Name: Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes); 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons orange juice

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Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are a fragrant, tender treat that promises to transform any morning into a special occasion. Imagine starting your day with golden pastries that are delicately flecked with orange zest and kissed with the warm, exotic flavor of cardamom. These scones are easy enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough for a celebratory brunch. With their crisp exterior, soft crumb, and sweet citrus glaze, Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are the kind of bake you’ll want to share with friends over coffee or savor all to yourself with a cozy cup of tea.

Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones unforgettable. Every ingredient plays an important role, from building delicate layers to infusing the dough with aroma and flavor. Gather these kitchen staples and a fresh orange—you’ll marvel at how simple it is to craft something so aromatic and irresistible.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure and a tender crumb to the scones.
Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness, balancing the citrus and spice.
Baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully for that soft interior.
Ground cardamom: Delivers a floral, slightly spicy note that pairs perfectly with orange.
Salt: Just enough to brighten and enhance all the other flavors.
Orange zest: Fresh zest infuses every bite with sunny citrus aroma.
Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Creates flaky layers and rich flavor—work it in cold for the best texture!
Heavy cream: Adds richness and keeps the scones moist and luxurious.
Large egg: Binds everything together while adding lift and tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, familiar sweetness.
Powdered sugar (optional glaze): Mixes with juice to make a quick, delectable drizzle.
Orange juice (optional glaze): Intensifies the citrusy finish if you love extra zing.

How to Make Orange Cardamom Cream Scones

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, so it’s hot and ready for scone action. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the bottoms golden without sticking, so your Orange Cardamom Cream Scones lift effortlessly when they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, salt, and that fragrant orange zest. The zest is easiest to incorporate evenly when it’s tossed with the flour first, ensuring every bite gets a pop of citrus.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Toss your cold, cubed unsalted butter into the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in. Aim for a coarse, pebbly texture—like little crumbs or peas. This step is the secret to those fluffy, layered scones that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This rich mixture will bring your dough together and give Orange Cardamom Cream Scones their signature moist, pillowy crumb.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and gently stir until just combined. The dough might look a bit shaggy—that’s perfect! Overmixing can cause tough scones, so stop as soon as it comes together.

Step 6: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With gentle hands, knead it two or three times—just enough to bring it into a ball. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle, then slice into 8 even wedges. Each one will bake up golden and gorgeous.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange the wedges on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. For a burnished top, brush lightly with a bit of extra cream. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until your Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are puffed and their tops are a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional)

While the scones are still warm, mix powdered sugar with just enough orange juice to make a pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over each scone—the glaze sets to a glossy finish and adds a sweet, tangy zing that complements the cardamom perfectly.

How to Serve Orange Cardamom Cream Scones

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for a pretty finish, but a few extra orange zest curls take these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones straight to showstopper level. If you’re serving for a special brunch, a little glaze drizzle and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or edible flowers can make each scone a work of art.

Side Dishes

These scones marry beautifully with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a small dish of whipped cream. For a bigger brunch, try serving them alongside a fruit salad or your favorite eggs—everything feels a little more special with warm, homemade Orange Cardamom Cream Scones on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones in a sunny basket lined with a linen napkin, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea vibes. Orange Cardamom Cream Scones also shine sliced and filled with clotted cream and marmalade for a decadent twist—just don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Orange Cardamom Cream Scones tasting their best, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though the texture is always at its peak the day you bake them.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, Orange Cardamom Cream Scones freeze wonderfully. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months, so you’re never far from a bakery-worthy treat.

Reheating

For a just-baked experience, reheat scones in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. This revives their crisp exterior and soft, fragrant center. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works in a pinch, but the oven is best for texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different citrus instead of orange?

Absolutely! Lemon or even grapefruit zest adds a delicious twist. Each citrus brings its own personality, but the base scone recipe stays the same—just don’t forget that hint of cardamom for warmth.

Do I need a pastry cutter to make these scones?

A pastry cutter is handy, but not essential. Cold fingertips work just as well for rubbing butter into the flour. Just work quickly to keep everything chilled for the best rise and texture.

Can I make Orange Cardamom Cream Scones ahead for a brunch?

Yes! You can prepare and cut the dough, then freeze the unbaked wedges. Bake straight from frozen with an extra 2–3 minutes added to the bake time. Fresh scones, no morning fuss required.

What else could I mix in?

These scones welcome add-ins like dried cranberries, chopped candied ginger, or white chocolate chips. Just stir extras in with the dry ingredients before adding cream and egg, then bake as directed.

How do I keep my scones from being dry?

The biggest tip is to avoid over-mixing or adding too much flour when shaping. Stick to the recipe’s heavy cream measurement, and be gentle—your Orange Cardamom Cream Scones will turn out moist and tender every time.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re craving something a little special, bake a batch of Orange Cardamom Cream Scones. There’s pure joy in their bright citrus aroma, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, and the way they bring friends and family together at the table. I hope this recipe becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine!

Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are a delightful breakfast treat with a burst of citrus flavor and warm, aromatic cardamom. Tender and buttery, they are perfect for a cozy morning indulgence.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, salt, and orange zest.
Cut in Butter: Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Shape Scones: Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly, pat into a circle, and cut into wedges.
Bake: Transfer scones to baking sheet, brush with cream, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze: (Optional) Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over warm scones.