Orange Breakfast Scones

Orange Breakfast Scones: A Burst of Sunshine on Your Plate

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for breakfast recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. These Orange Breakfast Scones fit the bill perfectly! They're quick to whip up, bursting with bright citrus flavor, and satisfying enough to keep me going until lunchtime. Forget those sugary, processed breakfast pastries – these scones are a wholesome and delightful alternative.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the method is straightforward enough for even the most novice baker to master. The combination of sweet mandarin oranges and tart cranberries provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, complemented perfectly by the fragrant orange zest. The scones themselves have a wonderfully tender crumb, thanks to the addition of sour cream, which also adds a lovely richness.

I often make a double batch on the weekends, storing half in an airtight container for a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast during the week. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch gatherings; simply warm them gently in the oven and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of your favorite jam. The possibilities are endless! I've even experimented with adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.

Beyond the Breakfast Table: These scones are incredibly versatile. While they're perfect for breakfast, they also make a delightful afternoon tea treat or a sweet accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Their bright citrus flavor makes them a refreshing alternative to heavier pastries, and their portable nature makes them ideal for picnics or packed lunches.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky texture.
• Don't overbake: Overbaked scones will be dry. Start checking for doneness around 28 minutes.
• Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or spices to customize these scones to your liking. I've tried adding blueberries, raspberries, and even chocolate chips with great success.

This Orange Breakfast Scones recipe has become a staple in my home, a beloved breakfast that is both simple and satisfying. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family and I do. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• Heat oven to 400.
• In large bowl, combine flour, 3 tb sugar, baking powder and orange peel.
• Cut in butter until crumbly.
• Stir in mandarin oranges and cranberries.
• In small bowl combine sour cream, egg and orange juice and beat with a wire whisk until smooth.
• Stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until well mixed. Mixture will be dry.
• Spread in greased 9-inch round cake pan.
• Sprinkle with 1 tb sugar.
• Bake for 28-32 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and scone is lightly browned.
• Cool 5 minutes and remove from pan.
• Cut into wedges.