Buttery, Citrusy & Perfectly Sweet – A Breakfast Treat That Shines
These Orange Raisin Scones are golden, flaky, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. With tender orange zest, sweet raisins, and a hint of tang from buttermilk—they’re the perfect handheld treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
Lightly crisp on the outside, soft and buttery inside—these scones are made with love and baked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍊 Citrus Zest Magic: Fresh orange zest gives bold, natural flavor without artificial additives.
- 🍊 Orange Juice Boost: Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 🍇 Raisin Richness: Natural sweetness and chewy texture in every bite.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From bowl to oven in under 30 minutes—no mixer needed!
- 🧈 Buttery Crumb: Cold butter creates a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ❄️ Great for Sharing: Ideal at family breakfasts, potlucks, or as a gift for friends.
Ingredients (Makes 8 scones):
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (adjust for sweeter scones)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for rise and lift)
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter , cubed (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- ½ cup raisins (or dried cranberries for tart contrast)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (or 2–3 tbsp store-bought, unsweetened)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges – fresh is best!)
Optional Orange Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat —set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
This ensures even rise and flavor distribution.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs —this gives the scones their signature flakiness.
Step 4: Stir in Raisins
Fold in raisins so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Set aside while preparing the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix:
- Orange juice
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Orange zest
Stir until fully combined.
Step 6: Bring the Dough Together
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—it can lead to tough scones. Just stir until no dry flour remains.
Step 7: Shape & Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 equal wedges .
Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes , or until the scones are golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
Let cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Add the Orange Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk:
- Powdered sugar
- Orange juice
- Zest
until smooth and drizzle-ready.
Brush or drizzle over warm scones for a sweet, citrus finish.
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Keep Butter Cold: Ensures flaky layers—don’t let it soften before mixing.
- 🥣 Use Fresh Zest: Bottled zest doesn’t compare—fresh is always best.
- 🍊 Orange Juice Hack: If you don’t have fresh oranges, use unsweetened store-bought juice.
- 🍞 Make Ahead Magic: Freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from freezer with 2–3 extra minutes.
- 🧁 Glaze Option: Optional but highly recommended for extra citrus pop.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with a mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Great alongside Greek yogurt or fruit salad for a full brunch.
- Ideal for breakfast baskets, gift bags, or weekend mornings.
Nutritional Information (per scone, makes 8 – approximate):
(Without glaze – regular ingredients used)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~10g
These Orange Raisin Scones prove that scones can be soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor. With their citrusy brightness, chewy raisins, and buttery crumb—they’re a must-bake for lovers of morning pastries and homemade baked goods.
