Copycat Panera Bread Glazed Orange Scone Recipe (2024)

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this bakery-made treat right from the comfort of your kitchen with the help of thisCopycatPanera BreadGlazed Orange SconeRecipe.

These scones are bursting with zesty citrus notes and have a tender crumb. Whether you're a seasoned baker or making scones for thefirst time, our step-by-step guide will show you how to recreate the magic ofPanera's orange scones.

Thiseasy orange scone recipeis complete with a luscious glaze featuring abright orange flavor, provided byorange extract, and orange zest and juice, that adds the perfect finishing touch. Prepare to be the most popular house in town for a breakfast meet-up or coffee break with these homemade flaky scones.

If this recipe leaves you wanting more of Panera's menu, we have a few more copycat recipes for you. Try ourPumpkin Muffin Recipeor ourCopycat Kitchen Sink Cookie.

Flaky Sconevs.Crumbly Scone- What's the difference?

So, what are the secrets to making these copycatflaky orange scones? The major differences between a flaky and crumbly scone are in the overall texture of the scone, the method used to incorporate the butter, and the technique used once the dough comes together.

Flaky scones have a layered and tender texture with distinct, well-defined layers that separate when you break the scone apart. These layers contribute to a light and airy texture. As in our recipe for Panera Orange Scones, we achieve this flakiness by grating thecold butterinto thedry ingredients. The dough is worked gently. As the scone bakes, thesmall piecesof butter create steam pockets, causing the layers to separate and create a flaky texture.

Crumbly scones have a more delicate and crumbly texture. The butter is often cut into theflour mixturemore thoroughly to make crumbly scones, resulting incoarse crumbs. This creates a finer, more uniform texture throughout the scone instead of flaky layers. When mixing the dough for crumbly scones, you may work the dough slightly more than with flaky scones, but you still want to avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quality Ingredients and Customization- When you make something in your kitchen, you can control what goes into your baked goods. You can use that flour that never fails and thatorange extractyou love. You can also choose healthier options like whole wheat or gluten-free flour, a reduction in sugar, or a dairy-free option that works for you.
• Personal Touch -Baking at home allows you to add your personal touch and creativity to the scones. You can experiment with shapes, sizes, and even glazes to make the scones uniquely yours. They are a great little treat to share with neighbors or friends. Sharing baked goods can spread joy and showcase your baking talents. Plus, baking at home makes a cozy and inviting space. So inviting a guest over for coffee is a no-brainer.
• Cost-savings and Freshness- Making scones at home can be more cost-effective than buying them at a café. You'll likely end up with a batch ofperfect sconesfor a fraction of the price you'd pay at a bakery. You can make exactly the amount you need, reducing food waste and ensuring that you consume the scones while they are at their best.

Equipment

• Whisk
• Grater
• Zester
• Sharp knifeor pizza cutter
• Parchment Paperor Silpat
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Baking Sheet

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Unsalted Butter
• Full-Fat Sour Cream
• Milk
• Orange Extract
• Powdered Sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Fresh orange zest

*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Substitutions

• Whole-wheat flour:You can swap out the all-purpose flourfor whole-wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in slightly denser scones.
• Salted butter:If you only have salted butter on hand, use it and omit the additional teaspoon of kosher salt in the recipe.
• Full-Fat Greek Yogurt:Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream in baking. It provides a tangy flavor and similar moisture content.

Variations

Because our goal was to create an authentic copycat recipe, the following variations are suggestions for adding different flavors to our recipe.

• Cranberry Orange Scones:Add dried cranberries to the scone dough for a burst of tartness and festive color that complements the orange flavor beautifully.
• Chocolate Orange Scones:Incorporate mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate to create a delectable chocolate-orange combination that's both indulgent and satisfying.
• Almond Orange Scones:Fold toasted sliced almonds into the dough for a nutty crunch that pairs well with the citrusy orange notes.
• Cardamom Orange Scones:Add a pinch of ground cardamom to thedry ingredientsto infuse the scones with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the orange zest.
• Coconut Orange Scones:Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist that adds flavor and texture.
• Ginger Orange Scones:Mix in finely chopped crystallized ginger for warmth and a hint of spice that pairs well with the orange flavor.
• Cream Cheese Glaze:Instead of the orange glaze, try a cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese withpowdered sugarand a splash of vanilla extract for a rich and creamy topping.

Instructions

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375℉ degrees. Line a large baking sheet withparchment paperand set aside.

Step 2.Whisk flour, sugar,baking powder, and salt together in alarge bowl.

Step 3.Grate butterinto theflour mixtureusing abox graterwith large holes. Toss the butter and flour gently with your hands to coat the flour with the butter. Set aside.

Step 4. Mix the sour cream, milk, andorange extractin asmall bowluntil blended.

Step 5. Add thesour cream mixtureto the flour/butter mixture and gently bring it together with a spatula or large spoon. Don't overwork the dough.

Step 6. Place it on alightly floured surface. Knead andform doughinto a 6 or 7” circle, about 1¼“-1 ½” thick. No need to knead more than 2 or 3 times. Cut the dough disc in half and then cut each half into three triangles. You will have six triangles in total.

Step 7. Placeunbaked sconeson the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8.Bake sconesfor 12-14 minutes until they are lightgolden brown. Cool the scones on a wire rack.

Step 9. While the scones are cooling, make the glaze. Mix thepowdered sugar, orange zest, andorange extractin amedium bowl. Add the orange juice, a little at a time, until desired consistency. You may need morepowdered sugarand juice (or a little water or milk) to thin the glaze if it's too thick.

Step 10.Spoon glazeover thecooled scones. Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes.

Storage and Freezing

Store in anairtight containerin asingle layeratroom temperaturefor 2-3 days.

We recommend freezing the scones before glazing them. Wrap the orange scones individually withplastic wrap, place them in anairtight containerorfreezer bag, and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw thefrozen sconesatroom temperatureovernight, and then glaze them.

Pro Tip

When I zested and juiced a large orange for this recipe, I got about ½ Tablespoon of zest, and ¼ cup offresh orange juice. I added all the zest to the glaze. But I only added a portion of the juice (about half of the amount) until I got the consistency I wanted.

For scones that are a little smaller, you can cut alarge doughdisc into eight triangles. Thebaking timefor the smaller scones will need to be adjusted to 10-12 minutes.

If you make this Copycat Panera Bread Glazed Orange Scone Recipe, I'd love to hear about it. Please leave me a comment and give this recipe a star-rating.

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