Orange Scones

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Treat yourself to these sweet and tangy Orange Scones topped with a sweet orange glaze. They are soft, tender, lightly sweet and citrusy. A delightful scone for teatime, breakfast, or brunch!

What I Love About Orange Scones

There are days, particularly in the winter or holidays when I crave all things citrus. From lemon to orange and, of course, always lime. My orange cake is a simple loaf cake that I often give to neighbors and friends well into spring.

These simple-to-make scones are inspired a bit by my Earl Grey Scones, which have a slight citrus twist.

I hope you love them as much as I do!

Orange Scones Ingredients

These simple-to-make scones contain only a few ingredients you may already have on hand. The sweet and tangy flavor comes from orange zest rubbed into the sugar that then permeates the scones with delightful flavors. Here’s what you need:

• Granulated sugar
• Orange zest (here’s the zester I use)
• All-purpose flour
• Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda
• Salt: I love fine sea salt.
• Butter: Cold salted or unsalted both work well
• Milk or heavy cream (or half and half)
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract

Orange Glaze

The simple glaze is made with powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Freshly squeezed orange juice is best (you do have zested oranges on hand!), but store-bought orange juice is fine, too.

How to Make Orange Scones

Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 1: Orange sugar & dry ingredients

Combine the sugar and orange zest in a bowl and rub between your fingers until the sugar turns orange and is infused with the oils and fragrance of the orange. Then, whisk in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Cut in the butter

Cube the butter and cut it into the flour mixture. You can do this with your fingers, a pastry cutter, or even a food processor. Just be careful not to overprocess the flour, a few pulses will do. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients & combine

Whisk together the milk or cream, egg, and vanilla in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Mix it into the flour mixture until dough clumps begin to come together. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Pat into a circle

Pat the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 7-inch circle, or about 3/4-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.

How to Make Orange Glaze

While the scones cool for about 10 minutes, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice until it’s smooth and the consistency you like, adding powdered sugar or additional orange juice as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the scone and let it harden somewhat before serving.

Tea Pairing

I enjoy these scones with most black teas, and Earl Grey tea is always a favorite. I also enjoy them with a cup of chamomile when teatime is late, and I’ve had one too many cups of caffeine that day. What is your favorite tea pairing with orange or citrus flavors?

More Scones to Try

• Afternoon Tea Scones Recipes for Your Next Tea Party
• Lemon Lavender Scones
• Apple Cinnamon Scones
• Cream Scones
• English-Style Scones

If you love to bake scones (or even enjoy them with tea), you will find plenty of delicious inspirations on a Scones Recipe page.