Name: Orange Raisin Scones
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485874H29M57S
Total time: PT-485874H29M57S
Cuisine: American / British-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp orange zest; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or buttermilk); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

I love making these Orange Raisin Scones because they’re tender, flaky, and bursting with bright citrus flavor and sweet raisins. They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how the fresh orange zest adds a lively, refreshing twist to the traditional scone. The raisins provide just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness without overpowering the delicate crumb. Plus, they come together quickly and easily, making them ideal for a weekend morning or last-minute guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Granulated sugar
Orange zest
Raisins
Heavy cream (or buttermilk)
Large egg
Vanilla extract (optional)

directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the orange zest and raisins evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 7-inch circle, about 1-inch thick.
Cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Brush the tops lightly with cream and sprinkle a little sugar on top if desired.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 scones. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, so in under 30 minutes I usually have fresh, warm scones ready to enjoy.

Variations

I sometimes swap the raisins for currants or chopped dried cranberries for a different fruity note. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients also brings a warm, cozy flavor. For a glaze, I mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and drizzle it on once the scones have cooled.

storage/reheating

I keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds — both ways bring back their fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raisins for this recipe?

Yes, frozen raisins work fine. Just thaw and drain them before adding to avoid extra moisture in the dough.

Can I substitute orange zest with lemon zest?

Absolutely! Lemon zest will give the scones a slightly different citrus brightness but still delicious.

What’s the best type of flour to use?

All-purpose flour gives the right balance of tenderness and structure for these scones.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the dough the night before, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. I let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.

How do I prevent the scones from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store them properly in an airtight container. Adding a bit more butter or cream can help keep them moist too.

Conclusion

These Orange Raisin Scones are one of my favorite quick bakes for any time of day. The combination of citrus and sweet raisins makes them irresistible, and they’re easy enough to whip up whenever I want something comforting and fresh. I hope they become a staple in your kitchen like they are in mine!

Orange Raisin Scones