Introduction

These Easy Homemade Mandarin Orange Scones are a delightful way to brighten your morning. They are sweet, citrusy, and wonderfully fluffy, with a tender crumb that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fresh and healthy side, try a Kale Caesar Salad With Crispy Chickpeas Recipe or a light Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad Recipe.

Ingredients

These scones are a burst of sweet, citrusy flavor with a tender, crumbly texture. Gather these simple ingredients to get started.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with ½ cup milk mixed with 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar)
• 3 Mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon mandarin orange zest (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze; juice from another mandarin is perfect)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Easy Mandarin Orange Scones Sweet and Citrusy about 25% faster than many similar scone recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Zest one large mandarin orange, then juice it to yield about ¼ cup of fresh juice. Keep the zest and juice separate for now. Measure out all your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—and whisk them together in a large bowl.

Tip: Using cold butter straight from the fridge is crucial for flaky scones. Cut it into small cubes before you begin.

Step 2 — Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

This step creates pockets of steam during baking, which is the secret to achieving those delightfully tender, flaky layers in your Easy Mandarin Orange Scones.

Step 3 — Combine Wet and Dry

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream, mandarin orange zest, and vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the cream mixture in. Gently stir with a fork just until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Avoid overmixing here; a few dry streaks are okay. Overworking the dough will lead to tough scones.

Step 4 — Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat and fold it a few times until it just comes together into a cohesive mass. Pat the dough into a 7-inch circle that is about 1-inch thick.

For uniform scones, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza.

Step 5 — Prepare for Baking

Carefully transfer the scone wedges to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops of each scone lightly with a little extra heavy cream. This will help them achieve a beautifully golden-brown crust.

For a sparkly finish, you can sprinkle the tops with coarse or sanding sugar before baking.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the scones on the center rack for 18-22 minutes, or until they are puffed, the tops are golden, and the edges look set. A toothpick inserted into the center of a scone should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning. The sweet and citrusy aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 7 — Make the Glaze & Serve

While the scones cool slightly on a wire rack, prepare the simple glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar and the reserved fresh mandarin orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm scones.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve your Easy Mandarin Orange Scones warm. They are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~38 g
Fat	~12 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~250 mg

Note: These values are estimates per scone, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary with specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These easy Mandarin orange scones are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor them to your dietary needs while keeping that sweet and citrusy flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour — For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a lower-carb option, try almond flour (use about 25% less liquid).
• Granulated Sugar — Swap for coconut sugar or a monk fruit sweetener blend to reduce refined sugar content without losing sweetness.
• Heavy Cream — Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich dairy-free alternative. For a protein boost, substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
• Butter — For dairy-free scones, use a high-quality vegan butter stick or refined coconut oil. For lower saturated fat, try a light olive oil (the texture will be slightly more cake-like).
• Mandarin Oranges (Canned) — Use fresh mandarin segments or dried orange powder for a more intense, lower-sugar citrus punch. Drained crushed pineapple can also work for a tropical twist.
• Egg — For an egg-free binder, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it gel for 5 minutes.
• Salt — Omit or drastically reduce for a low-sodium version; the citrus and sweetness will still provide plenty of flavor.
• Citrus Glaze — Make a lighter glaze with just mandarin orange juice and a touch of honey or powdered erythritol instead of confectioners’ sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These easy Mandarin orange scones, sweet and citrusy, are wonderfully versatile. Here are some delightful ways to serve them.

Perfect Pairings

• Enjoy them warm with a dollop of clotted cream or lemon curd for an extra citrus kick.
• Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea, ginger tea, or a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
• For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries, yogurt, and other pastries.

Ideal Occasions

• A bright addition to a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast like Christmas or Mother’s Day.
• Package them in a cute box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• They make a lovely afternoon snack with tea or a quick, satisfying breakfast on the go.

Plating & Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, dust the scones with powdered sugar just before serving. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a simple white plate, and garnish with a few thin slices of fresh mandarin orange or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm butter or overworking the dough, which melts the fat and creates dense, tough scones. Fix: Keep all ingredients, especially butter and cream, ice-cold and mix just until the dough comes together.
• Mistake: Not draining the mandarin oranges thoroughly, adding excess liquid that throws off the dough’s hydration. Fix:
  Pat the segments very dry with paper towels before folding them in.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before baking, causing the scones to spread flat in the oven. Fix: Always chill the shaped scones for at least 15–20 minutes to solidify the butter.
• Mistake: Over-measuring flour by scooping directly from the bag, which leads to dry, crumbly scones. Fix: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate, light flour measurement.
• Mistake: Using only zest and no orange segments, missing the juicy bursts of citrus flavor. Fix: For truly sweet and citrusy scones, incorporate both fresh zest and well-drained mandarin pieces.
• Mistake: Baking on a dark sheet pan, which can cause the bottoms to burn before the centers are done. Fix: Use a light-colored baking sheet or line a dark one with parchment paper.
• Mistake: Neglecting to brush the tops with cream or an egg wash, resulting in a pale, dull finish. Fix: A quick brush of heavy cream before baking guarantees a beautifully golden, crisp top.
• Mistake: Cutting scones with a knife, which can seal the edges and inhibit a proper rise. Fix: Use a sharp, straight-edged biscuit cutter or bench scraper for clean cuts.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the tender crumb and mutes the bright citrus flavor. Fix: Bake just until the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to set as they cool.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Keep your Easy Mandarin Orange Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For best results, freeze the scones before baking. Portion the dough, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked scones in an airtight container for 1-2 months.
• Reheat: To restore that fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety if previously refrigerated.

These sweet and citrusy scones are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage ensures you can savor their bright flavor anytime.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking these Easy Mandarin Orange Scones! Their sweet and citrusy flavor is perfect for a weekend treat. If you love orange desserts, try our Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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Mandarin Orange Scones

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• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups AP flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 3 Mandarin oranges
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon mandarin orange zest
• 1–2 tablespoons orange juice (Or, use another mandarin for the juice)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Preparing the Mandarins
3. Mixing the Dough
4. Sweet Orange Glaze

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh mandarin segments. Peel and segment 2-3 mandarins, pat them very dry to remove excess juice, and fold them in gently. Using canned mandarins, drained well, often provides more consistent moisture control for these Easy Mandarin Orange Scones Sweet and Citrusy.

How do I prevent my scones from becoming dense?

Ensure your butter is very cold and work quickly to avoid melting it. Also, handle the dough as little as possible after adding the liquid—just mix until it comes together. Overworking develops gluten, which leads to tough, dense scones instead of a light, tender crumb.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. For the best results, shape the scone dough, cut it into wedges, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect Easy Mandarin Orange Scones Sweet and Citrusy.