Discover the perfect recipe for soft and tender Orange Cardamom Cream Scones, infused with warm cardamom spice and the vibrant zest of orange. These scones are ideal for a comforting breakfast or an elegant tea-time treat.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Zest of 1 large orange
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
2 tablespoons coarse sugar for added crunch
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and orange zest.
Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently combine to form a dough.
Shape the Dough:
On a floured surface, turn out the dough and knead lightly just until it holds together. Pat into a 1-inch-thick circle.
Cut and Arrange:
Slice the dough into 8 wedges and place them slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet. For extra sweetness and texture, sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Tips:
Fresh and Warm: For the best taste, serve the scones slightly warm, straight from the oven or reheated briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven.
Toppings: Pair with clotted cream, whipped cream, or butter. A drizzle of honey, orange marmalade, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar complements the citrusy flavor beautifully.
Beverage Pairings: Serve alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea, spiced chai, or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful combination.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature:
Store cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain their texture, avoid leaving them uncovered.
In the Refrigerator:
Place scones in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their softness.
Freezing:
Before Baking: Prepare and cut the scone dough, then freeze the wedges on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
After Baking: Wrap fully cooled scones tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Reheating Tips:
Oven Method: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm the scones for 5-10 minutes to refresh their texture.
Microwave Method: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per scone, though this may slightly soften their crust.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute the heavy cream with another ingredient?
Yes! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half, but the scones may be slightly less rich and tender. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well, adding a subtle tropical flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have cardamom?
If you don’t have cardamom, you can substitute it with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a mix of both. While it won’t replicate the unique flavor of cardamom, these spices provide a warm, aromatic touch.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
How do I prevent the scones from being too dry?
To keep scones tender and moist:
Avoid overmixing or overkneading the dough.
Use cold butter and cream to maintain a flaky texture.
Check your oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the scones.
Conclusion:
Elevate your baking game with these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones, a perfect balance of spice and citrus that will brighten any day. Bake a batch today and savor the irresistible aroma!
📖 Recipe:
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Orange Cardamom Cream Scones
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones, a delightful combination of citrus and spice, perfect for breakfast or tea time. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Zest of 1 large orange
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and orange zest.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Gradually mix it into the dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and shape into a 1-inch-thick circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges and place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Butter Tip: Use very cold butter for flakier scones.
Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customization: Add dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 scones
- Calories: 250 kcal
