The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies
The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies: The large bakery-size chewy orange scone cookie is a bold twist on a classic favorite, combining the bright, citrusy flavor of a traditional orange scone with the soft, dense texture of a cookie. Each oversized cookie is packed with fragrant orange zest and just the right amount of sweetness, finished with a delicate orange glaze that adds a burst of tangy flavor in every bite. With a golden, slightly crisp edge and a rich, chewy center, this cookie delivers the nostalgic comfort of a scone in a fun, indulgent cookie form. It’s perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon treat, or sharing—if you can part with it.
TRANSFORMING YOUR FAVORITE SCONE RECIPE INTO A SOFT CHEWY COOKIE
Transforming your favorite scone recipe into a chewy cookie is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into a classic treat. The key is reworking the ratios—reducing the leavening slightly, increasing the sugar for a softer texture, and adjusting the fat to encourage a more cookie-like chew rather than a crumbly bite. Swapping some of the butter for cream cheese and vegetable shortening, or incorporating eggs, can help bind the dough and create that signature cookie density. By keeping the core flavors—such as citrus zest, spices, or add-ins—you preserve the essence of the original scone while transforming it into something completely new: a rich, chewy cookie with all the comfort of your favorite baked good in every bite.
Copycat Panera Orange Scone Recipe: What if I told you that you can recreate one of their most beloved Panera menu items right in your kitchen? Yes, I’m talking about those delectable copycat Panera orange scones. With just a few key ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a batch of these mouthwatering scones ready to enjoy in no time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with our guide to making copycat Panera orange scones.
How to Make the Perfect Orange Scone Cookie
Now let’s dive into the key ingredients that will make your orange scone cookies perfect. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and overall experience of these bakery-style treats. By selecting the finest ingredients and following the precise measurements, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful recipe.
LARGE BAKERY SIZE ORANGE COOKIE INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe card
FOR THE ORANGE SCONE COOKIE DOUGH:
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- zest from one large orange
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste ( I used vanilla paste)
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
FOR THE ORANGE GLAZE:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- orange zest from one large orange
CHEWY ORANGE SCONE COOKIE DIRECTIONS
FOR THE ORANGE SCONE COOKIE:
- Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shortening, butter, cream cheese, orange zest, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Mix until light and fluffy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend until well combined.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized balls, each weighing approximately 3.6 ounces.
- Place six balls per cookie sheet on the prepared cookie sheets and refrigerate for 2½ hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. NOTE: THESE COOKIES WERE BAKED IN A CONVECTION OVEN. YOU MAY NEED TO ADJUST THE BAKING TIME FOR AN ELECTRIC OR GAS OVEN. Bake for 14 minutes. Using the back of a wide wooden spoon, gently press the hot cookie down to create a flat surface. Continue baking for an additional 4 minutes.
- Slide the cookies, still on the parchment paper, onto the counter to cool completely. Dip the cooled cookies in orange glaze.
FOR THE ORANGE GLAZE:
- In a medium bowl, add the sugar, orange juice, orange extract, and orange zest.
- Whisk until smooth.
The Importance of Each Ingredient: Tips and Tricks
Each ingredient in an orange scone cookie plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and structure:
- SHORTENING: Shortening traps more air bubbles and has a higher melting point than butter. As a result, recipes that use shortening tend to produce an end product that rises slightly higher, retains its shape during baking, and has a softer or lighter interior texture.
- UNSALTED BUTTER: For flavor, a little fat and a tiny bit of liquid.
- CREAM CHEESE: (secret ingredient) Swapping out some of the butter for cream cheese will create a soft, cloud-like cookie.
- BAKING POWER: Baking soda can help create crisper cookies, but we want a thick, soft cookie, so omit the baking soda and use baking powder.
- HANDLING THE DOUGH: When forming the cookie ball, avoid pressing the dough together too tightly. Try to keep it airy. Press it together only enough for it to stay together.
- CHILL THE DOUGH BEFORE BAKING: Once the dough is formed into balls and placed on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, slide the cookie sheet into the refrigerator for 2½ hours.
THE SECRET BEHIND GETTING THE MOST FLAVOR OUT OF YOUR ORANGE SCONE COOKIES
The secret to getting the most flavor out of your orange scone cookies lies in a bit of patience—letting the cookies rest overnight. As they sit, the oils from the orange zest and juice have time to fully infuse the dough, deepening the citrus flavor and allowing it to mellow and intensify throughout the cookie. This resting period also allows the cookie’s texture to settle, becoming even chewier and more cohesive. By the next day, what was already a delicious treat becomes a boldly flavored, aromatic cookie with a rich orange essence in every bite. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference—and well worth the wait.
What Makes These Cookies Bakery-Worthy? Secrets Revealed
- Size – These aren’t your average cookies. They’re thick, oversized, and satisfying—perfect for wrapping up individually or stacking in a jar for a gift.
- Texture – A beautiful balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. The oats and carrots add that hearty bite that makes you want to reach for another.
- Flavor – We’re layering cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla for that signature carrot cake warmth, plus optional add-ins like chopped walnuts, coconut, or white chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild.
