If you love the comforting crumb of a British scone and the festive flavors of Italian holiday breads, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe. These beauties are tender, buttery, and brimming with a cheerful mix of dried fruits and orange zest—think of them as the lovechild of a classic scone and a mini panettone. Whether you enjoy your scones with morning coffee or as an elegant afternoon treat, this recipe promises to add a gorgeous Italian twist to your regular baking routine.

PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe is that it uses humble, accessible ingredients, yet each plays a truly pivotal role. From rich butter for flakiness to vibrant citrus zest for brightness, every component shines to create those irresistible, festive flavors.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for light and fluffy scones; be sure to measure generously but precisely.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the fruit—don’t skip this, even if you love a less-sweet scone.
Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your scones puff up perfectly and don’t end up dense.
Salt: Sharpens each flavor and keeps the final product from tasting flat.
Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Essential for flaky pockets and that “melt-in-the-mouth” texture—always use cold butter!
Mixed dried fruits (raisins, candied orange peel, dried apricot, etc.): The Italian twist; choose a colorful mix for elegance and flavor.
Zest of 1 orange: Adds a fragrant citrus burst that wakes up every bite.
Whole milk (or heavy cream): Creamy dairy makes these scones rich and soft; go with heavy cream for extra decadence.
Large egg: Helps stick everything together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract: A little vanilla beautifully rounds out the aroma and sweetness.
Powdered sugar, for dusting: A classic Italian finishing touch that feels celebratory and looks gorgeous.

How to Make PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C)—you want it fully hot by the time your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment, or if you want to channel that true Italian panettone vibe, opt for tall baking molds for your scones. This little decision completely changes the look and feels delightfully authentic.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is your magic base—be thorough so that the baking powder gets evenly distributed for that perfect rise.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cubes of cold, unsalted butter to your dry mixture. Now here’s where scone texture is won or lost: use your fingertips or a pastry blender to gently rub the butter into the flour until the mix looks like coarse, uneven crumbs. Big, visible flakes of butter are good—those will steam and create flaky layers!

Step 4: Add the Fruits & Zest

Stir in your chosen blend of dried fruit and the freshly grated orange zest. The fruits dot the dough with tasty surprises, and the zest perfumes everything with a burst of sunshiny Italian flavor. Gentle folding is key so the fruit stays intact and distributed evenly.

Step 5: Make the Wet Mixture

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the milk (or heavy cream), one large egg, and vanilla extract. It’s a simple mixture, but it brings richness and a lovely silkiness to your dough. Pour this wet mix over the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is combined—try not to overmix, as a light hand means a tender PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe.

Step 6: Shape Your Scones

With a spoon or ice cream scoop, portion out the dough—either into rounds straight onto your parchment-lined tray, or into tall molds if you want that showstopping, panettone-in-miniature look. No need to fuss with perfect shapes; rustic is what gives them their irresistible, homemade vibe.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your scones for 20–25 minutes if using small molds, or up to 35 minutes for taller ones. Watch for a gorgeous golden color and a gentle spring back when pressed. Let your scones cool just enough to handle, but don’t be afraid to serve them still warm.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

When your scones have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This last flourish not only makes them pretty, but also gives that unmistakable Italian patisserie finish. Now, get ready to share—or savor them all to yourself!

How to Serve PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe

Garnishes

A classic dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for that authentic Italian bakery feel, but you can also drizzle a little citrus glaze over the top for something extra special. A handful of toasted sliced almonds can add crunch and a touch of elegance if you’re serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Let the PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe shine alongside a simple cappuccino or a cup of Earl Grey. Pair with mascarpone or ricotta and a spoonful of marmalade—a nod to Italy’s love of cheese and preserves. For a breakfast spread, include them with fresh berries and yogurt for a stunning yet easy morning gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Take a cue from the festive season and wrap your PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe individually in parchment and twine for edible gifts. Or, stack them on a cake stand with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary for a stunning centerpiece at brunch. These scones look utterly charming tucked into a breadbasket for holiday breakfast tables, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, snugly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen a bit by the next day, but the texture is always best on the first.

Freezing

If you want to keep them around even longer, freeze the baked (and completely cooled) scones in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll hold beautifully for up to 2 months. To enjoy, bring them back to room temperature or give a quick warm-up in the oven for that just-baked aroma.

Reheating

Reheat your PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until just warmed through. This refreshes the crumb and makes the butter and fruit sing again—avoid microwaving, which can make them tough.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and keep an eye on the dough texture; you may need a touch more milk or cream to get the same stickiness as wheat flour.

What other fruits can I use?

The beauty of this PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe is its versatility—try dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped figs. Just keep the total quantity to about half a cup so you don’t weigh down the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dough and scoop it into molds, then cover and refrigerate overnight. This is perfect if you want fresh, warm scones first thing in the morning without an early wake-up call.

How do I prevent dry scones?

The keys are not overmixing the dough and not overbaking. Pull the scones as soon as they’re golden and spring back slightly when pressed, and always use cold butter for the most tender crumb.

Is it possible to make them vegan?

You can! Use a good plant-based butter, swap the milk or cream for your favorite non-dairy option, and use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water, rested until thickened) instead of the egg.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about blending cultures in your kitchen, and this PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe does exactly that—with fuss-free ingredients and irresistible results. Whether you bake them for breakfast, a sweet mid-day pick-me-up, or to share with friends, you’ll quickly see why this treat has become a beloved fixture in my baking ritual. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of Italy—your tastebuds will thank you!

PaneScone (Italian Inspired Scone) Recipe