Name: Delicious Orange Chai Scones
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground chai spice mix; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing; 1 large egg; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger or golden raisins (optional)

If you’re in search of a delightful treat to accompany your afternoon tea, look no further than Orange Chai Scones. This delightful recipe combines the warm, aromatic spices of chai with the refreshing zest of orange, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The scones are fluffy, buttery, and bursting with citrus goodness—a true indulgence that is both simple to make and impressive in presentation.

These scones not only taste fantastic, but they also provide a wonderful aroma while baking, filling your kitchen with inviting scents that will make your mouth water. Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, or simply treating yourself, these Orange Chai Scones are sure to brighten your day. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for a variety of diets!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chai Scone Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The blend of chai spices and fresh orange zest creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh scones ready to enjoy in no time.
Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these scones pair beautifully with tea or coffee.
Customization Options: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, like dried fruits or chocolate chips.
Impressive Presentation: These scones look beautiful when served warm, making them an eye-catching addition to any table setting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin crafting these delicious Orange Chai Scones, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

For the tools, you will need:

A large mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients
A whisk to ensure everything is well-mixed
A pastry cutter for breaking down the butter into the flour mixture
A separate bowl for mixing your wet ingredients
A rolling pin for shaping the dough and a knife or a pizza cutter for cutting the scones

Having all these tools ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground chai spice mix
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
1 large egg
Zest of 1 large orange
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger or golden raisins (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture when baking the scones. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare your workspace. This will help prevent the scones from sticking and will make cleaning up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice mix. Use a whisk to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly blended and any clumps are broken up. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors as well as consistent rising.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving a flaky texture; the small pieces of butter create steam as they melt in the oven, which helps the scones rise.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The addition of the orange zest is what gives this recipe its unique freshness and aroma!

Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Carefully stir until just combined; be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones. If you choose to use candied ginger or golden raisins, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.

Step 6: Shape the Scones

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round shape, about 7 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges, similar to how you would slice a pizza. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

For a glossy finish, brush the tops of the unbaked scones with a little extra heavy cream. This step adds a beautiful golden color to the scones as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful aroma and flavor of your freshly baked Orange Chai Scones!

Variations

Protein: Add crumbled bacon or chopped cooked sausage to give your scones a savory twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots or finely chopped spinach for a unique flavor and added nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your butter is cold; this is crucial for creating light and flaky scones.
Don’t overmix the dough; doing so can lead to tough scones, which are less enjoyable.
Let the scones cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps maintain their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these scones with a pat of butter or a dollop of jam for an extra layer of flavor.
Pair with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat.

Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; for longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 200 per scone
Protein: 3 grams
Sodium: 250 milligrams

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape and bake when you’re ready.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! You can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat milk, but this may alter the scone’s texture.

How do I store the scones?

Store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, freeze and reheat as desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Orange Chai Scones are a delicious treat that embodies the warming flavors of chai with a burst of citrus. Simple enough to make on a relaxing weekend or ideal for entertaining guests, they are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. With their flaky texture and inviting aroma, you’ll want to make them again and again. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade scones. We’d love to hear your experiences and any variations you decide to try—leave a comment below!