In the spirit of brightening up my mornings, I discovered the bliss of baking with blood oranges. The first time I sliced into one, its vibrant hue and fragrant aroma wove their magic through my kitchen. That day, I decided to create a recipe that embraces the unique sweetness of these seasonal gems—enter my Blood Orange Almond Scones.
With their buttery tender crumb and the unexpected nutty flavor of almond flour, these scones soon became my go-to for brunch gatherings and cozy mornings alike. What I love most is how quick and easy they are to whip up, making it simple to elevate any breakfast table without the fuss of traditional pastries. Plus, with a dreamy glaze of blood orange juice sprinkled on top, these beauties are not just delicious—they’re a feast for the eyes!
So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, these scones will delight your taste buds and awaken your inner baker. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of flavor and create something special together!
Why are Orange Almond Scones so delightful?
Bright, Unique Flavor: The blood orange zest brings a refreshing twist that sets these scones apart from traditional recipes.
Almond Goodness: Almond flour adds a delightful nuttiness, enhancing both texture and taste.
Simple Preparation: No complex techniques—just mix, shape, and bake! Perfect for busy mornings.
Freeze Ahead: Prep in advance by freezing the dough; simply bake fresh scones whenever you crave a treat.
Glorious Glaze: A luscious blood orange glaze makes these scones irresistible, both visually and taste-wise.
Elevate your breakfast routine with these delightful scones!
Orange Almond Scone Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful treat with this simple list!
For the Scones
- Almond flour – adds a lovely nuttiness and richness to the flavor of your orange almond scones.
- All-purpose flour – provides structure and lightness, balancing the texture of the scones perfectly.
- Fine sea salt – enhances the natural sweetness while bringing out all the lovely flavors.
- Baking powder – gives the scones the lift they need for a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the scones just right, allowing the blood orange zest to shine through.
- Zest of 2 blood oranges – infuses the scones with a vibrant, citrusy aroma unlike any other!
- Zest of 1 lemon – adds a bright note that complements the blood orange beautifully.
- Butter, very cold – ensures a flaky texture; don’t skip this step!
- Heavy cream – enriches the dough and keeps the scones tender during baking.
- Egg – binds the ingredients together and contributes to a golden finish.
- Vanilla – adds a warm undertone that rounds out the scone’s flavor.
For the Glaze
- Organic powdered sugar – gives the glaze that sweet, smooth consistency you’ll love drizzling over your scones.
- Blood orange juice – brings a delightful tanginess and a stunning hue to your glaze.
- Pinch salt – balances sweetness in the glaze, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.
How to Make Orange Almond Scones
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Add the zest of the blood oranges and lemon for that zesty aroma. Set aside the orange juice for the glaze.
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Cut in Butter: Slice the very cold butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour mixture using a pastry knife. Continue working until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs—this step is crucial for flaky scones!
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small cup, mix the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla with a fork. Pour this mixture into the flour dough, and use your hands to lightly combine until it forms a rough dough, still a bit crumbly.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a flat disk about an inch thick. Use a bench scraper, knife, or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into your preferred shapes carefully.
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Freeze the Dough: Place the cut portions in a container, cover them tightly, and freeze the dough overnight or for at least a few hours. This step ensures a perfect texture when baked!
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Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Just before baking, arrange the scones on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and brush them with a little extra heavy cream. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until they’re golden brown on the bottom and baked through in the center.
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Prepare the Glaze: To make the glaze, whisk together the organic powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and the reserved blood orange juice. Once the scones are cooled, drizzle or pour this luscious glaze on top for a delightful finishing touch.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed almonds on top of the glaze before it sets!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Orange Almond Scones?
Imagine a delightful morning gathering where the scent of citrus uplifts your spirits and paired dishes enhance every bite.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits brightens the table and offers a refreshing contrast to the rich scones.
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Honey-Infused Yogurt: Creamy yogurt drizzled with honey adds a sweet and tangy creaminess, balancing the zesty scones beautifully.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of blood orange, making each sip a cozy experience alongside your scones.
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Herbal Tea: A delicate chamomile or mint tea will cleanse the palate and elevate the enjoyment of the citrus notes in these scones.
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Quiche: A slice of creamy quiche brings a hearty element to your brunch spread, pairing well with the light and airy texture of the scones.
