Who doesn't love starting their day with a delectable scone, especially when it's infused with the refreshing flavors of orange and sweet cherries? Scones are a classic British bake, celebrated for their tender, crumbly texture and versatility in flavor combinations. This orange cherry scones recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast routine or impress guests with a delightful treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1⁄2 cup dried cherries
- Zest from 1 large orange
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional cream and sugar for brushing and topping
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Cherry Scones
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If your cherries are not pitted, do so now. Then, you can either chop them into small pieces or keep them whole based on your preference.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Forming the Dough
- Add the zest from the orange, ensuring it’s well distributed.
- Mix in the dried cherries, coating them with the flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the scones.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients.
- Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the dough, which could result in tough scones.
Shaping and Baking
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a floured knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into wedges or rounds.
- Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are well-spaced apart.
- Brush the tops with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar for a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Serving and Storing
- Serve the scones warm with clotted cream and orange marmalade or your favorite jam.
- Once cooled, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them, and reheat when desired.
🍊 Note: The addition of orange zest brings a vibrant citrus aroma, making these scones particularly inviting.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Keep it Cold: Cold butter and cream are crucial for the flaky texture of scones. If your kitchen is warm, chill your ingredients and utensils.
- Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing once the dough comes together to ensure a tender crumb.
- Perfect Cutting: Use a sharp, floured cutter and avoid twisting to prevent sealing the edges, which can inhibit rising.
🎨 Note: For a visual appeal, scatter a few whole cherries on top of the scones before baking.
Let's look at some simple nutritional benefits of key ingredients in these scones:
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cherries | High in antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and helps with sleep regulation. |
| Orange Zest | Provides vitamin C and adds a zestful flavor without many calories. |
This orange cherry scones recipe offers a delightful fusion of tart cherries and the zesty brightness of oranges, making for a uniquely flavorful breakfast or teatime treat. They are not just a feast for your taste buds but also relatively easy to whip up, even for beginners in the baking world. The careful balance of textures and flavors in these scones will leave you and your guests craving more. Remember, perfecting scone-making is about understanding the basics - from keeping the ingredients cold to gentle handling of the dough, which ensures a tender, crumbly experience with each bite.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead. Make sure to pit them and halve or quarter them to incorporate into the dough easily. Fresh cherries might make the dough a bit wetter, so you might need to reduce the amount of cream slightly to compensate.
What can I substitute for orange zest if I don’t have fresh oranges?
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If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use about 1⁄2 teaspoon of orange extract or 2-3 teaspoons of orange oil. Alternatively, lemon zest can be used for a different citrus flavor, adjusting the amount to taste.
How long can I store the scones, and how do I reheat them?
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Scones can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat but they might not be as crisp.
