Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a burst of citrusy goodness? Look no further than these delectable Blood Orange Scones! Picture this: a buttery, flaky scone infused with the unique and vibrant flavor of blood oranges. It’s like a ray of sunshine on your plate, bringing a refreshing twist to your morning routine.

When it comes to baking these Blood Orange Scones, the key is in the details. From the chilled butter that creates those perfect layers to the indulgent heavy cream that ensures a tender crumb, every ingredient plays a crucial role in making these scones truly exceptional. And let’s not forget about the star of the show – the blood oranges! Their distinct flavor, reminiscent of raspberries, adds a delightful tanginess that sets these scones apart from the ordinary. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a citrus sensation like no other.

Quick Benefits

• Enhanced Flavor: Blood oranges provide a unique, less acidic flavor profile with raspberry-like notes, adding a special touch to the scones.
• Flaky Texture: Using cold butter creates pockets in the dough that melt in the oven, resulting in flaky layers in the scones.
• Tender Crumb: Heavy cream’s high fat content is essential for achieving a tender texture in the scones, unlike using a lower-fat substitute like milk.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: Blood oranges provide a less acidic and more raspberry-like flavor compared to regular oranges, giving these scones a distinct and delightful taste.
• Beautiful Natural Color: The blood oranges impart a gorgeous natural pink tint to the scones, making them visually appealing and perfect for special occasions or Instagram-worthy photos.
• Flaky Layers: Using cold butter and heavy cream creates those sought-after flaky layers in the scones, resulting in a perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
• Rich and Tender Texture: The high fat content in the heavy cream is essential for achieving a rich and tender texture in the scones, ensuring they are moist and flavorful.
• Intense Flavor Boost: The addition of fresh zest adds a burst of flavor to the scones, enhancing the overall taste and making them more aromatic and delicious.

Ingredients for Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe

• Blood oranges – Obviously important here! Their flavor is less acidic than regular oranges with these amazing raspberry-like notes. If you can’t find them, regular oranges work too, but you’ll miss that special flavor and that gorgeous natural pink tint.
• Heavy cream – Don’t even think about substituting milk here. The fat content in the cream is crucial for that tender texture. One time I only had half-and-half and the scones were definitely not the same.
• Cold butter – When they say cold, they mean COLD. I actually pop mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes before cutting it up. Those little cold butter pockets create the flaky layers when they melt in the oven.
• Fresh zest – The oils in the zest have so much flavor! I probably use more than the recipe strictly needs, but it makes such a difference. Just be careful not to get the bitter white pith.

How to Make Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and baking sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, then whisk together.

Step 3: Add butter

Incorporate cold cubed butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two knives, or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.

Step 4: Mix wet ingredients

Combine heavy cream, egg, blood orange zest, and blood orange juice in a bowl and whisk until fully mixed.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed. Dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 6: Shape and cut dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

Step 7: Bake

Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown at the edges. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Make glaze

Once the scones have cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth to make the glaze. Begin with 2 tablespoons of juice and adjust as necessary for consistency.

Step 9: Glaze and serve

Pour the glaze over the scones while they are still warm. Serve the scones warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Blood Orange Scones, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the scones to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It’s best to line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and help keep the scones fresh. Stored this way, the scones can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the scones for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

To freeze the Blood Orange Scones for longer-term storage, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, the scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the scones overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a low oven until warmed through. Freezing can slightly alter the texture, but the scones will still be delicious and convenient for a quick treat whenever you crave them.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Blood Orange Scones, if you cannot find blood oranges, you can substitute with regular oranges as mentioned in the recipe. While regular oranges won’t provide the same unique flavor and vibrant pink hue, they will still work well in the recipe. You may also consider adding a splash of raspberry juice or a few drops of red food coloring to mimic the color and enhance the flavor profile.

Regarding the cold butter, if you don’t have access to butter or prefer a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter or solid coconut oil as a substitute. Just ensure they are very cold before incorporating them into the dough to achieve the desired flaky texture. Additionally, for the heavy cream, if you are looking for a lighter alternative, you can try using full-fat coconut milk or a combination of coconut cream and a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk to maintain a similar fat content for a tender scone crumb.

Serving Suggestions

These blood orange scones are best served warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a drizzle of honey. The tangy sweetness of the blood oranges pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of the clotted cream, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some freshly grated blood orange zest on top for a burst of citrus aroma.

To elevate these blood orange scones even further, consider serving them alongside a pot of freshly brewed earl grey tea. The citrusy notes of the blood oranges complement the bergamot flavor in the earl grey tea, creating a harmonious tea time experience. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon savoring these delicious scones and tea for a delightful treat that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular oranges as a substitute for blood oranges in this recipe. However, you will miss out on the unique flavor and natural pink tint that blood oranges provide.

Why is it important to use cold butter in this recipe?

Using cold butter is crucial in this recipe because it creates small pockets in the dough that melt in the oven, resulting in flaky layers in the scones.

Can I substitute heavy cream with milk in this recipe?

No, heavy cream should not be substituted with milk in this recipe. The fat content in heavy cream is essential for achieving the tender texture of the scones.

Why is using fresh zest important in this recipe?

Using fresh zest is important because the oils in the zest contain a lot of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the scones. Be sure to avoid including the bitter white pith when zesting.

Conclusion

As you take your last bite of these delightful Blood Orange Scones, savor the burst of citrusy goodness and the tender crumb that melts in your mouth. I hope this recipe has brought a bright and flavorful touch to your day, reminding you that a little baking therapy can go a long way. Remember, the next time you spot those vibrant blood oranges at the market, it’s your cue to whip up another batch of these delectable scones.

So, whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or sharing these Blood Orange Scones with loved ones, may every bite be a reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures and the warmth that comes from homemade goodies made with love. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats like these Blood Orange Scones.

Delicious Blood Orange Scones Recipe

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Blood Orange Scones, where zesty citrus notes meet buttery, flaky layers for a delightful treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time18 Minutes

Total Time38 Minutes

CuisineBritish

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 scones)

Ingredients

• Blood oranges – Obviously important here! Their flavor is less acidic than regular oranges with these amazing raspberry-like notes. If you can’t find them, regular oranges work too, but you’ll miss that special flavor and that gorgeous natural pink tint.
• Heavy cream – Don’t even think about substituting milk here. The fat content in the cream is crucial for that tender texture. One time I only had half-and-half and the scones were definitely not the same.
• Cold butter – When they say cold, they mean COLD. I actually pop mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes before cutting it up. Those little cold butter pockets create the flaky layers when they melt in the oven.
• Fresh zest – The oils in the zest have so much flavor! I probably use more than the recipe strictly needs, but it makes such a difference. Just be careful not to get the bitter white pith.

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, then whisk together.
3. Add butter: Incorporate cold cubed butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two knives, or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
4. Mix wet ingredients: Combine heavy cream, egg, blood orange zest, and blood orange juice in a bowl and whisk until fully mixed.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed. Dough will be slightly sticky.
6. Shape and cut dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
7. Bake: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown at the edges. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
8. Make glaze: Once the scones have cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth to make the glaze. Begin with 2 tablespoons of juice and adjust as necessary for consistency.
9. Glaze and serve: Pour the glaze over the scones while they are still warm. Serve the scones warm or at room temperature.