There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked scone, especially when it’s infused with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges. These Easy Orange Scones with Orange Glaze are tender, buttery, and bursting with citrusy freshness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they combine the richness of a classic scone with the refreshing tang of orange zest and juice. The orange glaze drizzled on top adds a sweet finishing touch that makes them feel bakery-worthy while still being simple enough to whip up at home. If you’re new to scone baking, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly, requires only pantry basics, and comes together in less than an hour.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Zest of 1 large orange

• ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice

• Extra zest for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined.

3. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The little chunks of butter will create flaky layers.

4. Prepare the Wet Mixture
   In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice.

5. Combine and Form Dough
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough just comes together—do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

6. Shape the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3–4 times to bring it together. Pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

7. Bake
   Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

8. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more juice (for thinner glaze) or sugar (for thicker glaze).

9. Glaze the Scones
   Once the scones are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Sprinkle extra orange zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Carbohydrates: 37 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 17 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these scones because they combine the buttery richness of traditional scones with the bright, refreshing taste of oranges. They’re tender yet flaky, sweet but not overly so, and incredibly versatile—you can serve them as part of a fancy brunch spread or enjoy them with a simple cup of tea. The orange glaze makes them feel like something from a bakery, yet they’re quick and fuss-free to make at home.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Scones are a traditional British baked good, often enjoyed with tea. While they’re usually made plain and served with clotted cream and jam, American-style scones often incorporate flavors and glazes. These orange scones take inspiration from that approach, transforming a classic into a citrus-packed delight. The idea is to bring sunshine into your kitchen—perfect for brightening up a cold day or celebrating the freshness of spring and summer.

Ingredient Spotlight

The magic of these orange scones lies in a few simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice are the stars of the recipe, infusing the dough with a bright, natural citrus punch that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Unlike artificial flavorings, the zest and juice create a layered aroma and taste that’s unmistakably real. Cold butter is equally important here—it’s the secret to creating that classic scone texture with a crisp, golden edge and a soft, flaky center. As the butter melts during baking, it releases steam, creating little pockets of air and lightness in the dough. Heavy cream works hand in hand with the butter, giving the scones moisture and tenderness while preventing them from becoming dense. It keeps the crumb soft and delicate, which is exactly what you want in a good scone. Finally, powdered sugar plays its role in the glaze, turning orange juice into a smooth, glossy finish that not only looks elegant but also adds a sweet balance to the zesty citrus notes. Each ingredient has a role to play, and together they create the perfect bite—flaky, tangy, creamy, and sweet.

Storage and Reheating Tips

When it comes to storing these orange scones, a little care will keep them tasting fresh and delicious. At room temperature, they will stay moist and flavorful for up to two days if kept in an airtight container, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon tea treat. If you’d like to extend their freshness, the fridge is a great option, where they’ll last up to five days without losing their flavor. To bring them back to life, reheating is essential. The best method is to pop them into the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about five minutes, which restores their light flakiness and gives them that “just baked” feel. If you’re in a rush, the microwave can do the trick in just 15–20 seconds, though it tends to soften the scones a little more than the oven. Another great tip is that these scones freeze beautifully. If you’d like to prepare them in advance, bake them without the glaze, let them cool completely, then wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature, warm gently in the oven if desired, and finish with a fresh drizzle of orange glaze for the best taste and texture.

Common Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it can be—you can easily adjust the flavors to suit the occasion or your personal taste. A popular variation is cranberry orange scones, where you fold in about half a cup of dried cranberries into the dough. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet, citrusy notes, making it perfect for holiday baking or winter mornings. For those who love a bit of indulgence, chocolate chip orange scones are another delicious twist. By stirring in half a cup of either dark or white chocolate chips, you add a creamy richness that contrasts wonderfully with the brightness of the orange. If you’d like to change up the glaze, try a simple vanilla glaze for a more classic flavor profile, or drizzle the tops with melted white chocolate for a decadent finish that looks bakery-worthy. For something more unique, you can infuse the dough with fresh herbs—adding a teaspoon of finely chopped rosemary or thyme creates a fragrant, earthy undertone that elevates the scones into a more sophisticated treat. Each variation brings something new to the table, and the recipe itself is so adaptable that you can make it sweet, savory, or somewhere in between depending on what mood you’re in.

Pairing Recommendations

These scones pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, coffee, or even a latte for a cozy breakfast. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. They also make a lovely sweet addition to an afternoon tea party.

Health Benefits

While scones are an indulgence, these have some perks. Oranges bring vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health. Using real citrus instead of artificial flavorings keeps the recipe fresh and natural. Plus, since they’re homemade, you can control the sweetness and portion size better than store-bought versions.

Conclusion

Easy Orange Scones with Orange Glaze are a delightful balance of buttery comfort and citrusy brightness. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for special occasions. With their golden, tender crumb and sweet orange glaze, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven with your morning coffee or shared with friends over tea, these scones bring a little sunshine to every bite.