Irresistible Chocolate Orange Scones: A Versatile Recipe for Every Baker (Gluten-Free & Whole Wheat Options)
Experience the bright, zesty delight of these chocolate orange scones, boasting a wonderful texture and a burst of citrus flavor. This adaptable recipe caters to everyone, offering delicious gluten-free, wholesome whole wheat, and classic all-purpose flour variations.
There are certain recipes that hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). For my husband, when asked for baking suggestions, the answer is almost always one of two things: his beloved chocolate orange scones or a comforting sour cream coffee cake. As we prepare for an upcoming Sunday brunch, his insistence on the sour cream coffee cake was unwavering. However, with the chill of winter settling in, I was leaning towards something a bit more seasonally appropriate, perhaps ginger scones. His response? A definitive, “People don’t like ginger, and nobody would eat them!” A classic culinary debate, indeed.
So, despite his strong preferences, there will indeed be ginger scones this Sunday! But that doesn’t diminish his enduring obsession with these fantastic chocolate orange scones. And it’s an obsession I completely understand. The combination of rich chocolate and vibrant orange zest is simply magical, especially when baked into a tender, flaky scone. It’s a flavor pairing that consistently brightens even the greyest winter days.
Why Chocolate Orange Scones Are a Must-Try
The beauty of chocolate orange lies in its harmonious contrast. The deep, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate perfectly complement the sweet, tangy, and aromatic essence of fresh orange. This isn’t just a holiday treat; it’s a year-round comfort that feels particularly invigorating during the colder months when citrus fruits are at their peak. These homemade scones are not only incredibly flavorful but also boast a delightful texture that’s crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender within. They offer a gourmet touch to your breakfast or brunch table without requiring expert baking skills.
Customizing Your Scones: Endless Possibilities
While the classic chocolate orange combination is undeniably superb, this versatile scone recipe encourages creativity! If you’re looking to explore other flavor profiles, consider these delightful twists:
- Cranberry & Orange: Swap the chocolate chips for dried cranberries. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet orange, creating a classic flavor combination perfect for any season.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Orange: For a richer, sweeter scone, use white chocolate chips alongside dried cranberries. The creamy white chocolate softens the tartness of the cranberries and enhances the orange flavor.
- Nutty Additions: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant crunch and earthy note to your scones.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add warmth and complexity to the orange and chocolate flavors.
- Other Citrus: While orange is the star here, you could experiment with lemon or lime zest for a different citrusy kick. Imagine lemon poppy seed scones or a vibrant lime and coconut combination!
Remember, the goal is to have fun and make these scones your own. However, one element I highly recommend retaining is that bright orange flavor. It’s essential, especially if you opt for a whole grain flour, as it beautifully balances and complements the earthy notes, ensuring a universally appealing scone.
Flour Power: Choosing Your Base for Perfect Scones
One of the standout features of this chocolate orange scone recipe is its incredible adaptability when it comes to flour choices. Whether you prefer traditional baking, a whole grain approach, or need a gluten-free option, this recipe has you covered, ensuring delicious results every time.
All-Purpose Flour: The Classic Choice
For a traditional scone texture, all-purpose flour is your go-to. It yields light, tender scones with a crisp exterior. When using all-purpose flour, you can expect a perfectly structured scone that bakes up beautifully and offers that quintessential crumbly, yet soft, bite.
Whole Wheat Flour: A Healthier Twist (with a Secret!)
If you’re looking to add more whole grains to your diet without sacrificing flavor or texture, white whole wheat flour is an excellent choice. Unlike regular whole wheat flour, which can sometimes impart a strong, dense, or slightly bitter flavor, white whole wheat flour is milled from a different variety of wheat that has a milder taste and lighter color. This makes it ideal for baking, as it retains the nutritional benefits of whole grains while being much more palatable. When using white whole wheat flour in these scones, the robust orange zest truly shines, helping to “drown out” any subtle whole grain notes you might not prefer, creating a truly balanced and flavorful treat.
Gluten-Free Flour: Deliciously Accessible
For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences, this recipe offers a fantastic gluten-free alternative. I highly recommend using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Flour. This blend is specifically formulated to replace wheat flour cup for cup in many recipes, simplifying the baking process. However, it’s important to set expectations for the texture:
- Fresh from the Oven: Gluten-free scones tend to be softer and more muffin-like when warm. This is due to the absence of gluten, which typically provides elasticity and structure.
- As They Cool: As they cool, these gluten-free scones will firm up, becoming more akin to traditional scones in hardness. They might have a slightly “sandy” texture compared to their wheat counterparts, which is common for gluten-free baked goods.
