Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a delightful twist? Imagine biting into a warm, flaky scone bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges, reminiscent of your favorite café treat! Our "Orange Scones Panera Copycat" recipe brings the beloved café experience right into your kitchen, allowing you to indulge in these citrusy delights any time you crave them. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a batch of 12 scrumptious scones that will impress family and friends alike. Get ready to whisk up some magic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined and there are no lumps.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to work quickly to keep the butter cold for flaky scones.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 1/2 cup of orange juice until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.
- If desired, you can fold in additional ingredients such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 12 equal triangles or squares, depending on your preference.
- Transfer the cut scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a nice golden finish.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your homemade Orange Scones warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or served with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Tips
- Keep Your Butter Cold: For the flakiest scones, ensure your butter is cold when you cut it into the flour. This helps create those delightful layers that make scones so irresistible.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so be gentle!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to personalize your scones by folding in extras like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect Your Shape: For even baking, try to cut your scones into uniform sizes. Whether you prefer triangles or squares, consistency will help them bake evenly.
- Brush for Shine: For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking. This simple step makes a big difference in presentation!
- Serve Warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with butter, jam, or clotted cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
