Zesty Orange Pecan Scones
These delightful Zesty Orange Pecan Scones combine the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the refreshing citrus notes of orange, creating a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Adapted from The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook, this healthier version uses whole wheat and fat-free ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but can be made ahead and frozen for convenience. Simply defrost at room temperature and reheat for a warm, delectable experience that will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
8
Servings
169
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecan pieces
1/3 cup (Toasted)
1% fat buttermilk or fat-free buttermilk
1/4 cup (Liquid)
Large egg
1 (Beaten)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Liquid)
Finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (Fresh)
Orange extract
1/8 teaspoon (Liquid)
Whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Granular sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (Powdered)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Powdered)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (Powdered)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Granulated)
Chilled trans-fat free margarine
1/2 cup (Cut into bits)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2
Spread pecan pieces evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange extract until well combined.
4
In a separate large bowl, sift together the whole wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, granular sugar substitute, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5
Add the chilled margarine to the dry ingredients, and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the margarine into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
6
Stir in the toasted pecans and then pour in the buttermilk mixture, stirring until just combined into a slightly sticky dough. Use wet hands to gently knead the dough in the bowl about 4-5 times until it holds together.
7
Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a disk about 3/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the disk all the way through into 8 equal wedges but do not separate them.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
23g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
3mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Pecan Scones?
These are citrus-infused scones featuring toasted pecans and whole wheat flour, adapted from The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each scone contains approximately 169 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each scone?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per scone?
Each scone provides 3 grams of protein.
How much fiber is in a single serving?
Each scone contains 1.5 grams of fiber.
How much sugar do these scones contain?
These scones contain 0 grams of sugar as they use a granular sugar substitute.
What is the cholesterol content per serving?
Each scone contains 3 milligrams of cholesterol.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do I toast the pecans?
Toast the pecan pieces for 3-4 minutes or until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
What types of flour are needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour.
What type of buttermilk should I use?
You can use 1 percent fat buttermilk or fat-free buttermilk.
Is regular sugar used in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of granular sugar substitute.
How much margarine is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chilled trans-fat free margarine.
How many times should I knead the dough?
Gently knead the dough in the bowl about 4-5 times until it holds together.
How thick should the dough disk be?
The dough should be shaped into a disk that is about 3/4 inch thick.
How should the dough be cut before baking?
Cut the disk into 8 equal wedges, but do not separate them before baking.
How long is the baking time?
Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes.
Can these scones be frozen?
Yes, they can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
How do I reheat the frozen scones?
Defrost them at room temperature and then reheat for a warm experience.
What is the texture of the dough before kneading?
The dough will be slightly sticky when first combined.
What position should the oven rack be in?
The oven rack should be positioned in the middle.
How do I know when the scones are done?
The scones are done when they are lightly golden on top.
What tools can I use to cut the margarine into the flour?
You can use a pastry blender or two knives.
How much orange zest is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest.
Does this recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What should the baking sheet be prepared with?
Line the baking sheet with cooking spray.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Should the margarine be at room temperature?
No, the margarine should be chilled and cut into bits.