Description

These Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are tender and flaky with a lovely hint of citrus and warm spice. Perfect for breakfast or a teatime treat, they combine fragrant orange zest and aromatic cardamom with rich cream and a buttery texture. Crisped to golden perfection and optionally topped with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for extra crunch, these scones are delightfully flavorful and easy to prepare.

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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and freshly grated orange zest. This blends the flavors and leavens the scones.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
Mix wet ingredients and form dough: In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Gradually pour this into the dry mixture, gently folding until a rough dough forms without overmixing.
Knead and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just until the dough comes together, then pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle.
Cut and prepare for baking: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart, and sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired for added sweetness and crunch.
Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Notes

For best results, keep the butter cold to ensure flaky scones.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones; mix just until combined.
Optional coarse sugar on top adds a sweet crunch but can be omitted for a softer top.
Serve these scones warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a traditional treat.
Scones are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.