Orange Cream Scones Recipe
Introduction
These Orange Cream Scones are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh orange flavor, they are topped with a sweet orange glaze that adds an irresistible touch. You’ll love how simple they are to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tbsp orange zest (about the zest of 1 large orange)
- 1/2 cup cubed butter, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra orange flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or a standing mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the butter pieces are about pea-sized.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 triangular scones. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: While the scones cool, prepare the glaze by mixing together the melted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar (adding more if needed), vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 7: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and enjoy them fresh.
Tips & Variations
- Use cold butter and work quickly to keep the dough cool for flakier scones.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the orange juice slightly or add more powdered sugar.
Storage
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to one month. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving. Avoid glazing until ready to eat to keep the glaze fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen orange juice concentrate can be used if fresh juice is not available. Be sure to adjust the sweetness of the glaze accordingly, as concentrate can be more intense.
How do I make the scones more tender?
Be careful not to overmix the dough, and keep the butter cold. Using sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, making the scones soft and fluffy.
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Orange Cream Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These Orange Cream Scones are tender and flaky with a delightful citrus zest, topped with a luscious orange-flavored glaze. Perfect for a brunch or a sweet breakfast treat, they combine the richness of sour cream and butter with the brightness of fresh orange, making them irresistibly flavorful and moist.
Ingredients
Dried Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tbsp orange zest (about the zest of 1 large orange)
Wet Ingredients & Fats
- 1/2 cup cubed cold butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional for extra orange flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or a standing mixer until the butter pieces are about the size of peas and the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Shape Dough and Cut Scones: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into 8 equal triangular wedges. Place the scones evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of each scone with a little heavy cream. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar starting with 1 cup (add up to 1 1/2 cups if thinner glaze desired), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and optional 1 teaspoon orange zest until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled scones generously. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, creamy citrus flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold for the best flaky texture in the scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep scones tender and light.
- Adjust powdered sugar in glaze based on preferred sweetness and thickness.
- Orange zest in the glaze is optional but enhances the citrus flavor wonderfully.
- Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Orange Cream Scones, Citrus Scones, Breakfast Scones, Brunch Recipe, Orange Glaze, Easy Scones
