Description

Delight in these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones, a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat featuring a fragrant blend of fresh orange zest and warm cardamom spices. These scones are tender and flaky, enriched with heavy cream and butter for a rich texture, and lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a pleasant crunch to the golden crust. Easy to make and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes, these scones bring a cozy and aromatic touch to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

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

2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking of the scones.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and orange zest, making sure the spices and zest are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating flaky layers in the scones.
Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this into the dry ingredients, gently folding until a dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle to prepare for cutting.
Cut and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Place the wedges spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a sparkling, crunchy finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the rich creaminess and fragrant orange-cardamom aroma.

Notes

Ensure the butter is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture to create a flaky texture.
Do not overmix the dough as it can make the scones tough instead of tender.
Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
The optional coarse sugar topping adds texture but can be omitted for a softer crust.
For best results, serve scones warm, fresh out of the oven or reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, British-inspired