Apricot Orange Cream Scones
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 13 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Yields: 8 scones
Description
Scones are a timeless treat, loved for their warm, comforting texture and simple yet delightful flavor combinations. These Apricot Orange Cream Scones are a perfect example, blending the sweetness of dried apricots with the zesty brightness of fresh orange, all balanced by the richness of white chocolate chips and heavy cream. The soft, buttery scones are topped with a sweet, citrusy glaze that makes them the perfect accompaniment to your morning tea or afternoon coffee. Add a dollop of clotted cream, and you’re in for a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The recipe comes together quickly—within 30 minutes—and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | For a light, fluffy texture |
| Granulated sugar | 4 tablespoons | Adds sweetness |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons | To help the scones rise |
| Fresh orange zest | 3 teaspoons | For a citrusy brightness |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances flavor balance |
| White chocolate chips | ½ cup | Adds creamy sweetness |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 ⅓ cups | For richness and moisture |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | For the glaze |
| Fresh orange juice | 2-3 tablespoons | For glaze consistency |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 413.4 kcal |
| Fat | 18.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 55.8 mg |
| Sodium | 307.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 58.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 32 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well-distributed.
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Add the apricots and white chocolate chips: Incorporate the chopped dried apricots and white chocolate chips into the dry mixture. These ingredients will provide a sweet, chewy contrast to the light, airy scone base.
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Incorporate the cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream all at once, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve the lightness of the scones.
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Shape the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently about 6 or 7 times until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough in half.
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Form the scones: Pat each portion of dough into a round that measures about 6 inches in diameter. Use a knife or a bench scraper to cut each round into 4 wedges.
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Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the wedges about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they have room to rise and brown properly.
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Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until they are light golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as scones can go from golden to overbaked quickly.
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Cool and prepare the glaze: While the scones are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with enough fresh orange juice to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. You can add more or less juice depending on how thick you want the glaze.
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Glaze the scones: Once the scones are done baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of each scone, allowing it to soak in a bit before serving.
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Serve: These Apricot Orange Cream Scones are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Serve them with a hot cup of tea, a dollop of clotted cream, and maybe even a few extra orange slices for an extra burst of citrus.
Tips and Variations
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or cherries in place of apricots, or use milk or dark chocolate chips if white chocolate isn’t to your taste.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make these scones dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use a non-dairy butter substitute in place of the traditional butter.
- Orange Extract: If you want an extra punch of orange flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of orange extract into the dough along with the zest.
- Serve with Clotted Cream or Jam: For a traditional English tea experience, serve these scones with clotted cream and your favorite fruit preserves.
These Apricot Orange Cream Scones are a delightful combination of sweet and citrusy flavors, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. The soft, flaky texture paired with the creamy white chocolate and fresh orange zest makes for a scone experience that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious, these scones will surely be a hit.
