Glazed Orange Scone: A Citrusy Delight
A Glazed Orange Scone is the perfect treat for any time of day—whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. With its tender, buttery crumb and vibrant citrus flavor, it’s a refreshing twist on the classic scone. The sweet, tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite an indulgent experience. This easy-to-make recipe will bring a burst of citrusy goodness into your kitchen in no time.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making Glazed Orange Scones is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these delightful scones.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
- Bake the Scones: Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the scones are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if necessary.
- Glaze the Scones: Once the scones have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top of each one. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your fresh, zesty Glazed Orange Scones with a cup of tea or coffee.
Advanced Techniques for the Perfect Glazed Orange Scone
If you want to take your Glazed Orange Scones to the next level, consider the following tips and techniques to create the perfect scone:
1. Keep Your Butter Cold
One of the keys to tender scones is using cold butter. The cold butter creates little pockets of fat that, when baked, create a flaky texture. Make sure your butter is very cold when you cut it into the flour mixture. For extra cold butter, you can even chill the cubed butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using it.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
To avoid tough scones, it’s important not to overwork the dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing will activate the gluten in the flour, making the scones dense instead of light and fluffy.
3. Use Buttermilk for Tenderness
Buttermilk adds moisture and acidity to the scones, resulting in a more tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
4. Flavor Enhancements
For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the dough. These ingredients will complement the orange zest and add a subtle richness to your scones.
5. Brush with Cream Before Baking
For a golden, shiny finish on your scones, brush the tops with a little heavy cream or milk just before baking. This will give them a beautiful sheen and enhance the texture.
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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
To ensure your Glazed Orange Scones stay fresh, here are some helpful storage tips:
Storage
- Room Temperature: After baking, store your scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the scones for up to 1 week. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked scones before glazing. After cutting the dough into wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Glazed scones can also be frozen, but the glaze may soften once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat scones, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help refresh the texture, making them taste as if they were freshly baked.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
If you need to accommodate specific dietary needs, here are some simple substitutions for your Glazed Orange Scone:
1. Dairy-Free Version
To make dairy-free scones, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter (like coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative) and use almond milk or oat milk in place of buttermilk. Use a dairy-free whipped topping or glaze for the orange topping.
2. Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help the scones hold together. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flour absorbs moisture differently.
3. Sugar-Free Version
If you’re avoiding sugar, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia, Erythritol, or Monk Fruit sweetener. For the glaze, use powdered erythritol or another sugar substitute that works well in glaze recipes.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I make these scones without the glaze?
Yes, you can make the Glazed Orange Scones without the glaze if you prefer a less sweet treat. These scones are still delicious on their own, with the orange zest adding plenty of flavor.
2. Can I add other fruits to the scone dough?
Absolutely! You can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or currants to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
3. How can I make the scones more orange-flavored?
To intensify the orange flavor, you can add extra orange zest to the dough or even a tablespoon of orange juice to the mixture. A bit of orange extract would also enhance the flavor.
4. Can I use a different type of citrus?
If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest. The glaze can also be made with lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Glazed Orange Scones are the perfect combination of tender, flaky texture and refreshing citrus flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a delightful snack, these scones are sure to impress. With their easy-to-follow recipe and customizable options, you’ll be making them regularly for any occasion. The zesty glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, making every bite a joy.