Easy Glazed Orange Scones with Fresh Orange: A Bright Citrus Morning Treat

If you’re someone who loves waking up to a sunlit kitchen and something fresh from the oven, these orange scones are the citrus breakfast pastries of your dreams. They’re light, buttery, and bursting with fresh orange flavor in every bite. Topped with a glossy orange vanilla glaze, these scones are as pretty as they are delicious.

Made with simple ingredients and zero fuss, this easy scone recipe transforms your breakfast table into a cozy little café. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or pack them up for brunch, these glazed orange scones are a sweet way to celebrate citrus season.

Why You’ll Love These Fresh Orange Desserts

These scones strike the perfect balance: not too sweet, just rich enough, and with a bright citrusy zing. The grated frozen butter gives them that perfect tender crumb, while fresh orange zest and juice infuse the dough and glaze with real fruit flavor. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

For the scones:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 4 tbsp salted butter, grated and frozen
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice

For the orange vanilla butter glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1/2 orange (add more as needed)

How to Make These Easy Orange Scones

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add frozen grated butter and mix to coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk cream, vanilla, egg, zest, and juice.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix gently to form a shaggy dough.
5. Turn dough onto baking sheet and shape into an 8-inch disc, 1/2–3/4 inch thick.
6. Cut into 8 wedges and space slightly apart.
7. Chill for 10–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
8. Bake 13–15 minutes until bottoms are golden. Cool on a rack.

Make the Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, butter, orange zest, and juice until smooth and pourable.
2. Dip cooled scones into glaze and let set on a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Glazed Orange Scones

• Use fresh zest and juice for bold citrus flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling—cold dough helps keep the scones flaky.
• Want a thicker glaze? Use less juice. For a drizzle, add more.
• These freeze well (unglazed). Just thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

The First Time I Made These Scones…

It was early spring, and I had a surplus of oranges from the farmers market. I craved something sweet but fresh—and out came these scones. They were an instant hit with my family, especially with tea or coffee on the patio. Now, they’re a regular request anytime we need a pick-me-up.

What to Serve With These Citrus Breakfast Pastries

Pair them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey, cappuccino, or a mimosa if you’re brunching. Serve alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and berries or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal. They also make a lovely addition to baby showers, brunch spreads, or a cozy weekend bake.

How to Store and Reheat

Store glazed scones in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze before glazing and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Glaze after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Substitute coconut cream and vegan butter, but results may vary slightly.

Why is my dough crumbly?

It may be too dry. Add a little more orange juice until it comes together.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes! Shape and cut, then chill overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

These glazed orange scones are sunshine in pastry form—a sweet, citrusy start to any day that feels just a little more special.

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Easy Glazed Orange Scones with Fresh Orange: A Bright Citrus Morning Treat

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• Author: Amanda Hartwellen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These easy glazed orange scones are buttery, tender breakfast pastries bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with grated frozen butter for a flaky crumb and brightened with fresh orange zest and juice, they’re topped with a luscious orange vanilla butter glaze. Perfect for brunch, teatime, or dessert, these scones bring sunshine to your morning table with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the scones:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, grated and frozen

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

For the orange vanilla butter glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• Zest of 1 orange

• Juice of 1/2 orange (add more as needed)

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Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add grated frozen butter and mix until coarse crumbs form.

3. In another bowl, whisk heavy cream, vanilla, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix gently until a shaggy dough forms.

5. Turn dough onto baking sheet; shape into an 8-inch disc, about 1/2–3/4 inch thick.

6. Cut into 8 wedges and space slightly apart. Chill for 10–30 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

8. Bake scones 13–15 minutes until bottoms are golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Make the glaze:

1. Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and pourable.

2. Dip cooled scones into glaze and set on wire rack to let glaze harden.

Notes

Fresh zest and juice provide bold citrus flavor.

Chilling the dough helps keep scones flaky.

Adjust glaze thickness by varying juice amount.

Freeze unglazed scones; glaze after reheating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, British-Inspired