Along with techniques, ingredients are key in making a good, soft, chewy cookie.
BUTTER VS MARGARINE
Don’t skimp on this ingredient….YOU MUST USE REAL BUTTER. WHY? There are several reasons for choosing butter over margarine.
- FLAVOR: Butter provides a rich flavor. BAKER’S TIP: Always use unsalted butter when baking. You want to control the amount of salt in your recipe.
- FAT CONTENT: Margarine contains more water and less fat, resulting in thin cookies that spread out during baking.
Can This Recipe Make Smaller Cookies?
This recipe is designed to yield 14 large, thick, gooey cookies, similar to those at a bakery.
However, this same dough can be used to make smaller cookies. They will puff up beautifully and thickly. Please remember to adjust the baking time. The serving size will also change.
CAN ORANGE SCONE COOKIE DOUGH BE MADE IN ADVANCE?
YES! You can easily make this dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
REFRIGERATOR: The sugar cookie dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FREEZER (BAKED COOKIES): Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
FREEZER (COOKIE DOUGH BALLS): Cookie dough balls will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. HOW TO FREEZE: Place the balls on a cookie sheet for a few hours before storing them in a freezer bag. BAKE FROZEN COOKIE DOUGH FOR AN EXTRA MINUTE; there is no need to thaw.
STORING BAKED COOKIES ON THE COUNTER: Before placing the cookies in an airtight container, ensure the glaze has hardened. This step should only take about 30 minutes. The cookies will stay fresh and chewy in a cool kitchen for at least a week. With some care and attention, your bakery-size orange scone cookies will stay irresistibly delicious for days to come. So indulge in these delightful treats, knowing each bite will be a burst of citrusy goodness.
MORE THICK BAKERY-SIZE COOKIE RECIPES
If you’re a fan of those ultra-thick, bakery-style cookies that are crispy on the edges and irresistibly soft in the center, this list of recipes is for you. From classic chocolate chip and decadent double chocolate to unique flavors like red velvet, peanut butter cup, and even carrot cake, each cookie is crafted to deliver that over-the-top, fresh-from-the-bakery experience. These recipes focus on bold flavors, rich textures, and that signature oversized look that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Perfect for parties, gifts, or simply indulging your inner cookie lover, this collection has something for every craving.
Large Gourmet Cookies
LATEST POSTS
In conclusion, the ultimate bakery-size orange scone cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and citrus flavors, perfect for any occasion. Following the key principles outlined in this recipe post, you can recreate these mouth-watering treats in your home. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking techniques, these cookies will impress even the most discerning palates. If you are a fan of the most popular scone (orange scones from Panera), you and your guests will LOVE this copycat orange scone cookie recipe! I’m excited for you to try my new favorite cookie! ENJOY AND HAPPY BAKING!💗Sheryl
The Ultimate Bakery-Size Orange Scone Cookies
Ingredients
For the Orange Scone Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- zest from one large orange
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste ( I used vanilla paste)
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
For the Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- orange zest from one large orange
Instructions
For the Orange Scone Cookie:
- Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shortening, butter, cream cheese, orange zest, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Mix until light and fluffy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend until well combined.
- Divide the dough into 14 equal-sized balls, each weighing approximately 3.6 ounces.
- Place seven balls per cookie sheet on the prepared cookie sheets and refrigerate for 2½ hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. NOTE: THESE COOKIES WERE BAKED IN A CONVECTION OVEN. YOU MAY NEED TO ADJUST THE BAKING TIME FOR AN ELECTRIC OR GAS OVEN. Bake for 14 minutes. Using the back of a wide wooden spoon, gently press the hot cookie down to create a flat surface. Continue baking for an additional 4 minutes.
- Slide the cookies, still on the parchment paper, onto the counter to cool completely.
- Transfer cooled cookies to a wire cooling rack, and place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper under each cooling rack. Dip the cooled cookies in orange glaze. NOTE: The paper under the racks is there to catch any glaze that might drip off the cookies. *LOOK BELOW IN NOTES FOR MY NUMBER ONE TIP
For the Orange Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, add the sugar, orange juice, orange extract, and orange zest.
- Whisk until smooth.
STORING BAKED COOKIES ON THE COUNTER: Before placing the cookies in an airtight container, ensure the glaze has hardened. This step should only take about 30 minutes. In a cool temperature kitchen, the cookies will stay fresh and chewy for at least a week. With some care and attention, your bakery-size orange scone cookies will stay irresistibly delicious for days to come. So go ahead and indulge in these delightful treats, knowing that each bite will be a burst of citrusy goodness. ♥
Notes
THE SECRET BEHIND GETTING THE MOST FLAVOR OUT OF YOUR ORANGE SCONE COOKIES
The secret to getting the most flavor out of your orange scone cookies lies in a bit of patience—letting the cookies rest overnight. As they sit, the oils from the orange zest and juice have time to fully infuse the dough, deepening the citrus flavor and allowing it to mellow and intensify throughout the cookie. This resting period also allows the cookie’s texture to settle, becoming even chewier and more cohesive. By the next day, what was already a delicious treat becomes a boldly flavored, aromatic cookie with a rich orange essence in every bite. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference—and well worth the wait.
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