The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies

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The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies

Few things rival the simple joy of biting into a soft, bakery-style pastry that fills the air with citrusy aroma. Now imagine combining the best qualities of buttery scones and chewy cookies—what you get is nothing short of spectacular: Orange Scone Cookies.

These cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights with bright orange flavor, a soft scone-like crumb, and the irresistible charm of a bakery treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even as a holiday gift, they are a wonderful way to bring citrus sunshine to your kitchen year-round.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make bakery-size orange scone cookies that are big, bold, and bursting with flavor.

Why Orange Scone Cookies Are So Special

  • The best of both worlds – Part scone, part cookie, these treats offer the richness of cookies with the flaky tenderness of scones.
  • Bakery size – Oversized, thick, and satisfying, just like the kind you’d find in a charming bakery display.
  • Bright citrus flavor – Fresh orange zest and juice infuse every bite with tangy-sweet goodness.
  • Perfectly versatile – Delicious plain, but even more heavenly topped with orange glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup sour cream (adds tenderness)
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze (optional but recommended)

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • ½ tsp orange zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, sour cream, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms (do not overmix).

2. Shape the Cookies

  1. Scoop large mounds of dough (about ¼ cup each) onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  2. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon to create bakery-style thick cookies.
  3. Chill the tray in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. This step helps them hold shape during baking.

3. Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake cookies for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden on the edges but soft in the center.
  3. Let cool completely before glazing.

4. Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth.
  2. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies for that bakery finish.

Tips for the Best Orange Scone Cookies

  • Use fresh oranges – Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor as freshly squeezed juice and zest.
  • Don’t skip chilling – Cold dough ensures the cookies bake thick and soft rather than spreading thin.
  • Bake in small batches – Overcrowding the pan can prevent proper rising.
  • Double glaze for extra indulgence – Drizzle once, let it set, then repeat.

Flavor Variations

  • Cranberry-Orange Scone Cookies – Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a holiday-inspired version.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Orange Cookies – Dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate.
  • Almond-Orange Twist – Add ½ tsp almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
  • Spiced Orange – Mix in ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for warmth.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful at:

  • Brunch gatherings – Pair them with coffee, tea, or mimosas.
  • Holiday platters – Their festive orange glaze makes them stand out.
  • Gifting – Wrap in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
  • Everyday snacks – Enjoy with a tall glass of milk or hot cocoa.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked (unglazed) cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Sugar: 20g

(Values vary depending on glaze and cookie size.)

The Magic of Bakery-Size Cookies

What makes bakery-size cookies so irresistible? It’s their larger-than-life presence—the generous size means more soft center and more flavor in each bite. Orange scone cookies in bakery size aren’t just dessert; they’re an experience. Perfectly thick and tender, they invite you to slow down, savor, and indulge in the comforting combination of butter and citrus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes! Simply scoop smaller portions of dough and bake for 10–12 minutes instead.

2. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a tangy note.

3. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside. The bread keeps them moist.

4. Do I have to glaze them?
No, they are delicious plain, but the glaze enhances the bakery-style finish.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a delightful blend of texture, flavor, and indulgence. Bright with citrus, buttery in every bite, and topped with a glossy orange glaze, they’re the kind of cookies that make mornings brighter and gatherings sweeter.

Whether you bake them as a special weekend treat, a holiday favorite, or a cozy pick-me-up, these oversized cookies promise to win hearts and taste buds alike.

So grab your mixing bowl, zest some oranges, and treat yourself to the magic of homemade bakery-size cookies—you’ll never look at scones or cookies the same way again.

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