Orange Scones
Orange scones with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of almond, perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering a tender crumb and a delightful crunch from sliced almonds.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup blanched sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon orange peel ⓘ
Instructions
- Grate the orange peel and measure out the orange juice and buttermilk.
- Add the egg to the orange juice and buttermilk and beat until smooth.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the sugar, sliced almonds, and orange peel.
- Pour in the egg mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough 5 to 6 times until well combined.
- Form the dough into a ball and pat it into a circle; cut into smaller shapes or circles.
- Place the shaped dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until medium brown or golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a flaky texture, make sure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour. If you don't have plain yogurt, buttermilk is a great substitute. For a twist, consider adding cranberries or currants for a burst of flavor. Don't over-knead the dough; just combine until you see no dry flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these orange scones warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. They also complement the flavors of dishes like Raisin Dressing(Great With Ham).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Scones contains roughly 295 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the orange juice with another juice?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or even apple juice as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile. If opting for lemon, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
What can I add to the dough for more flavor?
You can enhance the scones by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. Dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, also works well for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones should be medium brown or golden when done. You can also test for doneness by gently tapping the top of a scone; it should feel firm and bounce back slightly. If they sound hollow when tapped, they're ready to come out of the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).