Orange Chai Scones

Orange Chai Scones evoke the warmth and comfort of a cozy afternoon tea. The delightful combination of fragrant chai spices paired with a zesty orange twist creates a flavor experience that is both comforting and invigorating. These scones are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and they are incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to savor every bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8 scones
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why Make This Orange Chai Scones

Making Orange Chai Scones is a delightful way to welcome guests or treat yourself to a special snack. The warm spices—a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—create a cozy aroma, while the fresh orange zest adds a refreshing brightness. They’re not just delicious; these scones are versatile too! Pair them with clotted cream, butter, or even a dollop of fruit preserves. Enjoy them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful experience.

How to Make Orange Chai Scones

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that your scones won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom. This spice mixture is the heart of your scones, giving them that warm, chai flavor.

Step 3: Incorporating Ingredients

Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and if desired, 1/2 cup of raisins or currants. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix, or your scones may turn out tough.

Step 4: Shaping and Baking

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently to bring it together. Roll the dough to about 1 inch thick and cut it into triangles or rounds. Place the scones on your baking sheet, brush the tops with a beaten egg for a lovely golden finish, and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.

How to Serve Orange Chai Scones

These scones shine best when served warm. Try offering them with a side of clotted cream and a sprinkle of extra orange zest for a lovely presentation. They also pair nicely with honey, jam, or even a zesty cream cheese spread. For drinks, an aromatic chai tea or a robust coffee complements these scones beautifully.

How to Store Orange Chai Scones

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they will last for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Chai Scones

• Use cold butter to keep the scones light and fluffy.
• Don’t overmix the dough; a few lumps are okay.
• Experiment with various add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits.
• If you’re short on time, a food processor can speed up the mixing process, but be cautious not to over-process.

Delicious Variations

• Lemon Chai Scones: Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Spiced Pumpkin Scones: Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and adjust the spices to your liking.
• Nutty Scones: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, roll it out and cut it as directed.

• What should I do if my scones are too dry?
  If your dough feels dry, add a little more heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is just combined.

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
  Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but your scones may be denser. A mix of 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose is a good compromise.

• How do I know when my scones are done baking?
  Your scones should be golden brown on the top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

• Can I add chocolate chips?
  Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a delicious sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chai spices.

Conclusion

These Orange Chai Scones are a warm, inviting treat that can elevate any tea time or breakfast spread. Their delicious blend of spices and bright orange zest offers a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. With their simple preparation and delightful taste, you’re sure to impress friends and family alike. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—every bite will be worth it!

Orange Chai Scones

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious scones infused with warm chai spices and a zesty orange twist, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, orange zest, vanilla, and raisins or currants until just combined.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, roll to 1 inch thick, and cut into triangles or rounds.
6. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with clotted cream or jam. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for a month.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Baked Good
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg