Easy Orange Scones Recipe

Orange scones are bursting with fresh orange zest and sweet fresh orange juice. This flaky orange scone is perfect to serve for a holiday breakfast or brunch and no one will be turning away these soft fluffy scones with their cup of coffee or hot tea! 

If you love fresh orange and orange juice then you will enjoy biting into layers of flaky scones. I love Panera's orange scones and our version doesn't need the sweet glaze on top (even though you could add it if you want to!) because the fresh orange flavor shines through these buttery scones.

Tools to make the best homemade scones

These are the tools I find are the best and most helpful to make perfect scones. I use them for every recipe.

• Pastry blender we mention this item with every single recipe because it is THE item that will ensure a fluffy outcome for your scones. You can use 2 knives or your hands, but a pastry blender is best.
• Parchment paper a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is not only great for non-stick baking, but it is also awesome for easy cleanup! No pan scrubbing is needed!
• Mixing bowl should be a large mixing bowl if you want to make this a one-bowl recipe! I mix and also knead the scone dough right in the bowl before turning it out onto a floured surface.

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour
• sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• vanilla extract
• chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• half-and-half, plus 1 tbsp.
• Navel Orange
• Orange juice

Related recipes:  Master Scone Recipe, Easy Date Scones, Orange Chocolate Chip Scones, Orange Cranberry Scones, Pumpkin Scones, Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Scones

How to make Orange scones recipe

Making a batch of scones is something I try to do every weekend.  Citrus-based scones are becoming one of my favorite flavor profiles when creating scones. The last batch of oranges I got from the store were so juicy and sweet, and I knew I wanted to use them in some scone recipes to add a bright citrus flavor. 

Instructions

Start with a pre-heated oven set to 425 degrees.

Wash & dry one large navel orange. With a Microplane, zest the entire orange rind and set aside. Now cut the orange in half and set it aside. 

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, orange zest, sugar, and salt.

Next, add cold butter to the flour mixture, and using a pastry blender or two knives cut in the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized coarse crumbs.

Stir in the wet ingredients of half-and-half, juice of half of the cut orange, and vanilla extract until just moistened. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 5 to 10 times and pat it into a round 1-inch thick disc. 

Cut the soft dough with a bench scraper or knife into 8 wedges.

Transfer scones to a parchment-lined baking tray, 2 ” apart. Brush the top of the scone with half and half or heavy cream and sprinkle each top with sugar.

Place in preheated oven on middle rack and bake scones until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Let cool on a wire rack.

Some Fun Add-in Ideas For Orange Scone Recipe

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts like toasted hazelnuts or walnuts
• Top with slice of candied orange peel
• Fresh cranberries 

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Serve your tender scone warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of butter or enjoy as is. These delicious scones are just the right consistency with sweet orange and they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. 

To store, keep them in an airtight container or at room temperature on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap. Scones will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you would like to keep them longer, place in a Ziplock bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. 

This orange scones recipe is one of my favorite things this season. It is a great way to use oranges to create a baked treat that is a little bit sweet with crispy edges and soft interior. Perfect!