Zesty Orange Almond Scones with Whipped Cream
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Zesty Orange Almond Scones, perfect for brightening your mornings or elevating your afternoon tea. These scones combine the zesty freshness of sweet orange juice and grated peel with the nutty crunch of finely chopped almonds, resulting in a deliciously moist and tender treat. While they may take a bit more effort than your average scone, the end result is a batch of rich, flavorful scones that pair beautifully with raspberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you're serving them for breakfast or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these scones are sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1/2 cup (fresh is best)
plain yogurt
1/4 cup (or substitute with milk)
large egg
1 (beaten)
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking powder
4 teaspoons (n/a)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (cold, cubed)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (n/a)
almonds
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
orange peel
1 tablespoon (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave ungreased.
2
In a large mixing bowl or a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the fresh orange juice, plain yogurt (or milk), egg, and almond extract. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine.
4
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or fine granules.
5
Mix in the sugar, chopped almonds, and grated orange peel until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Use a fork to stir the ingredients gently until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add a splash of extra milk as needed.
7
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 5-6 times until it holds together but remains light and fluffy.
8
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round circle, about 1 inch thick. Place each circle onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each circle into 6-8 wedges, depending on your desired size.
9
For crisper edges, separate the wedges slightly on the baking sheet.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with raspberry jam and whipped cream!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Almond Scones?
They are a rich and flavorful baked treat combining the citrus flavor of sweet orange juice and grated peel with the nutty texture of almonds.
What is the primary flavor profile of these scones?
The scones feature a zesty orange flavor balanced with almond extract and finely chopped almonds for a moist, tender result.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You can either line the baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
What liquid ingredients are mixed together first?
The recipe calls for whisking together fresh orange juice, plain yogurt (or milk), an egg, and almond extract.
Can I substitute the plain yogurt in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the plain yogurt with an equal amount of milk.
What dry ingredients need to be sifted together?
You should sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
How should the butter be incorporated into the dough?
Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or fine granules.
When do I add the chopped almonds and orange peel?
Mix the sugar, chopped almonds, and grated orange peel into the dry mixture after the butter has been cut in.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the egg mixture, and stir gently with a fork until a soft dough forms.
What should I do if the scone dough is too dry?
If the dough is too dry to form, you can add a splash of extra milk as needed.
How many times should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded gently about 5-6 times on a lightly floured surface until it holds together.
How should the dough be shaped before baking?
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a round circle approximately 1 inch thick.
How many wedges does this recipe yield?
Each dough circle is cut into 6-8 wedges, resulting in a total of 12 to 16 scones.
How can I ensure my scones have crisper edges?
Separate the cut wedges slightly on the baking sheet before placing them in the oven.
What is the recommended baking time?
Bake the scones for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I check if the scones are fully cooked?
The scones are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I cool the scones before eating?
Yes, allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
What are the best toppings for these scones?
They pair beautifully with raspberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream.
How much orange juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of orange juice, and fresh is recommended for the best flavor.
How much almond extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour are used for the base of the dough.
Is there any special preparation for the almonds?
The almonds should be finely chopped before being added to the mix.
Can I use a pizza cutter to cut the scones?
Yes, a sharp knife or a pizza cutter works well to divide the dough circles into wedges.
What provides the leavening for these scones?
A combination of 4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda provides the lift.
Is this a good recipe for afternoon tea?
Absolutely, these scones are perfect for elevating an afternoon tea or serving as a sweet snack.
How much orange peel is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel for extra zest.
Is this scone recipe considered easy?
While described as taking a bit more effort than average, it is still classified as an easy recipe suitable for family and friends.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use 8 tablespoons (one stick) of cold, cubed unsalted butter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used to make these Zesty Orange Almond Scones.