Preheat your oven to 400°F (approximately 200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring even baking and easy cleanup.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a food processor, measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
Add 1/3 cup of shortening to the dry mix. If using a food processor, pulse until the shortening is dispersed into tiny chunks. If you're mixing by hand, use a pastry cutter or a fork to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of orange extract, and 3/4 cup of heavy cream. Whisk these ingredients until just combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Pulse the food processor or mix with a spatula until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few dry spots.
Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and gently press it into an 8 to 10-inch circle, about 1 inch thick. This will create an even surface for cutting.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 triangles, similar to cutting a pie. Be sure to cut all the way through for even baking.
Transfer the dough triangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle with more sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.
While the scones are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of confectioner's sugar and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice. Adjust the consistency with more juice as needed, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops and sprinkle with reserved orange zest. Serve and enjoy your delicious Orange Scone Recipe!