healthy Orange Scones
healthy Orange Scones
These healthy orange scones are made with fresh orange juice and zest, light flour, and a touch of yogurt for a moist texture without excess fat. They’re easy to make and pair beautifully with tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Healthy Breakfasts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar or light brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tbsp maple syrup for added sweetness
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, orange juice, zest, vanilla, and optional maple syrup.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently fold until dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Shape dough into a circle (about 1 inch thick) on a floured surface. Cut into 8 wedges.
Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack. Serve as is or drizzle with a light orange glaze.
Notes
Substitute white whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
Add chopped cranberries or dark chocolate chips for variation.
A simple glaze of powdered sugar + orange juice can be drizzled on top (optional).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 185kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Why You’ll Fall for These Orange Scones
- The Simple Ingredients You Actually Need
- Step-By-Step: Bringing Orange Scones to Life
- Serving Suggestions To Level Up
- Common Questions
- Go On, Make Your Mornings Way Less Boring
Orange Scones are kinda magical when you want something quick for breakfast, but also wanna trick your brain into thinking you’re at a five-star restaurant. Ever drag yourself outta bed and just want a treat to make the day less… meh? Yep, been there. I actually started making these because regular scones got way too boring and, okay, my neighbor wouldn’t stop bragging about her “famous” lemon version. Orange scones hit different. Seriously, that citrusy thing going on is just—wow. If you’re tired of sad donuts or cold cereal, let’s get you sorted out right here.
Why You’ll Fall for These Orange Scones
Listen, nobody wants a dry, crumbly brick on the plate. The whole idea is to get a scone that’s bright and soft on the inside, with just a hint of gold crunch outside. These orange scones are super easy, too. I’m not just saying that—real talk, my thirteen-year-old cousin bakes them without setting off the smoke alarm.
You don’t need a mixer. You don’t even need fancy tools. Mixing with your hands is cool (honestly, it’s kinda therapeutic). The burst of orange makes the kitchen smell like living inside a fruit basket. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chocolate chips, but don’t tell the purists.
Go wild with the zest. I always say, “More zest, more best!” There’s science somewhere about citrus making you happy—I say just trust the process.
The Simple Ingredients You Actually Need
Here’s the best part: most of this stuff’s already hanging out in your kitchen right now. Really.
You’ll need:
- All-purpose flour—yep, nothing fancy
- Cold butter (don’t you dare soften it)
- White sugar and a little pinch of salt (don’t skip this)
- A juicy orange (zest and juice both, please)
- Milk or cream (either’s fine—don’t overthink)
- Baking powder for the puff
- Maybe an egg, if you’re feelin’ extra
Mix this all up and try not to eat the dough raw. Old habits die hard.
Step-By-Step: Bringing Orange Scones to Life
First thing, crank up your oven. You want it hot—about 400°F. While it’s preheating, grab a big bowl. Dump in your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Now toss those cold, cubed butter pieces in. Cut them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter, and don’t stress if a few chunks are bigger.
Grate in all that lovely orange zest (seriously, let’s not be stingy). Pour in juice and milk (I splash both instead of measuring). If you’re using an egg, whisk and add now. Stir until just combined. Don’t you dare overmix. Plop dough on a floured counter, pat into a messy round disk (about an inch thick), and slice it like a pizza. The rougher the cut, the more rustic and bakery-looking.
Set on a sheet lined with parchment. Brush tops with more milk (makes ’em golden). Bake 13-15 minutes till just lightly brown. Let cool for a hot second before eating so you don’t burn your tongue (again… it happens, trust me).
Serving Suggestions To Level Up
- Top with orange glaze or drizzle with melted chocolate if feeling snazzy.
- Serve warm with real butter—never margarine, come on now.
- Toss leftovers in the toaster next morning for a crispy redo.
- Pair with strong coffee or black tea to cut the sweetness.
Common Questions
Can I make orange scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! I usually bake extra and freeze a few. Just let ’em cool first, then wrap tight. Reheat in oven for a just-baked feel.
What if I only have mandarins or clementines?
No problem. Go for it. The flavor will be a titch sweeter, but honestly, you might like that better.
How do I stop them from being too dry?
Don’t overmix the dough and make sure your butter is cold. A little drizzle of extra cream on top before baking never hurts.
Do I need a glaze?
Nope! I’m team “depends on my mood.” Sometimes a broken scone and a pat of butter is all you need. But a simple orange-powdered sugar glaze makes them café-level.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Eh. Sure, if you’re in a pinch. But fresh is way, way better. You’ll notice the zing.
I’ve tried probably fifteen recipes, but this one? Perfection. My husband asked if I bought them from that expensive bakery down the street. Nope, just my own two hands! – Dani M., Vermont
Go On, Make Your Mornings Way Less Boring
If you love easy bakes or just wanna show off something different, orange scones are the way to go. The recipe’s fast, foolproof, and flexible for when you need a break from the same old thing.
Next time your kitchen feels boring, grab a couple oranges and go for it. You might like these even more than supermarket bakery scones. Want more citrusy treats? Check out these orange baking recipes from King Arthur Baking.
Seriously, no more wimpy breakfasts—let’s bake some sunshine!
