Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Orange Scones Recipe

Introduction

These irresistibly moist chocolate orange scones are the perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. Combining rich cocoa, bright citrus, and melty chocolate chips, they offer a delicious balance of flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and sure to impress, they’ll become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup orange juice, fresh
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: Add the sugar and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir gently into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: On a floured surface, shape the dough into a 1-inch thick disc.
7. Step 7: Cut the disc into 8 equal triangles and place them on a lined baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the scones are puffed and slightly firm to the touch.
9. Step 9: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice to make the glaze.
10. Step 10: Once baked, let the scones cool slightly, then drizzle with the orange glaze before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled butter for flaky scones; avoid overmixing the dough to keep them tender.
• Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm or spicy twist.
• For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars or preservatives.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

The scones should be puffed up and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw dough.

Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Orange Scones Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

These Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Orange Scones combine rich cocoa and bright citrus flavors to create a tender, fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The scones are bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips and finished with a sweet orange glaze that perfectly balances the chocolate and citrus notes.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup orange juice, fresh
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Additional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the scones.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Create crumbly mixture: Add the granulated sugar and cold unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mix until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
4. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, crack in the egg, add the fresh orange juice and orange zest. Gently stir these wet ingredients into the dry mix, combining just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking.
5. Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
6. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick.
7. Cut the scones: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough disc into 8 equal triangular wedges.
8. Prepare for baking: Place the scone triangles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced slightly apart.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones have puffed up and are slightly firm to the touch.
10. Prepare the glaze: While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl until smooth.
11. Glaze the scones: After removing the scones from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Use cold butter to ensure the scones are flaky and tender.
• Do not overmix the dough; overworking can result in tough scones.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best citrus flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a vegan alternative.
• Scones are best enjoyed warm on the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: chocolate orange scones, moist scones, breakfast scones, chocolate chip scones, orange zest scones