Spiced Raisin Scones
Delight in these warmly spiced raisin scones, bursting with cinnamon, orange zest, and plump raisins soaked in orange juice. Perfect for breakfast or teatime, their flaky, tender texture makes them a comforting treat for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
- Combine raisins and orange juice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Set aside to soak.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and orange rind.
- Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Drain the raisins and fold them into the dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead gently, then shape into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates for the raisins, and use apple juice if you don't have orange juice. If you prefer a less sweet scone, reduce the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea. Serve them warm with butter and a drizzle of honey, or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit. They pair beautifully with Easy Pudding Frosting for a sweet treat. For a full meal, consider serving them with a side of Heavenly Salad for a refreshing contrast.
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 on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Raisin Scones contains roughly 533 calories, with 4g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Shape it into a circle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed. This makes for a quick and easy breakfast option!
What can I use instead of orange rind?
If you don't have orange rind, lemon zest is a great alternative that will add a different yet refreshing citrus flavor. You can also omit it entirely or use a teaspoon of dried orange zest if you have that on hand. Adjust the cinnamon to taste for a balanced flavor profile.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free scones, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
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).