Imagine biting into a scone so heavenly, it feels like a magical morning embrace – welcome to the world of Dreamy Cream Orange Cherry Scones! These aren't just ordinary pastries; they're a symphony of tangy orange zest, sweet cherries, and rich cream that will transform your breakfast from mundane to extraordinary. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these scones promise to elevate your morning routine and impress even the most discerning breakfast critics.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
- Gently fold in the orange zest and chopped cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the heavy cream. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together.
- Pat the dough into a circular shape approximately 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the top of each scone with the egg wash, which will help create a golden, shiny surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold: This is the secret to achieving those perfectly flaky, tender scones. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a light, airy texture.
- Don't overwork the dough: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overworking develops gluten, which can make your scones tough and chewy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Particularly with the cherries and orange zest, fresh produce will dramatically enhance the flavor profile of your scones.
- Chill the scones before baking: If time allows, pop the shaped scones in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and creates a more consistent texture.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider a light orange glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar to finish your scones and add a professional bakery-style presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
