Citrus Burst Scones with Whipped Orange Butter
These delightful Citrus Burst Scones are infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges, featuring both orange zest and juicy mandarin segments. Paired with a luxuriously whipped orange butter, this recipe is perfect for brunch, tea time, or a snack any time of the day. Each bite of the scone is light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus goodness, while the orange butter adds a creamy, tangy finish. Enjoy these scones warm, and share them with family and friends for a refreshing treat!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Lightly spooned and leveled)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (Divided into 3 tablespoons for the scones and 1 tablespoon for sprinkling)
Baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons
Orange zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
Margarine or Butter
1/2 cup (Cut into small pieces)
Mandarin orange segments
1/2 cup (Chopped and drained)
Milk
1/4 cup
Egg
1 (Slightly beaten)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened for whipped butter)
Orange marmalade
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and orange zest. Stir together until well mixed.
3
Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the margarine or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
Gently fold in the chopped mandarin orange segments, milk, and slightly beaten egg. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently about 10 times until it comes together.
6
Shape the dough into a 6-inch circle and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
7
Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges, separating them slightly for even baking.
8
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
While the scones are baking, prepare the whipped orange butter. In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the orange marmalade until well combined.
10
Serve the warm scones with whipped orange butter and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Burst Scones?
They are light and fluffy scones infused with fresh orange zest and chopped mandarin segments, served with a creamy whipped orange butter.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these scones?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What dry ingredients are needed for the scone dough?
The dough requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and freshly grated orange zest.
How should I combine the margarine or butter with the dry ingredients?
You should use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the margarine or butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What texture should the flour and fat mixture have before adding liquids?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
How should the mandarin orange segments be prepared?
The mandarin segments should be drained and chopped before being folded into the dough.
What wet ingredients are used to bind the scone dough?
The recipe uses milk and one slightly beaten egg.
Why is it important to avoid over-mixing the scone dough?
Avoiding over-mixing ensures that the scones remain light and fluffy rather than becoming dense or tough.
How many times should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded gently about 10 times until it comes together.
What shape should the dough be formed into before cutting?
The dough should be shaped into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
How many scones does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 8 scone wedges.
What do I sprinkle on top of the scones before they go into the oven?
You should sprinkle the top of the dough circle with one tablespoon of sugar.
How do I separate the scones for baking?
Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges and separate them slightly on the baking sheet for even baking.
How long do the scones need to bake?
The scones typically bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the scones are finished baking?
They are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What are the ingredients for the whipped orange butter?
The whipped butter consists of softened butter and orange marmalade.
How do I prepare the whipped orange butter?
Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, then stir in the orange marmalade until well combined.
Should the scones be served warm or cold?
The scones are best enjoyed while they are still warm.
Can I use butter instead of margarine in the scone dough?
Yes, the recipe allows for either margarine or butter to be used in the dough.
How should I measure the all-purpose flour?
The flour should be lightly spooned and leveled for the most accurate measurement.
What kind of orange zest is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, the baking sheet should be lightly greased before placing the dough on it.
What occasions are these scones suitable for?
They are perfect for brunch, tea time, or as a refreshing snack.
How much sugar is used in total for the scones?
A total of 4 tablespoons of sugar is used: 3 tablespoons in the dough and 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top.
What is the purpose of the orange marmalade in this recipe?
The marmalade is mixed into the whipped butter to add a tangy, sweet citrus flavor.
Is a bench scraper necessary for this recipe?
While helpful for cutting the dough, a standard knife can also be used to cut the wedges.
What is the key to getting a fluffy scone?
The key is using baking powder for lift and being careful not to over-work the dough during mixing and kneading.
Should the butter for the whipped spread be cold?
No, the butter for the whipped orange butter should be softened to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
What provides the 'burst' of citrus in these scones?
The combination of fresh orange zest and juicy chopped mandarin segments provides the citrus burst.
Can I use a food processor to mix the dough?
The recipe recommends using a fork or pastry cutter to avoid over-processing, which keeps the texture light.