Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These citrus scones are the ideal balance of buttery, crumbly texture and vibrant citrus flavor. The addition of orange or lemon zest gives them a refreshing citrus kick, while the slight sweetness and light glaze make them irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these scones will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, and you can even experiment with different citrus fruits to match your preferences!
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream for a vegan option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (or lemon, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger or dried fruit (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and citrus juice. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If you’re using candied ginger or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While the scones are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, citrus juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the scones: Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the scones while they are still slightly warm.
- Serve: Serve the citrus scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 scones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Scones: Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon zest and lemon juice for a tangy lemon version of these scones.
- Berry Citrus Scones: Add fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a burst of berry flavor in each bite.
- Vegan Citrus Scones: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a dairy-free version.
- Chocolate Chip Citrus Scones: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to add a touch of chocolate flavor to your scones.
- Herb-Infused Scones: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the dough for an herbal twist that complements the citrus.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Scones freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the scones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
1. Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough ahead of time, shape it into wedges, and freeze them. Bake them directly from the freezer for about 25-30 minutes.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the liquid content.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the glaze adds extra sweetness and a nice finish, but the scones are delicious without it. You can also enjoy them with jam, butter, or clotted cream.
4. Can I add other fruits to these scones?
Yes, feel free to add fresh or dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or even diced apples to the dough. Just make sure to fold them in gently.
5. How do I prevent my scones from being too dry?
Be careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense, dry scones. Also, make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough gently.
6. Can I use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar for regular sugar. It will give the scones a slightly different flavor and color, but they will still be delicious.
7. Can I make these scones without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use a chia egg for a vegan version.
8. How do I make my scones flakier?
To make flakier scones, ensure your butter is very cold when you mix it into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork helps incorporate the butter into the flour, creating small pockets that make the scones flakier.
9. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped scone dough before baking. Just place the scone wedges on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen for an additional 5-10 minutes.
10. Can I add a different citrus to these scones?
Yes, you can use lime or grapefruit for a different citrus flavor. Just be sure to adjust the zest and juice quantities to your taste.
Conclusion
My Sister’s Citrus Scones are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that perfectly combines buttery richness with the bright, refreshing taste of citrus. These scones are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. With their tender texture, sweet glaze, and vibrant citrus flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection!
PrintMy Sister’s Citrus Scones
My Sister’s Citrus Scones are light, flaky, and fragrant, combining the brightness of citrus with the richness of butter. These delightful treats are perfect for brunch, tea parties, or a simple snack with coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Baking, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream for a vegan option)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange (or lemon, depending on your preference)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger or dried fruit (optional)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and citrus juice. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If you’re using candied ginger or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While the scones are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, citrus juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the scones: Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the scones while they are still slightly warm.
- Serve: Serve the citrus scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Scones freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the scones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
