A scone is a type of baked bread or pastry that originated in the United Kingdom. It is typically round or triangular in shape, with a light and tender texture. Scones are made by combining flour, butter, sugar, and liquid (such as milk or buttermilk) along with leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. They can be sweet or savory and are often flavored with ingredients like fruits, nuts, chocolate, or spices.
Scones are commonly enjoyed with butter, jam, clotted cream, or other spreads, and are often served as part of breakfast or afternoon tea. You can also add spice to your recipe for an extra special taste, which we’ll see below.
Here’s a scone recipe combining cardamom and orange.
Cardamom and Orange Scones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cardamom, and orange zest until well combined.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. If using dried currants or raisins, fold them into the dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape the dough into a circle or rectangle, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut out scones of your desired shape and size.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. Brush the tops of the scones with melted butter and sprinkle them with granulated sugar.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
These Cardamom and Orange Scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them with clotted cream, jam, or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea or coffee. The aromatic flavors of cardamom and orange combine beautifully in these tender and fragrant scones, making them a yummy treat for breakfast or brunch.
Why Combining Cardamom And Orange Works
Combining cardamom and orange in a scone creates a delightful flavor combination that works harmoniously together. Here’s why it makes sense:
- Cardamom: Cardamom has a unique, warm, and slightly citrusy flavor with hints of herbal and floral notes. It adds a subtle and aromatic depth to the scone, enhancing its overall taste profile. Cardamom pairs well with sweet flavors and complements the citrusy notes of the orange.
- Orange: Orange brings a bright and refreshing citrus flavor to the scone. Its tangy sweetness adds a burst of freshness to each bite. The zest of the orange provides a fragrant and aromatic element that complements the warmth of the cardamom.
When cardamom and orange are combined in a scone, the result is a beautifully balanced flavor experience. The aromatic and slightly spicy notes of the cardamom mingle with the zesty and citrusy flavors of the orange, creating a scone that is both fragrant and refreshing. The warm and slightly exotic taste of cardamom is enhanced by the bright and vibrant citrus flavors of the orange, resulting in a scone that is unique and full of character.