Scones are one of my favorite baked goods. They’re so easy to make, even if you’re a terrible baker like I am. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack, and they’re perfect with a cup of tea. Scones come in tons of flavors, but these raspberry orange scones are simply divine!
Scones are a baked good dating back to the 16th century! They’re a bit similar in texture to an American biscuit actually. Scones use baking powder as a leavening agent in place of yeast, which cuts down on time because there’s no proofing and waiting for a rise.
While historically scones were fairly plain, containing just grains or oats, over the years the addition of fruits, nuts, and flavorings became much more commonplace. Nowadays, the sky’s the limit when it comes to options.
These raspberry orange scones are a perfect balance of sweet and tart. For a sweeter variety, check out my easy Air Fryer Blueberry Scones, or my savory recipe for Bacon Cheddar Scones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This raspberry orange scone recipe is absolutely delicious, and perfect for beginner bakers. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of experience, which I love.
You can make these scones either in the air fryer or the oven. I personally prefer the air fryer, as it preheats faster, and cuts the cooking time down by at least 5 minutes. However, if you don’t have an air fryer, the oven is still a great option to enjoy these tasty treats.
I also love how flexible this recipe is. It’s easily adaptable for different ingredients to meet dietary needs, and you can swap flavors around for variety as well.
At under 30 minutes in total, including prep and cook time, these scones are convenient enough even for busy days. They also keep well, so you can make a batch and grab and go all week!
¾ cup fresh or frozen raspberries (about 6 ounces)
For the Topping (Optional):
1 Tbsp milk or cream
1 Tbsp demerara sugar (or another coarse grain sugar)
For the Orange Glaze:
1 Cup powdered confectioner’s sugar
2 ½ Tbsp fresh orange juice
Additional orange zest if desired (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can swap the sour cream for an equal amount of milk, almond milk, buttermilk, cream, or Greek yogurt (use orange or raspberry flavor)
The granulated sugar can be replaced by a natural sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave
There is no need to defrost the raspberries ahead of time if you use frozen
Feel free to swap the orange zest and juice for other citrus, like lemon or lime, for a different flavor combination!
Variations for Raspberry Orange Scones
Whole Wheat. You may swap the all purpose flour in the recipe for whole wheat flour. This will result in a denser scone overall, but is a healthier alternative
Gluten Free. Swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free flour. The best choices for this recipe are almond, hazelnut, macadamia, walnut, or pecan flours
Vegan. To make these scones vegan, use almond milk (or similar) in place of sour cream, vegan butter, and a vegan egg substitute such as Just Egg
How to Make Raspberry Orange Scones (Air Fryer or Oven)
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
Cut the butter into cubes, then mix into the dry ingredients by hand until coarse crumbs form (the heat from your hands helps this process)
Add the egg and sour cream, stirring to thoroughly combine (it should still look crumbly and not like a traditional dough)
Fold in the orange zest and raspberries
Flour your work surface and then pop the dough out on it. Pat it together into a flat circle about 1” thick (it doesn’t need to be entirely precise)
(Optional) Brush the top of the dough with 1 Tbsp milk or cream. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp demerara sugar over the top of it, pressing down slightly so it sticks
Cut the dough into 8 even pie-shaped wedges using a sharp knife
Air Fryer Instructions
Place the scones into your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing some air space between them for expansion (use parchment or nonstick foil for easy cleanup)
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, or until scones are golden brown (you do not need to preheat your air fryer, but cooking times may vary by 1-2 minutes based on your specific appliance)
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F
Place scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or coated in nonstick spray) about 1” apart
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown on the edges
Finishing Instructions
While scones are baking, combine powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl for the glaze
Remove the scones from the air fryer or oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes
Drizzle glaze over top of scones and serve
What to Serve With Raspberry Orange Scones
Whipped cream
Clotted cream
Honey
Butter
Chocolate sauce
Raspberry jam
Orange marmalade
Fresh fruit
Coffee
Tea
Orangeade
Raspberry lemonade
Raspberry cocktails
Orange cocktails
There are lots of great toppings and drinks to pair with your scones. They’re also great as part of a brunch spread, alongside any other breakfast or lunch items, sweet or savory, that you like.
To keep scones moist, avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make scones tougher. Gently mix just until incorporated.
You may also brush the scones with milk, cream, egg wash, or melted butter before baking to help keep moisture in. Make sure to let the scones cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
Can You Use Frozen Raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well in scones. You do not need to thaw them ahead of time, either.
You should, however, break up any frozen clumps before adding them to your dough so that they are more evenly distributed.
What Can I Substitute For Buttermilk?
Instead of buttermilk, you can use regular milk, nut milk, plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of milk with lemon juice or white vinegar.
This recipe uses sour cream instead of buttermilk to begin with, but you can use any of these options interchangeably depending on preference and what you have on hand.
How Do You Shape and Cut Scones?
Shape dough into a round disc, pat into a circle about 1 inch thick, then cut into wedges like a pizza using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Use wax paper on your work surface to keep things clean during the patting and cutting process.
How Do You Make Scones Fluffy?
To make scones fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough, keep your ingredients cold, use a light hand when shaping, and don’t knead the dough excessively.
