The Best Gluten Free Orange Scones

These buttery Gluten Free Orange Scones are full of sweet orange flavor. Top them with the orange glaze, or enjoy them plain. The orange flavors shine through in this easy gluten free scones recipe.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Is Great:
• Ingredient Notes:
• Substitutions:
• Tips For Success:
• Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
• Did you know?
• Storage:
• Recipe FAQ:
• More Gluten Free Scones Recipes:
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• 💬 Comments

If you are looking for the perfect scones recipe to enjoy with breakfast or tea time, this is the scones recipe to make. They are infused with fresh orange juice and orange zest. The scones are flaky and tender.

Mr. Fearless Dining and I devoured some of these scones, both with the icing and without, and neither of us could decide which way we like them more. I hope you try this recipe, and let me know what you think.

Scones are one of my favorite things to make. If you want to try more scones flavors, I have many great sweet and savory gluten-free scones recipes to try, including holiday flavors.

Why This Recipe Is Great:

1. Scones are typically made with butter, giving them a rich buttery flavor. When baked, the butter creates pockets of air in the dough, resulting in a flaky and tender texture.
2. Scones can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as fruit, nuts, chocolate, or even savory ingredients like cheese. This allows for a wide range of flavor combinations, making them a versatile and adaptable snack or dessert. Try this recipe, or use this recipe as a base to make other flavor combinations.
3. Scones are gluten free baked goods that are easy to make. All you need are a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. This makes them a popular choice for gluten free bakers who want to make something delicious without spending hours baking.

If you are new to gluten free baking, check out my gluten free pantry with all my favorite ingredients and tools for gluten free baking.

I made the orange scones this morning. They are delicious.

Nancy R.

Ingredient Notes:

• Gluten Free Flour Blend - I tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour Blend. That doesn't mean other blends will not work; it means I haven't tested other blends at this time. I have used other blends in other scones recipes. See the Tips for Success section for more details.
• Sugar
• Xanthan Gum - If the blend you use doesn't contain a binder like xanthan or guar gum, you will need to add one teaspoon.
• Baking Soda - I used baking soda instead of my usual baking powder in this recipe. Baking soda works better with the acids in the orange juice.
• Salt - Sea salt or kosher salt are both fine in this recipe.
• Eggs - Use size large.
• Oranges - I am a big fan of fresh orange juice in this recipe. Getting fresh oranges also allows you to use the orange zest.
• Butter - Use unsalted butter.
• Milk or non-dairy milk - I used Milkadamia plant-based milk. Any plant-based or regular milk will work.

Substitutions:

• Use another citrus juice like lemon for lemon scones.
• To make this recipe dairy-free, use plant-based butter.

If you love baking with orange juice, you will love these Gluten Free Orange Rolls.

Tips For Success:

• Always ensure your baking powder or baking soda is not expired. Expired products will affect your gluten-free baked goods' rise and texture.
• Be sure your butter is very cold. It will help the flakiness of the gluten free orange scones.
• Every gluten free flour blend has a different starch-to-grain ratio. This affects how much moisture is needed in the recipe. If you notice your scone dough is wetter or drier than mine, you must adjust with either more flour or milk.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Step 1: Add the gluten free flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend them. Preheat your oven to 350º F and put the oven rack in the middle setting.

Ways to cut butter into the flour:

There are two main ways to cut butter into the dry ingredients. I prefer using a pastry blender, but both methods work really well.

1. Add the cold butter chunks to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender (aka pastry cutter) to cut the butter into the flour.
2. Freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture.

Step 2: In a smaller bowl, add the orange juice, non-dairy milk, eggs, and orange zest. Use a whisk to mix the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the wet and dry ingredients into a nice scone batter. The mixture should not be too sticky to work with.

Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the scone dough on the parchment paper and shape it into a circle. I like the dough to be two inches thick.

Note you can also use a scone pan to make your scones.

Step 5: Use a knife to score the scone dough. (I cut through the dough.) Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top of the dough.

Step 6: Bake the scones for 22-27 minutes, depending on the thickness of your scones and if you bake them in a circle or separate them.

Step 7: Remove the scones from the oven. They should have a slight golden color when they are finished baking. Place them on a wire cooling rack.

Step 8: Mix up the orange icing while the scones are cooling. For best results, wait for the scones to cool before icing. I seriously think these are the best gluten free scones!

Storage:

Store scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe zipper bag. Be sure the scones are completely cooled before putting them in a container.

Recipe FAQ:

More Gluten Free Scones Recipes:

• Gluten Free Strawberries and Cream Scones - This is a classic scones recipe that is full of juicy strawberries.
• Gluten Free Oat Scones - Add any fruit to these oat scones.
• Gluten Free Blueberry Scones - One of the most popular scones recipes on the blog.
• Gluten Free Cheese Scones - If you are looking for a savory scone, this is a tasty recipe.

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