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Orange Vanilla Bean Scones

Soft, buttery scones infused with fresh orange zest and real vanilla bean, finished with a bright citrus glaze. Lightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these bakery style scones strike the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and cozy. Perfect for brunch, coffee, or a slow morning treat.
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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blood orange scones, easy orange scones, easy scones, homemade scones, orange scones, soft scones, vanilla bean scones
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 scones

Ingredients

Scones

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter frozen and grated
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream cold
  • 1 large egg cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Orange Glaze (Thick, Holds Shape)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest optional for extra flavor

Instructions

Scones

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
  • Grate frozen butter using a box grater and add it to the flour mixture.
  • Gently toss with your hands, or a pastry cutter, until butter is evenly distributed and mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
  • Mix gently with a fork or spatula until dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Gently press dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
  • Fold dough into thirds like a letter. Press down. Repeat once more.
  • Pat dough into a 7–8 inch circle about 1 inch thick.
  • Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
  • Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes, or freezer for 20 minutes.. This helps maintain shape and enhances flakiness.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake chilled scones for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
  • Allow scones to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Orange Glaze (optional)

  • In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon orange juice.
  • Add more juice, a few drops at a time, until glaze is thick but spreadable. It should hold its shape when drizzled.
  • Stir in optional orange zest.
  • Spoon or drizzle glaze over slightly cooled scones.
  • Allow glaze to set before serving.