It’s also important to have the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients, as that helps to prevent overmixing.
Should You Knead Scone Dough?
You should not knead scone dough like bread, as that will cause it to overmix and be tough. Just gently mix and shape.
It’s fine to do some light kneading if needed to bring the dough together, but don’t repeatedly do so.
Can You Make Scones Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can shape unbaked scones, freeze them, and bake still frozen at a later time.
Unbaked scones keep in the freezer for about one month.
How Long Do Scones Last?
Baked scones will last 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. You may also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Unbaked scones can be frozen for 3-4 weeks.
What Do You Serve With Scones?
Popular accompaniments for scones are clotted cream, lemon curd, jam, honey, butter, or fruit compotes.
They also pair well with most breakfast and brunch options, as well as a variety of fruit or hot beverages.
Do Scones Freeze Well?
Yes, scones freeze well. You may freeze them in either a baked or unbaked state. Baked keep about 3 months, whereas unbaked keep for about 1 month frozen.
Thaw before serving baked scones, or use the air fryer to heat them up quickly.
Recipe Pro Tips
Use wax paper to cover your work surface for easy cleanup after cutting the dough and drizzling the glaze
If you aren’t familiar with zesting citrus, use a small zesteror microplaneto pull across the surface of your washed fruit. Stop before you get to the pith (the white underneath) or your zest will be bitter
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store raspberry orange scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. You may also freeze them for up to 3 months for long term storage!
Reheat scones in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (add 2 minutes if reheating from frozen), or microwave for 30-40 seconds
Raspberry orange scones are a deliciously sweet and tangy baked treat that are wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want something special.
With just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a batch of tender, flaky scones easily at home. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to prep and bake, so they’re suitable even for the busiest schedules.
They’re perfect for grab and go breakfasts, and can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or warmed. I like to pair mine with some jam for breakfast, but you can find your own favorite pairing!
1Tbspfresh orange zest(from 1-2 navel oranges, depending on size)
¾Cupfresh or frozen raspberries(about 6 ounces)
For the Sugar Topping (Optional)
1Tbspmilk or cream
1Tbspdemerara sugar(or similar coarse grain variety)
For the Orange Glaze
1Cuppowdered confectioner's sugar
2 ½Tbspfresh orange juice
Additional orange zest if desired(optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
2 Cups all purpose flour, ¼ Cup granulated sugar, 2 Tsp baking powder, ½ Tsp salt
Cut the butter into cubes, then mix into the dry ingredients by hand until coarse crumbs form (the heat from your hands helps this process)
6 Tbsp salted butter
Add the egg and sour cream, stirring to thoroughly combine (it should still look crumbly and not like a traditional dough)
1 Large egg, ½ Cup sour cream
Fold in the orange zest and raspberries
1 Tbsp fresh orange zest, ¾ Cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Flour your work surface and then turn the dough out on it. Pat it together into a flat circle about 1” thick (it doesn’t need to be entirely precise)
(Optional) Brush the top of the dough with 1 Tbsp milk or cream. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp demerara sugar over the top of it, pressing down slightly so it sticks
1 Tbsp milk or cream, 1 Tbsp demerara sugar
Cut the dough into 8 even pie-shaped wedges using a sharp knife
Air Fryer Instructions
Place the scones into your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing some air space between them for expansion (use parchment or nonstick foil for easy cleanup)
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, or until scones are golden brown (you do not need to preheat your air fryer, but cooking times may vary by 1-2 minutes based on your specific appliance)
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F
Place scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or coated in nonstick spray) about 1” apart
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown on the edges
Finishing Instructions
While scones are baking, combine powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl for the glaze
1 Cup powdered confectioner's sugar, 2 ½ Tbsp fresh orange juice, Additional orange zest if desired
Remove the scones from the air fryer or oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes
Drizzle glaze over top of scones and serve
Notes
You can swap the sour cream for an equal amount of milk, almond milk, buttermilk, cream, or Greek yogurt (use orange or raspberry flavor)
The granulated sugar can be replaced by a natural sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave
There is no need to defrost the raspberries ahead of time if you use frozen
Feel free to swap the orange zest and juice for other citrus, like lemon or lime, for a different flavor combination!
Use wax paper to cover your work surface for easy cleanup after cutting the dough and drizzling the glaze
If you aren’t familiar with zesting citrus, use a small zester or microplane to pull across the surface of your washed fruit. Stop before you get to the pith (the white underneath) or your zest will be bitter
Store raspberry orange scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. You may also freeze them for up to 3 months for long term storage!
Reheat scones in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (add 2 minutes if reheating from frozen), or microwave for 30-40 seconds
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and I’m sure you’re having a fun plan to celebrate this day with your mom and family 🎉♥️ If you’re planning to make a breakfast in bed for lovely mom, I have an idea for you 👌🏼🤩 These raspberry Orange Scones are super easy to make and they come together in half an hour and are absolutely delicious ☺️ Get the recipe from my blog 🔗link in my bio 🔗 https://dreamcaketrue.com/2023/05/13/raspberry-orange-scones/ #sconerecipe#sconesrecipe#mothersday#mothersdaybreakfast#breakfastideas#raspberryscones
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
