Orange Marmalade Scones

If you’re looking for a delightful, citrusy treat to brighten up your morning, these Orange Marmalade Scones are the perfect solution. They’re tender, flaky, and bursting with the zesty flavor of orange marmalade, making them an ideal pairing for a cup of tea or coffee. The marmalade adds a wonderful sweetness and a hint of tartness that cuts through the richness of the buttery scones. These are great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 2/3 cup buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade (plus more for serving)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, orange marmalade, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
5. Shape the scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush and sprinkle: Brush the tops of the scones with a little buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
7. Bake: 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. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
8. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with extra orange marmalade and a pat of butter. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving size: 1 scone
• Calories: Approximately 250 calories
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Sugar: 10g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the brand and quantity of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve these scones with extra orange marmalade and butter on the side.
• Pair them with a cup of Earl Grey tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Add a side of clotted cream for a classic British touch.
• Serve with fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to complement the citrus flavor.
• Enjoy as part of a brunch spread with other pastries and finger sandwiches.

Additional Tips

1. Cold butter is key: Keeping the butter cold is essential for flaky scones. If your kitchen is warm, consider freezing the butter for 10–15 minutes before cutting it in.
2. Do not overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones.
3. Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter scone, add an additional tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients or drizzle the finished scones with a simple glaze.
4. Use a sharp knife: To cut the scones, use a sharp knife or bench scraper and cut straight down without sawing—this helps the scones rise evenly.
5. Refrigerate before baking: For even flakier scones, place the unbaked scones in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking. This keeps the butter cold and results in a better texture.

Recipe Variations

• Glazed Scones: Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled scones for a sweet finishing touch.
• Chocolate Chip Marmalade Scones: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-orange combo.
• Cranberry Orange Scones: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries along with the wet ingredients for a tart and sweet addition.
• Whole Wheat Scones: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
• Almond Marmalade Scones: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the wet ingredients and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a well-rounded breakfast.
• Serve as part of a tea party with finger sandwiches, mini quiches, and assorted cookies.
• Add a side of lemon curd or honey for a different flavor to enjoy with your scones.
• Serve with a charcuterie board of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a unique brunch idea.
• Enjoy alongside freshly squeezed orange juice for a bright, citrusy breakfast.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Pastry cutter or fork for cutting the butter into the flour.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Wire rack for cooling the scones after baking.

FAQ

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar mixed in. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. What if I don’t have orange marmalade? You can substitute another type of citrus marmalade, like lemon or grapefruit. If you don’t have marmalade, orange zest and a tablespoon of honey will also work.
3. How do I keep the scones from spreading too much? Make sure your butter is very cold, and avoid overworking the dough. You can also refrigerate the shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
4. Can I make these scones gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Be sure to check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
5. Can I add other flavors to the scones? Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, mix in dried fruit, or even add a touch of fresh herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.

These Orange Marmalade Scones are a delightful and flavorful way to enjoy a classic baked good with a citrusy twist. The sweet marmalade, tender scone texture, and refreshing orange zest make these perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea party. They’re easy to make, and with the right balance of sweetness and tang, they’ll be a favorite in no time. Enjoy these flaky, buttery scones fresh out of the oven, and don’t forget the extra marmalade on the side for that perfect finishing touch!