Bright & Buttery Citrus Scones: An Easy Recipe for a Perfect Morning

There’s something magical about the smell of baking on a weekend morning. It’s that cozy, comforting aroma that promises a slow start and a delicious treat. For years, I thought making scones from scratch was fussy and complicated. But then I landed on this recipe for Citrus Scones, and it completely changed my mind. They are unbelievably tender, bursting with bright citrus flavor, and have the most incredible flaky layers. These scones taste like pure sunshine. They have a delicate, buttery crumb brightened with fresh orange and lemon zest, all topped with a sweet, tangy glaze. Trust me, once you realize how simple they are, you’ll be looking for any excuse to bake a batch. Let’s get started!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 20M
• Cooking Time: 15M
• Total Time: 35M
• Type of dish: Pastry, Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 8 scones
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per scone

The Secret to Perfectly Flaky Scones

Before we jump in, let’s talk about the one thing that separates a good scone from a great one: texture. The goal is light and flaky, not dense and heavy. The secret? Cold fat. When you work very cold, solid butter into the flour, it creates little pockets of fat throughout the dough. When the scones hit the hot oven, that butter melts and releases steam. This steam pushes the layers of dough apart, creating those beautiful, tender, flaky scones we all love. This is why we’ll be using frozen, grated butter. It’s my go-to trick for making this process foolproof!

Gathering Your Ingredients

A great recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already.

For the Citrus Scones:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our scones. 2 cups (250g).
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough for a gentle sweetness. 41​ cup (50g).
• Baking Powder: This is our primary leavening agent, giving the scones their lift. 1 tablespoon.
• Salt: A pinch is essential to balance the flavors. 21​ teaspoon.
• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s very cold, preferably frozen. 21​ cup (113g), or one stick.
• Fresh Citrus Zest: This is where the magic happens! I use the zest of 1 large orange and 1 lemon.
• Heavy Cream or Buttermilk: This adds richness and moisture. I prefer buttermilk for its tang, but heavy cream works wonderfully too. 43​ cup (180mL), plus a little extra for brushing.

For the Simple Orange Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Sifted to ensure a smooth glaze. 1 cup (120g).
• Fresh Orange Juice: Provides that zesty kick. 2−3 tablespoons.

A Quick Note from My Kitchen:

Don’t be tempted to use bottled juice or dried zest. The vibrant flavor of these Citrus Scones comes from using fresh, bright fruit. It makes all the difference!

Essential Tools You’ll Need
Large Mixing Bowl
Box Grater
Pastry Blender or Your Fingertips
Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet
Bench Scraper or Sharp Knife
Pastry Brush

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Citrus Scones

Ready? This process is quick and rewarding. Remember, the key is to work quickly and keep your ingredients cold.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

• First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the orange and lemon zest and whisk again. This helps release the citrus oils into the flour, making your scones extra fragrant.

Step 2: Cut in the Cold Butter

Take your frozen stick of butter and grate it directly into the flour mixture using the large holes of a box grater. Gently toss the butter shreds with the flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Work quickly so the butter stays cold!

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Form the Dough

Make a well in the center of your flour mixture. Pour in the cold heavy cream or buttermilk all at once. Use a fork to gently mix until a shaggy dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix! A few dry spots are perfectly okay. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your scones tough.

Step 4: Shape and Cut

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just 2-3 times to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a 7 to 8-inch circle that’s about 43​-inch thick.
• Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

• Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Lightly brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Zesty Orange Glaze for Scones

• While the scones are cooling, whip up the simple but delicious glaze.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. If the glaze is too thick, add more juice, a half-teaspoon at a time, until it’s a pourable consistency.
• Once the scones are completely cool (this is important, or the glaze will melt right off!), drizzle the orange glaze for scones over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

A Perfect Treat for Any Time

These Citrus Scones have become a staple in my home. They are my go-to for a special weekend breakfast, an afternoon treat with a cup of tea, or something to bring to a friend. They’re simple, elegant, and taste like they came from a fancy bakery. I hope you and your family love them as much as we do. Happy baking!

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