Sweet and soft bakery-style orange scones topped with a fresh orange glaze. A copycat Panera recipe that’s super easy to make. These are the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch!
Scones are a family favorite! There’s just something about these bakery style scones, this recipe for blueberry scones and pumpkin scones.
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Panera Orange Scone Recipe
These orange scones are a variation of my best scones recipe infused with the citrusy flavor of oranges. Made with a combination of both orange zest and juice they have a refreshing sweet and tangy taste and are the perfect way to brighten the day. During the spring and summer I love to enjoy this breakfast treat with a cup of tea!
This orange scone recipe has the perfect texture that tastes like a cross between a biscuit and cake. The bright orange flavor gives them a heavenly fresh taste and the orange glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. They remind me of the famous orange scones from Panera.
Tips for the Best Orange Scones
- Cold butter. Similar to when making homemade biscuits, the butter should be COLD. I usually freeze mine for about 30 minutes before making the dough. It helps give the scones their famous soft, thick and crumbly texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix the ingredients until they just barely come together. It should still look a little lumpy (and not completely smooth).
- Chill the dough. After mixing together, place the dough in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to work with when rolling it out.
- Pizza cutter. This nifty gadget isn’t just for slicing my homemade pizza dough. Use it to slice the dough into perfectly shaped triangular wedges. Feel free to dust it with a little flour for an extra clean cut.
- Glaze consistency. The glaze should be thick, yet pourable. If it’s too thick, add in a little more half and half to thin it out. Or mix in more powdered sugar to give it a thicker texture.
- Double the glaze. The recipe makes enough for a small drizzle on top of each scone. You can always double it if you prefer to use more for a sweeter taste.
Zesting an Orange
This recipe uses orange zest in the dough AND the glaze. It adds the perfect boost of fresh orange flavor and gives it a citrusy tang that tastes so delicious. Zesting an orange can sometimes seem intimidating, but it really is super easy! I definitely recommend using a zester because it makes the process super quick and easy. Below is some helpful information to get you started!
- How to zest an orange with a zester? If you have zester or are thinking about buying one, check out this helpful tutorial. It applies to zesting all citrus fruits, like lemons and limes as well.
- How do you zest an orange without a zester? No zester? No problem! Use a kitchen knife or vegetable peeler instead!
- How much is the zest of one orange? When zesting a whole orange, you should end up with somewhere between 2 to 3 Tablespoons of zest. You’ll need the zest of one whole orange for this recipe, but remember to set aside 1 teaspoon of zest for the glaze!
Variations
- Smaller scones. For a smaller size, cut the triangular wedges of dough in half again to make 16 mini scones.
- Glaze. A cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing also tastes delicious and really compliments the fresh orange flavor.
- Oranges. Feel free to experiment with different types of oranges! Cara cara, blood oranges or sumo oranges would all taste delicious.
- Bold flavor. If you’re a big fan of citrus, you can always mix more zest into the dough or glaze for an extra oomph of flavor.
- Orange butter. Instead of glaze, serve with a delicious and sweet orange butter to spread on top.
Storing and Freezing
These scones will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container or bag for about 1 to 2 days. They also hold up great in the freezer. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then add to a freezer bag or container. Store in freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw before enjoying.
FAQs
Other than the orange glaze, you could try lemon curd or your favorite preserves like cherry or even strawberry jam!
Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 300°F. They will be warm and delicious!
While that is a great way to cut in the butter easily, you do not need one. I like to use a simple pastry cutter or just two forks. I would avoid using your hands as that will warm the butter and cold butter is best for scones.
Sure! Just dip the edge in the glaze instead of spooning on the glaze and enjoy.
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Orange Scones
Ingredients
Scone:
- ¾ cup half and half , cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk , whisked
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 Tablespoons granulated sugar , divided
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- Zest from 1 orange , reserve 1 teaspoon for glaze
Glaze:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice , can use more if needed
- 1 Tablespoon half and half
Instructions
For the scones:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half, vanilla, egg yolk, orange juice and zest. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and orange zest. Using a pastry cutter or 2 forks, cut in the butter until the flour mixture resembles course crumbs. Slowly stir in the half and half mixture and stir just until combined.
- Press the dough in between two pieces of saran wrap and then place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill.
- Dust the counter with flour and then roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 Tablespoon sugar. Then cut the circle into 8 wedges using a pizza cutter. If you’d like smaller scones, cut the triangles in half.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Then place on a cooling rack to cool.
For the glaze:
- Melt the butter in a small bowl. Slowly stir in the powdered sugar, orange juice and half and half. Add another Tablespoon of orange juice if needed. The glaze should be thick, yet pourable.
- Drizzle on top of cooled scones.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
ENJOY! :)
This is so delicious! I made this for my family and they LOVED it. The orange glaze on top is such a perfect touch. Thanks for sharing!
I have this same recipe. I got it out of an Irish Scone CookBook about 22 years ago. It is the best scone recipe that I have ever made. I do make the smaller scones and serve them at church or give them as a treat to neighbors.
I love treating myself to scones for breakfast, I bet these scones have the best flavor!
These were delicious and a hit with my family!
I’ve been eating these for three days in a row with my morning coffee. SO GOOD.
Made these for breakfast this morning and started my day off right! Paired perfectly with my morning cup of coffee too; delicious!
This orange scone recipe was delicious! I will definitely make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for your comment and review. :)
Such a delicious recipe! Thank you!
I made these last weekend and they turned out great! Unfortunately, my boys loved them so much I only got a couple before they were gobbled up lol. I did make one adjustment – doubling the glaze (you weren’t kidding about how yummy it is). Next time I make these babies I’m hiding some!
Two questions; the first 2 Tbs of orange juice aren’t mentioned in the recipe, I’m assuming it goes into the actual scones with the other liquids, and what temperature do you bake these at? I guessed at 350.
Correct and correct! And I updated the post, thanks Angie!
Help! This doesn’t say what temp to bake at!
Hi Becky, you bake at 350 – and I updated the post, thank you!
Mmm! I can almost smell the oranges through your pictures. :D I know I’d love these for Mother’s Day (or any day)!
oo I love the icing! I’m a sucker for anything with orange in it!
I love orange in baked goods and these would be lovely to make on Mother’s Day.
I need to get on the scones bandwagon! These in particular look soooo good and my daughter would be all over them!
I loooove fresh orange in baked goods and these scones look awesome!
I’m with you the glaze is the best part! But the orange sounds so fresh and yummy too! I know my family would devour these.
These look and sound lovely