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just chill it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking.

2. How can I make my scones sweeter?
To make your scones sweeter, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the dough or add more glaze on top.

3. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
Using low-fat cream is possible, but it may affect the texture, making the scones less rich and tender. Heavy cream is recommended for the best results.