Imagine biting into a warm, flaky scone that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and orange - a British-inspired treat that promises to elevate your morning routine from ordinary to extraordinary. These Cinnamon Scones with Spiced Orange Glaze aren't just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to a cozy café in the heart of England, all while being surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Take the cold, cubed unsalted butter (1/2 cup) and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want to see small bits of butter for flaky scones.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the 1/2 cup of milk. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash more milk.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together, being careful not to overwork it. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round biscuit cutter to cut out circles if you prefer a different shape.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. You can brush the tops with a little extra milk for a golden finish if desired.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the spiced orange glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Drizzle the spiced orange glaze over the warm scones, allowing it to soak in slightly. Serve the scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite jam or butter.
Tips
- Keep Your Butter Cold: The secret to flaky scones is using ice-cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and work quickly to maintain its temperature.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overworking leads to tough, dense scones instead of light and tender ones.
- Use a Light Touch: When kneading and shaping, be gentle. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
- Uniform Sizing Matters: Cut your scones evenly to ensure they bake at the same rate and look professionally made.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the spiced orange glaze over slightly warm scones to allow it to slightly soak in and create a more intense flavor.
- Storage Tip: These scones are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Warm briefly before serving to restore their fresh-baked texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
