With a citrus zester, zest two mandarin oranges and then peel the skin off the oranges and divide into sections. Next, slice all the orange sections into small pieces. Reserve any juice to add to the batter.
In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and then add to the flour mixture. Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture is the size of peas. Next add the buttermilk, orange zest, and mandarin oranges pieces.
Gently stir this mixture with a wooden spoon until all the flour is incorporated.
Turn dough onto a well-floured board and knead the dough until it comes together; add flour as needed if the dough is sticky.
Press the dough into a round disk about ¼" thick then cut into eight wedges Transfer the wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 17 minutes.
Sweet Orange Glaze
Combine confectioners' sugar, reserved mandarin orange zest, and enough orange juice (or mandarin orange juice) to make a runny glaze.
Pour glaze over warm scones.
Scones are best served warm from the oven. If you have leftovers, place in a sealed container for a couple of days.
Notes
How to freeze scones
Simply make the scone batter and cut out the shape you want
Wrap each individual scone in plastic wrap and freeze
Once the scones are frozen, remove from the freezer and place them in a plastic bag and freeze
It is best to freeze the scones for one month
How to bake frozen scones
Get your scones out of the freezer and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you don't have parchment you will be washing a pan, sorry about that!
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. While the oven is preheating the scones will start to defrost.
The recipe calls for 15-17 minute baking time, for the partially froze dough add a few more minutes to completely bake the scones