It is really a pleasure to bake scones on a frosty morning, especially orange scones. The scent of the orange fills the kitchen with memories of warmer days and sunny skies. It makes you feel warm and cozy inside and out. Scones are great baked goods…. versatile, tasty, and filled with flavor. They are also really easy and quick. So let’s make some scones.
for this recipe you will need:
1/3 cup sugar
zest of one large orange or two medium oranges
2 cups all-purpose flour, leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), very cold
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
Orange Glaze
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
This recipe begins with flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together in a small bowl 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set bowl aside.
In a separate small bowl whisk together 1 egg, 1/2 cup sour cream. I usually whisk the egg first then add the sour cream and whisk together. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. Set aside.
Now you have a choice and I use both methods. You can use a food processor to mix the flour mixture, sugar, zest and butter or you can use a pastry cutter. Today I’m using the food processor with the dough blade inserted. Add 1/3 cup of sugar and the zest of 1 orange to the food processor bowl. Pulse processor a few times to mix the two together.
Add flour mixture to processor and pulse. Add the 8 tablespoons of butter that have been cut into small pieces and allowed to re-chill in freezer. Pulse mixture until small pebbles form. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
Add the sour cream mixture to the bowl with the flour. Use a spatular or your hands to mix the flour and liquid together. Do not overwork. Mixture will begin to form a soft ball. If too dry add a little more sour cream.
Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into an 8-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter or a knife (pizza cutter is easier) divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Place triangles on the prepared cookie sheet at least 1-inch apart. Place cookie sheet in pre-heated 400 degree oven for 16-18 minutes. Check at 15 minutes. Scones are done when lightly browned on top and a toothpick, when inserted into the thickest part of the scone, comes out clean.
Scones will be lightly browned, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Place scones on a pretty plate and serve with orange flavored clotted cream and orange marmalade. Makes 8 scones. Scones can be kept for three days in tightly covered tupperware or frozen for later use. If frozen, when ready to use pre-heat in 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes. I usually place scones in aluminum foil before heating.
If you are adding glaze, make sure the scones are completely cool before drizzling with the glaze.