Despite these minor textural differences, we absolutely adore the gluten-free version! They are incredibly flavorful and a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten. The scones pictured in this post are actually the gluten-free version, demonstrating that they still look appealing, though wheat-based scones often achieve a slightly more uniform rise and a smoother surface without those characteristic “cracks” that can sometimes appear in gluten-free baking. For another delightful gluten-free option, you might also enjoy these almond flour lemon blueberry scones.
The Art of Scone Making: Essential Tips for Success
Creating perfect scones involves a few key techniques that ensure a tender, flaky result. Follow these tips to master your chocolate orange scones:
- Cold Butter is King: Always use very cold butter, cut into small cubes. This is crucial for creating those coveted flaky layers. When cold butter melts in the oven, it releases steam, which creates pockets of air, resulting in a light and airy texture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips (working quickly to prevent the butter from warming up) to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is perhaps the most important rule for tender scones. Overmixing develops the gluten (even in white whole wheat flour, though less so than all-purpose), leading to tough, chewy scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough barely holds together. A shaggy, slightly crumbly dough is ideal.
- Orange Zest vs. Juice: The recipe calls for both, and each plays a distinct role. Orange zest provides intense, concentrated citrus flavor and aroma without adding excess liquid. Orange juice adds necessary moisture and a subtle tang. Be mindful of the amount of orange juice; start with the minimum and add more gradually, only until the dough just comes together. The exact amount can vary based on flour type and humidity.
- Gentle Handling: Once the dough is formed, handle it as little as possible. Whether you’re shaping it into a disc to cut triangles or forming individual rounds, a light touch is key to maintaining a tender crumb.
- Shaping Your Scones: You have a couple of options. You can transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface (or parchment paper for easy cleanup), gently press it into a circle about 3/4 inch thick, and then cut it into 8 wedges. Alternatively, you can form 8 individual circular scones by hand, pressing them down slightly to your desired thickness.
- Optional Raw Sugar Topping: For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful sparkly crust, sprinkle a little raw sugar (or granulated sugar) over the tops of the scones before baking.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These chocolate orange scones are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are baked. Their flavor and texture are at their peak when still slightly warm from the oven. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or a glass of cold brew. If you’re a fan of cold brew, be sure to check out this cold brew ratio for a consistently perfect cup!
To further enhance the experience, consider serving them with a dollop of clotted cream, a smear of orange marmalade, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of orange juice. For a truly decadent treat, you could even drizzle them with melted chocolate.
If you have any leftover scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to refresh their texture. While they won’t be quite as flaky as fresh, they’ll still be delicious. You can also freeze baked scones for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature and then warm them up before serving.
I’m a huge advocate for incorporating citrus into winter baking. As I mentioned on my other blog when posting a lemon cookie recipe today, citrus fruits have an incredible ability to brighten up any day. Just like this delightful Orange Ice Cream, these scones bring a ray of sunshine to the cooler months.
If you try out these irresistible chocolate orange scones, I would absolutely love to hear what you think! Your feedback and culinary adventures are always inspiring.
Chocolate Orange Scones (gluten-free option)
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour or for a gluten-free version, 1 3/4 cups (241 grams) Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 packed tablespoons orange zest
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cold butter
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips or chunks
- 3-6 tablespoons s (60ml – 90ml) orange juice
- Optional – raw sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and orange zest in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using two knives, a pastry cutter, or your fingertips (working quickly) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the chocolate chips. Then, add the orange juice tablespoon by tablespoon, mixing gently after each addition. The amount of orange juice needed can vary, typically between three to six tablespoons, depending on your flour type and environmental humidity. Be careful not to overmix! You want the dough to just come together; if it’s too wet, it will be more muffin-like, which is not the desired scone texture. There’s no need to knead the dough.
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You can either transfer the dough to a Silpat or parchment-lined surface and gently form a round disk about 3/4 inch thick, then cut it into 8 triangles. Alternatively, form 8 circular scones by hand directly from the bowl, pressing them down slightly. If desired, sprinkle some raw or granulated sugar on top for a delightful crust.
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Transfer the shaped scones to a baking sheet lined with Silpat or parchment paper. Bake for approximately 12 – 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the size of your scones and your oven.
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For the gluten-free version, allow the scones to cool completely before enjoying. While they will be soft and tender straight from the oven, they will firm up to a more traditional scone texture as they cool. Like most homemade scones, these are best enjoyed on the day they are baked for optimal freshness and flavor!