Scones are a beloved classic in the world of baked goods, but who says you can’t add a twist of citrusy sunshine to this timeless treat? Orange Raisin Scones offer a delightful contrast of sweet and zesty flavors, making them a perfect choice for your next brunch, tea party, or just as a cozy weekend breakfast. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the detailed recipe, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and a few essential tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather the ingredients. You’ll need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Zest of two oranges
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of one orange
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking:
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3 – Add the Goodies:
- Gently stir in the raisins and the zest of two oranges.
Step 4 – Create the Wet Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, milk, vanilla extract, and one egg.
Step 5 – Mix It All Together:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.
- Stir until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix; it should be slightly shaggy.
Step 6 – Shape and Cut:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Pat it into a circle, about 1 inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out scones. Re-roll any leftover dough and repeat.
Step 7 – Bake and Glaze:
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg for the egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl.
- Once the scones are done, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with the glaze.
Variations
One of the joys of baking is the opportunity to experiment with flavors. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Cranberry Orange Scones: Substitute cranberries for raisins for a tart twist on the classic.
2. Blueberry Orange Scones: Fresh or frozen blueberries add a burst of color and flavor.
3. Chocolate Orange Scones: For a decadent treat, fold in chocolate chips with the orange zest.
4. Almond Orange Scones: Add a handful of sliced almonds for a delightful crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Scones
Achieving the perfect scones is an art, but these tips will guide you toward scone perfection:
1. Keep It Cold: Ensure your butter and liquids are cold to achieve that coveted flakiness.
2. Don’t Overmix: The key to tender scones is not overmixing. Stir until just combined.
3. Zest Right: Orange zest is a potent flavor; be sure to zest only the outer orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
4. Glaze with Care: Let your scones cool slightly before glazing to avoid a runny mess.
5. Customize: Experiment with various add-ins and flavors to make your scones uniquely your own.
In the world of baked goods, scones stand as a symbol of comfort and tradition. With these Orange Raisin Scones, you can add a refreshing twist to a classic recipe, infusing it with the tangy delight of citrus. So, the next time you’re looking to host a brunch, have a tea party, or just crave a warm and flaky treat, turn to this recipe for a burst of flavor. Whether you choose to follow it to the letter or make your creative variations, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of these delightful scones, sure to brighten your day. Enjoy!
