Orange Marmalade Scones

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly baked scone. The delicate crumb, the slightly crisp edges, and the way it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee make it a timeless treat. But what if you could elevate a classic scone with a burst of citrusy flavor and a touch of sweetness? Enter orange marmalade scones—a delightful twist on the traditional scone that incorporates the zesty brightness of oranges with the sweet, sticky goodness of marmalade. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea. The orange marmalade not only adds flavor but also creates a soft, moist texture, making these scones irresistible.

I first fell in love with these scones after a trip to England, where I had my first taste of marmalade spread over a warm, buttery scone. It was a game-changer. When I got back home, I experimented with adding orange marmalade directly into the scone dough, and the result was magical. Now, these orange marmalade scones are a regular feature in my kitchen, especially when I’m hosting brunch or just want a special treat with my morning coffee.

These scones are easy to make and require simple ingredients, but they’re bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find that this recipe is not only approachable but also yields a delicious and impressive result.

Why You’ll Love These Orange Marmalade Scones

1. Bright, Citrusy Flavor: The orange marmalade adds a burst of citrus that brightens up the scones, making them the perfect morning treat. The zesty flavor balances beautifully with the buttery, flaky texture of the scones.
2. Perfect for Any Time of Day: These scones are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a perfect pairing for your coffee or tea.
3. Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the orange marmalade, these scones stay moist and tender on the inside, with a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
4. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple, making it a great option for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
5. Customizable: While orange marmalade is the star of this recipe, you can easily switch things up by using other types of fruit marmalade or jams for a different flavor profile.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones

Nutritional Information (per scone)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious orange marmalade scones. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors come together beautifully for a citrusy, buttery treat.

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Optional Toppings:

• Extra orange zest, for garnish
• Sliced almonds, for a bit of crunch
• Sugar crystals, for a sparkling finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures that the scones won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. The dry ingredients are the foundation of the scones, and the sugar adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the tartness of the orange marmalade.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. You want to break down the butter into small, pea-sized pieces that are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as the scones bake, resulting in a flaky, tender texture.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange marmalade. If you’re using orange zest, add it to the wet ingredients for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and use a fork or spatula to gently combine the two. Be careful not to overmix the dough—it should come together in a slightly sticky ball, but still have some visible bits of butter. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so mix just until everything is incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round disk. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 7: Brush with Cream and Bake

Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the scones are baking, prepare the orange marmalade glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, orange juice, and powdered sugar until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle, but not too runny.

Step 9: Glaze the Scones

Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops of the scones. If you want, you can sprinkle some extra orange zest or sliced almonds on top for added flavor and texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Your orange marmalade scones are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. The scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

• Breakfast or Brunch: These orange marmalade scones are perfect for a weekend brunch spread. Serve them alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• Afternoon Tea: For a more traditional tea-time treat, serve these scones with a dollop of clotted cream or extra marmalade on the side. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with a strong cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
• Dessert: These scones can also be served as a light dessert, especially when drizzled with the sweet orange glaze. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Keep Your Butter Cold: Cold butter is the key to flaky scones. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the butter cubes in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing them into the dry ingredients. This will help ensure that the butter stays cold as you work it into the flour.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense scones. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stop mixing. It’s okay if the dough looks a little shaggy—this will result in a lighter, more tender scone.
3. Use Fresh Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest adds a burst of bright flavor to the scones. For the best results, use a microplane to zest the orange directly into the wet ingredients, releasing all those fragrant oils.
4. Bake at a High Temperature: Baking the scones at a high temperature (400°F) ensures that they rise quickly and develop a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Add Extra Marmalade: If you’re a big fan of marmalade, you can brush a little extra orange marmalade over the tops of the scones before baking for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about scones is how versatile they are. While these orange marmalade scones are delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to change up the recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Lemon Marmalade Scones:

For a twist on the citrus theme, substitute lemon marmalade for the orange marmalade and add lemon zest instead of orange zest. The bright, tangy flavor of lemon works beautifully in scones and pairs well with the buttery dough.

2. Cranberry Orange Scones:

For a fruity variation, fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries into the dough before shaping the scones. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the orange marmalade, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

3. Chocolate Chip Orange Scones:

If you’re a chocolate lover, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the scone dough. The combination of orange and chocolate is a match made in heaven, and the chocolate chips add a fun twist to this classic scone recipe.

4. Almond Orange Scones:

For a nutty flavor, add ¼ cup of sliced almonds to the dough and sprinkle extra almonds on top of the scones before baking. The almonds add a nice crunch and complement the sweet orange marmalade.

5. Gluten-Free Orange Marmalade Scones:

To make these scones gluten-free, simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the scones hold their shape.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing Scones:

These scones freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. To freeze, place the unbaked scones on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen scones directly in the oven (no need to thaw) and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

• Pastry Cutter or Fork: You’ll need a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture. This step is key for creating the flaky texture that makes scones so delicious.
• Zester or Microplane: To add fresh citrus zest to the dough and glaze, you’ll want a good zester or microplane to finely grate the orange peel.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent the scones from sticking and ensures even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of marmalade in this recipe?

Absolutely! While orange marmalade is a classic choice, you can use any type of marmalade or jam you like. Lemon marmalade, apricot jam, or even raspberry preserves would work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked scones and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.

3. What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them and reheat as needed.

4. Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to ensure the scones hold together properly.

5. Can I add other mix-ins to the scone dough?

Yes, you can! Dried fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips would make great additions to the dough. Just be careful not to add too many mix-ins, as it can affect the texture of the scones.

Conclusion

Orange marmalade scones are a delightful twist on the traditional scone recipe, with their bright citrus flavor and tender, buttery texture. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, these scones are sure to impress. The combination of orange marmalade, fresh orange zest, and a sweet orange glaze makes them a true celebration of citrus, and their flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture will have you reaching for seconds.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these orange marmalade scones for yourself. Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I love seeing your delicious bakes! Happy baking!