Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Scones: A Delightful Breakfast Treat

Orange Poppy Seed Scones Recipe

Introduction

Scones are the epitome of delightful breakfast treats, perfect for pairing with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and the vibrant combination of orange zest and poppy seeds makes these Orange Poppy Seed Scones an irresistible choice. The gentle citrus flavor, combined with the crunch of poppy seeds, creates a delightful bite that will leave your taste buds singing. These scones are easy to prepare and bake up to a golden perfection in just a short while, making them an ideal addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. The following recipe from lovewithrecipes.com provides all the details needed to whip up a batch of these delightful scones that your family and friends will surely love.

Nutritional Information

Ingredients

To create approximately 12 scones, you will need the following ingredients:

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step is crucial as it ensures that the scones will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking as they bake.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed, ensuring that the leavening agents are well incorporated.

4. Incorporate Butter
   Next, add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or cornmeal. This step is essential for achieving a flaky texture in your scones, as the bits of butter create steam during baking.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and mix in the orange juice. The fresh juice not only adds flavor but also helps to moisten the scone dough. Pour this liquid mixture into the flour mixture.

6. Mix the Dough
   Stir the combined ingredients gently until just blended, taking care to avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so be gentle during this step.

7. Shape the Dough
   Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ball and divide it in half. Pat each half into a circle approximately 1/2 inch thick and around 8 inches in diameter.

8. Cut and Arrange Scones
   Using a sharp knife, cut each circle into 6 even wedges. Carefully place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.

9. Bake
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

10. Cool and Serve
    Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of orange and poppy seeds.

Conclusion

These Orange Poppy Seed Scones are not only simple to prepare but also a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch offerings. Their lovely citrus flavor, combined with the crunch of poppy seeds, makes them a crowd favorite. Whether you enjoy them with butter, cream, or just as they are, these scones are sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious scones that are perfect for any occasion.

Feel free to explore more recipes like this one on lovewithrecipes.com and enjoy the art of baking delightful treats that bring joy to your table!