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
Scale
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
