Craving that citrusy-sweet delight from your favorite bakery without leaving home? These Copycat Panera orange scones are your ticket to warm, bakery-fresh goodness from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re after that nostalgic Panera Bread vibe or just love a good orange scone glaze, this recipe delivers buttery, melt-in-your-mouth magic with every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Copycat Panera Orange Scones

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably justified many a coffee run by whispering, “I’ll just grab a scone.” Well, this homemade version of one of the most beloved Panera Bread recipes gives you that same soft, citrus-infused scone, minus the extra trip or the line. The tender dough, zingy orange zest, and dreamy orange scone glaze hit all the right notes. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can have a bakery-style moment any day of the week.

What You’ll Need

Scone Ingredients:

65g (⅓ cup) sugar
Zest of 2 navel oranges
250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
5g (1 tsp) baking powder
3g (½ tsp) salt
1g (¼ tsp) baking soda
113g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, diced
120g (½ cup) sour cream
1 egg

Orange Glaze:

43g (3 tbsp) butter, melted
120g (1 cup) powdered sugar
1g (¼ tsp) vanilla extract
30ml (2 tbsp) fresh orange juice
4g (2 tsp) fresh orange zest

How to Make Them

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine sugar and orange zest, rubbing them together with your fingers to release the oils. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add diced butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg. Add the dry mixture to the fork and stir until big clumps form.
Gently knead the dough in the bowl or on a floured surface just until it holds together.
Flatten dough into a 7-inch (18 cm) circle and cut into 8 wedges.
Place wedges on your baking sheet and bake for 16–17 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.
While baking, make the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest.
Let the scones cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze generously over each. Let it set. If you’re feeling wild, double-dip for extra sweetness.

Scone Success Tips

Don’t skip rubbing the zest into the sugar—it unlocks so much orange flavor.
Keep the butter cold. This gives you that fluffy, layered texture.
Sour cream makes the scones rich and tender, without needing heavy cream.
If your dough feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour before shaping.
For an even prettier glaze, use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the powdered sugar first.

Why This Recipe Means So Much to Me

Back when I had babies in strollers and zero free time, a Panera stop felt like my mini escape. A quiet table, a scone, and a warm coffee—it was my sanity in sugar form. I missed that little ritual, so I started baking these at home. Now, it’s become a family favorite. My daughter calls them “orange triangles of happiness.” I call them a life-saver on chaotic mornings.

What to Serve With Your Scones

These scones shine all on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of coffee, hot tea, or a fresh smoothie. Hosting brunch? Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fruit salad for a citrusy burst between savory bites. They’re also amazing with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or Greek yogurt.

How to Store and Freeze

Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Want to enjoy them longer? Freeze them unglazed. Once cool, wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Glaze after reheating for best results. You can also freeze glazed scones individually, though the glaze may get slightly tacky when thawed.

FAQs About Panera Bread Recipes and Orange Scones

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tang and creaminess.

How do I keep my scones from drying out?

Don’t overbake them, and store them in an airtight container. You can also warm it slightly before eating to bring back that soft texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Technically yes, but why would you? The orange scone glaze is what makes it taste like the real deal.

Can I add mix-ins like cranberries or white chocolate?

Absolutely. Just fold in ½ cup of your favorite mix-ins before shaping the dough.

A Zesty Final Bite

There’s something incredibly comforting about these Copycat Panera orange scones. They’re like a warm hug from your oven, with just the right blend of sweet, citrus, and indulgence. If you’ve been dreaming of Panera Bread recipes that bring bakery magic to your home, this one is a keeper. So go ahead, bake a batch, pour a cup of tea, and savor a slice of sunshine. You deserve it!

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Sunshine on a Plate: Copycat Panera Orange Scones to Brighten Your Day

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Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Copycat Panera Orange Scones are citrusy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—just like the ones from your favorite café. Topped with a bright orange glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Scones:

65g (⅓ cup) sugar
Zest of 2 navel oranges
250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
5g (1 tsp) baking powder
3g (½ tsp) salt
1g (¼ tsp) baking soda
113g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, diced
120g (½ cup) sour cream
1 egg

Orange Glaze:

43g (3 tbsp) butter, melted
120g (1 cup) powdered sugar
1g (¼ tsp) vanilla extract
30ml (2 tbsp) fresh orange juice
4g (2 tsp) fresh orange zest

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, rub sugar and orange zest together to release oils. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In another bowl, whisk sour cream and egg. Add to dry mixture and stir until clumps form.
Knead gently until dough holds together. Flatten into a 7-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
Place on baking sheet and bake for 16–17 minutes, until tops are lightly golden.
While baking, whisk together glaze ingredients: melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest.
Let scones cool slightly. Drizzle generously with glaze and let it set. Optional: glaze again for a thicker coating.

Notes

Rub zest into sugar to boost citrus flavor.

Keep butter cold for flaky layers.

Use Greek yogurt if sour cream is unavailable.

Freeze unglazed scones and glaze after reheating.

Optional mix-ins: white chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American