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.