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Orange Cream Scones with Citrus Glaze Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

These Orange Cream Scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Infused with fresh orange zest and a hint of cardamom, they are wonderfully aromatic and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Topped with an optional sweet and tangy orange glaze, these scones provide a delightful balance of creamy, citrusy, and subtly spiced elements for a memorable treat.

Ingredients

Scones

  • 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 tablespoons (12 grams) orange zest (about 2 oranges)
  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, frozen
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons heavy cream or milk

Orange Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • Orange zest (from a section of an orange)
  • 2 teaspoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 teaspoons heavy cream or 2 teaspoons milk
  • 1/16 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Scone Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cardamom until well combined. Zest two oranges directly into the dry ingredients and toss to distribute evenly. Grate the frozen unsalted butter over the dry ingredients using the large holes of a box grater to incorporate the butter into the mixture.
  2. Add Cream and Vanilla: Measure 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy cream into a 2-cup measuring cup and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Pour this cream mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a rubber spatula until just combined, leaving a shaggy dough with some unmixed flour.
  3. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface using a dough scraper, flour your hands generously to prevent sticking, and spread the dough with the palm of your hand. Use a bench scraper to form the dough into a rectangle, then perform a tri-fold: fold the top third toward the center, then fold the bottom third over the top. Rotate the dough 90 degrees, press lightly into a rectangle, and repeat the tri-fold once more.
  4. Form the Scones: Shape the dough into an 8-inch circle and cut it into 8 equal wedges. Place the wedges on a board or tray that fits into the refrigerator. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up and develop flakiness during baking.
  5. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a half baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream or milk for the egg wash.
  6. Egg Wash and Bake: Arrange the chilled scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops generously with the egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the scones have risen and turned golden brown. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read about 204°F when done.
  7. Cool the Scones: Remove scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm plain, with butter, lemon curd, or proceed to glaze.
  8. Prepare the Orange Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, mix 1 cup sifted powdered sugar with orange zest, 2 teaspoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 2-3 teaspoons of heavy cream or milk gradually until the glaze reaches a spreadable consistency. Stir in a pinch (1/16 teaspoon) of kosher salt. Spread this glaze over completely cooled scones to prevent melting and serve.
  9. Store the Scones: Keep cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to retain freshness.

Notes

  • Weigh the flour precisely for best results; weighing helps prevent dry or dense scones.
  • Use oranges with a shiny peel for zesting, as the aromatic oils in the peel provide the best citrus flavor.
  • Baking times vary by oven; some ovens may require slightly longer to bake the scones fully.