If you have a craving for a tender, buttery treat with a bright twist, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe. These scones are the perfect balance of zesty orange zest and warm, aromatic cardamom, enhanced by rich cream that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, the delicate crumb and subtle sweetness make these scones an irresistible favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe lies in using a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component plays its part—from the fragrant cardamom adding a hint of spice, to the cream giving the scones that soft, tender crumb you’ll adore.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender bite when balanced right.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the citrus and spice.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Your leavening hero, helping the scones rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom: A fragrant spice that brings warmth and an exotic note to the scones.
- Zest of 1 large orange: Bursts of fresh citrus brightening every bite with natural flavor and a slight zing.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter creates those flaky, tender layers everybody loves.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: Rich and creamy, it keeps the scones moist and adds luxurious texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with sweet aromatics.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling: Gives a delightful crunchy top if you like a little extra sparkle.
How to Make Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, a hot oven is crucial to get those scones rising quickly and turning a beautiful golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your scones from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with Zest and Spice
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and that fresh orange zest. This step is when the scones start to build their signature flavor profile—aromatic, bright, and inviting. Make sure your zest is finely grated to distribute that citrus fragrance evenly.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The key here is cold butter—this helps create the flaky texture by producing little pockets of butter that puff as they bake. Avoid warming the butter too much as it will affect the flakiness.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour this into the dry mixture and stir gently to combine. You want to bring everything together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the scones tender.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle—this thickness ensures the scones bake right through with a golden crust but tender center.
Step 6: Cut and Prepare for Baking
Slice the circle into 8 equal wedges, like cutting a pizza. Arrange them carefully on your lined baking sheet. If you want a little extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar now—it bakes into a delightful sugary crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be incredible! Once baked, allow them to cool slightly on a rack—not too long though, these scones are best enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of whipped cream or clotted cream complements the scones’ richness beautifully, while a drizzle of honey or a smear of marmalade emphasizes the orange zest. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a pinch of finely grated orange zest on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
These scones pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. If you’re serving brunch, fresh fruit or a berry compote adds a juicy counterpoint to the warmly spiced scones. Smoky or savory sides like smoked salmon and cream cheese can create a delightful contrast for a more complex spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these scones for a charming presentation or cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces to serve at a party. You can also turn them into mini sandwiches by slicing them in half and filling with mascarpone cheese and orange marmalade for an extra special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Done with your batch but still craving more? Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days without sacrificing freshness. Just keep them covered to maintain their soft texture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe later, freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or place baked scones in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, which means you can have freshly baked flavor anytime.
Reheating
To bring your scones back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their golden crunch on the outside and warm, gooey softness inside. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them overly soft and a little rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use something other than cardamom?
Absolutely! While cardamom is a standout flavor in this recipe, you can substitute it with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different warm spice character. Each will bring its own unique twist but the scones will still be delicious.
Is it okay to use orange juice instead of zest?
Orange zest provides concentrated citrus oils without extra liquid, which is essential for texture. While you could add a tablespoon or two of fresh orange juice, be cautious with the dough’s moisture content, as too much liquid can change the scones’ texture.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can create a gluten-free version. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.
What is the best way to keep scones flaky?
Using cold butter and minimal mixing is key. The butter creates steam as the scones bake, which produces flaky layers. Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it to maintain that perfect texture.
Can I add mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts?
Definitely! Add chopped dried cranberries, currants, or chopped pistachios to the dry ingredients for a lovely burst of flavor and texture. Just don’t overdo it to keep the scones tender.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe is truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Its combination of bright orange zest and fragrant cardamom with creamy richness makes it a standout treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, warm up the oven, and treat yourself to the deliciousness of homemade scones that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are tender and flaky with a delightful citrus aroma and a warm hint of cardamom. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are enriched with heavy cream and butter for a rich texture and topped with optional coarse sugar for an irresistible crunch.
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
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the scones.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Shape and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then pat or roll the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for extra texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky scones.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the texture tender.
- Coarse sugar on top adds a nice crunch but is optional.
- Serve these scones warm with clotted cream or orange marmalade for extra indulgence.
