These Orange Scones with Orange Vanilla Butter Glaze bring the sunny brightness of citrus into every buttery, flaky bite. With fresh orange zest, a hint of vanilla, and a smooth, sweet glaze, they’re the ultimate upgrade to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Baked until golden and drizzled with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze, they’re elegant enough for a brunch spread yet easy enough for weekday baking. And yes—they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal-prep or make-ahead hosting.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about the flaky, tender crumb of a well-made scone that feels like a bakery indulgence—but when you make them yourself, they taste even better. These scones use real orange juice and zest for fresh, vibrant flavor, and the vanilla butter glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.
They’re light, balanced, and so satisfying without being overly rich.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp salted butter, cold, grated or cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
For the Orange Vanilla Butter Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 orange, zested
- Juice from ½ orange (or more, for consistency)
Swaps and Notes
- Citrus Swap: Try lemon or grapefruit zest and juice for a twist.
- Butter Tip: Use frozen grated butter for extra-flaky scones.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-Ins: A handful of dried cranberries or white chocolate chips works beautifully with orange.
How to Make Orange Scones with Vanilla Butter Glaze
1. Prep the Dry Ingredients
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter
- Toss cold, grated or cubed butter into the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, vanilla, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Combine and Shape
- Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
- Mix gently with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a parchment-lined surface and gently shape into a disc about ½–¾ inch thick.
5. Cut the Scones
- Using a bench scraper or knife, cut the disc into 8 wedges.
- Slightly separate and place on the baking sheet.
- Chill in the fridge or freezer for 10–30 minutes to firm up.
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Bake scones for 13–15 minutes, or until golden at the edges and set in the center.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
7. Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, orange zest, and just enough orange juice to reach a drizzle consistency.
8. Glaze and Set
- Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze, then return to the rack to let it set.
- Optional: sprinkle with extra zest or a touch of coarse sugar.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overwork the dough—gentle hands make tender scones.
- Use a cold surface and tools to keep the butter from melting.
- Let glaze set for 10–15 minutes before storing or serving.
- These scones are best the same day, but keep beautifully for days.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these citrusy scones warm or room temp with:
- A cup of earl grey or chamomile tea
- Fresh fruit and a bowl of Big Family Banana Pudding for brunch
- Add to a holiday spread with Easter Cookies
- Bake alongside Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a seasonal assortment
- Offer a nostalgic touch with Old-School No-Bake Cookies or Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed scones tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a toaster oven or microwave. Glaze after reheating if frozen.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these buttery, bright scones, you’ll want to try these:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Easter Cookies
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
Final Thoughts
These Orange Scones with Vanilla Butter Glaze are everything a great scone should be: soft, lightly crisp at the edges, fragrant with citrus, and finished with a sweet, buttery drizzle. They’re perfect for brunch, gifting, or just adding a little sunshine to your day.
If you bake them, tag @ChefManiac and show us your orange scone moment! And be sure to follow for more zesty bakes and classic treats.
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