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Lemon Curd: This tart spread adds an extra layer of delightful sweetness to each bite, inviting you to savor the vibrant flavors even more.
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Light Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A fresh salad drizzled with a citrusy dressing mirrors the zestiness of the scones, creating harmony on your plate.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Almond Scones are perfect for busy home cooks looking to elevate their mornings effortlessly! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and shaping it, then placing the scones on a baking sheet and covering them tightly before refrigerating. To maintain their delightful texture, refrigerate, preventing them from browning. When you’re ready to enjoy your scones, simply preheat the oven and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed. The result? Freshly baked scones that taste just as delicious as if you’d made them that morning!
Orange Almond Scones Variations
Feel free to get creative with these scone variations that will make your morning treat even more special!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep these delicious scones suitable for everyone.
- Nut-Free: Use a combination of oat flour and coconut flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free alternative that still has a lovely texture.
- Citrus Medley: Try mixing in the zest of limes or tangerines alongside blood oranges for a citrus explosion that brightens the flavor profile!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a decadent twist that complements the zesty notes beautifully.
- Savory Twist: Swap out blood orange zest for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory scone that pairs wonderfully with cheese—perfect for brunch!
- Fruit-Filled: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries into the dough, giving each bite a burst of sweet-tart flavor for a delightful surprise.
- Extra Crunch: Add in some crushed pistachios or walnuts for an added layer of texture that enhances the nutty flavors in your scones.
- Spice It Up: Mix in ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that adds warmth, making these scones a great choice for chilly mornings!
Helpful Tricks for Orange Almond Scones
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Chill Your Butter: Use very cold butter for the ideal flaky texture—room temperature butter will lead to dense scones.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender, buttery Orange Almond Scones.
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Proper Freezing: Freezing the dough is key for the best texture. Avoid skipping this step; it greatly enhances the final product!
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Glaze Timing: Drizzle the glaze only after the scones have completely cooled to prevent it from melting into the scone.
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Personalize Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or grapefruit, for unique variations of these beautiful scones!
Storage Tips for Orange Almond Scones
Room Temperature: Enjoy your baked scones fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, stored in an airtight container to keep them soft and tender.
Fridge: If you need to store them a bit longer, pop the scones in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to cover them well to prevent drying out!
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the baked scones in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months!
Reheating: To enjoy frozen scones, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will make your Orange Almond Scones delightful again!
Orange Almond Scones Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right blood oranges for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for blood oranges that have a deep, rich color with smooth skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness, and avoid any with dark spots or blemishes. Ideally, they should be firm yet slightly give when gently pressed.
What’s the best way to store leftover Orange Almond Scones?
For optimal freshness, keep your baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, just make sure they are well covered to keep from drying out.
Can I freeze the dough for Orange Almond Scones?
Yes, you can! After shaping the dough into your desired portions, place them in a container or freezer-safe bag and freeze them overnight or for at least 2-3 hours. Once frozen, they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Simply preheat your oven and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my scones don’t rise properly?
Very! If your scones didn’t rise as expected, check a couple of things. First, ensure your baking powder is fresh; it should fizz when mixed with liquid. Next, don’t overmix the dough—just combine the wet and dry ingredients until incorporated, as overmixing can lead to dense scones. Lastly, ensure your butter is cold when preparing the dough; this contributes to a fluffy texture.
Are these scones suitable for those with nut allergies?
Certainly! If you’re catering to someone with nut allergies, you can substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that you’ll miss the lovely nuttiness that almond flour provides! For additional flavor, consider adding some chopped seeds or oats for texture.
How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?
Look for a beautiful golden bottom and the centers should be baked through—an internal temperature around 200°F means they are ready! You can also gently poke one to see if it springs back; if it does, they’re perfect! Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as they bake!
Zesty Orange Almond Scones for a Bright Morning Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Add zest of the blood oranges and lemon.
- Slice the very cold butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour mixture using a pastry knife until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- In a small cup, mix heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the flour dough and lightly combine until it forms a rough dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat disk about an inch thick. Cut the dough into preferred shapes.
- Place the cut portions in a container, cover tightly, and freeze overnight or for a few hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the scones on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and brush with extra heavy cream. Bake for 18-22 minutes.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and the reserved blood orange juice. Drizzle on cooled scones.