Introduction
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade scones with this easy recipe. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. The addition of raisins adds a lovely sweetness, making them a favorite among all ages.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
Sugar: 1/4 cup
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Orange Zest (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
Raisins: 1/2 cup
Amasi (or plain buttermilk): 1/2 cup
Fresh Orange Juice: 1/4 cup
Large Egg: 1
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: 1/4 cup
Optional for Topping: Coarse sugar, a little brush of orange juice before baking
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15–18 minutes
Total Time
25–28 minutes
Yield
Makes 8 scones
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. Stir in the raisins until they are evenly distributed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the amasi, orange juice, egg, and oil until combined.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough just comes together; avoid overmixing.
6. Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut the dough into 8 triangles.
8. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If desired, brush the tops with orange juice and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional orange zest. This will be the base of the scone dough.
Step 3: Add the Raisins
Stir in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture. This will ensure every bite has a bit of sweetness.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the amasi (or plain buttermilk), fresh orange juice, egg, and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough just comes together; be careful not to overmix as this can result in tough scones.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. This will create a uniform thickness for even baking.
Step 7: Cut the Scones
Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to cut the dough into 8 triangles. This will make it easier to separate and bake evenly.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If desired, brush the tops lightly with orange juice and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
Step 9: Bake the Scones
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cooling and Serving
Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for different flavor profiles.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are delightful served with butter, jam, or cream. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In this technique, you combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and any optional ingredients like orange zest. Whisking these ingredients together ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and flavor throughout the dough.
Incorporating Dried Fruits
When adding raisins, stir them into the dry mixture before combining with wet ingredients. This helps prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom and ensures they are evenly distributed in the final product.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, including amasi, orange juice, egg, and oil. This helps to fully incorporate the egg and creates a homogenous mixture, which contributes to the overall texture of the scones.
Gentle Mixing
When combining wet and dry mixtures, stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate texture of the scones, which should be light and flaky.
Shaping the Dough
After turning the dough onto a floured surface, pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick instead of rolling. This minimizes gluten formation, which can make baked goods tough.
Cutting Uniform Shapes
Cut the dough into triangles to ensure even baking. A clean, sharp knife or bench scraper can help achieve clean edges, which helps the scones rise evenly in the oven.
Brushing for Shine
Optionally brush the tops of the scones with orange juice before baking. This adds flavor and helps achieve a shiny, appealing crust when baked.
Knowing When They’re Done
Bake until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Knowing the right color and texture helps ensure they’re fluffy inside while maintaining a beautiful outer crust.
FAQ
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor may change. It may result in denser scones.
What can I use instead of amasi?
You can substitute amasi with plain buttermilk or a mixture of milk and yogurt to achieve a similar tangy flavor and moisture.
Are there any alternatives to raisins?
Yes, you can use other dried fruits such as currants, cranberries, or chopped dates for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake them fresh when needed for the best texture.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour while mixing. However, be careful not to add too much to avoid altering the scone’s texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. Just fold them in gently after the wet and dry ingredients have been combined.
Conclusion
These scones made with flour, orange juice, and raisins provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. The addition of orange zest enhances their citrusy profile, while the amasi or buttermilk ensures they remain moist and tender. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best enjoyment.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Lemon Scones
Substitute raisins with blueberries and add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
Cranberry Almond Scones
Use dried cranberries in place of raisins and mix in slivered almonds for added crunch.
Chocolate Chip Orange Scones
Incorporate chocolate chips and keep the orange juice and zest for a sweet and citrusy combination.
Maple Walnut Scones
Replace sugar with maple syrup and fold in chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor profile.
Peach Melba Scones
Add finely chopped fresh peaches and a swirl of raspberry preserves for a fruity delight.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Scones
Mix in small chunks of apple and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a comforting flavor.
