Apricot orange cream scones are a delicious and popular pastry made with fresh ingredients. These scones are not only easy to make, but they are also a great breakfast or dessert option. The flavors of apricot and orange work well together to create a sweet and tangy taste. This article will discuss the ingredients and steps required to create apricot orange cream scones.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for apricot orange cream scones are as follows:
1. Flour
The main ingredient for these scones is all-purpose flour, which gives the pastry its structure and texture. A cup and a half of flour should be sufficient for one batch of scones.
2. Apricots
Dried apricots are used to add flavor and sweetness to the pastry. They can be chopped and mixed in with the dry ingredients or used as a topping.
3. Orange zest
The zest of an orange is used to add an extra layer of citrus flavor to the scones. The zest is grated or peeled from the orange and added to the dough.
4. Baking powder
Baking powder is used to help the scones rise and become fluffy. When combined with the other dry ingredients, it creates a leavening agent that causes the dough to expand.
5. Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is used to add sweetness to the scones. It can be mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top as a finishing touch.
6. Salt
A small amount of salt is used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and balance out the sweetness.
7. Heavy cream
Heavy cream is used to bind the ingredients together and create a moist and creamy texture. It also adds richness and a slightly sweet taste to the scones.
Steps to Make Apricot Orange Cream Scones
1. Preheat the oven
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before starting the scone preparation.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir together until well combined.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Add the orange zest and chopped dried apricots to the dry ingredients and stir together. Next, pour in the heavy cream and mix until a dough forms.
4. Form the scones
On a floured work surface, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Then, pat the dough into a round disk about ½ inch thick. Cut the disk into 6-8 wedges.
5. Bake the scones
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones begin to turn golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy
Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with butter, jam or honey, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Apricot orange cream scones are a perfect treat for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be served for breakfast or dessert. The combination of sweet apricots and tangy orange zest is sure to delight your taste buds. With only a few basic ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen, you can create a delicious and flavorful pastry that everyone will love.
Valuable Tips When Making Apricot Orange Cream Scones Recipes
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked scones. The smell of butter, flour, sugar and baking powder coming together in the oven creates an irresistible fragrance that we just can’t ignore. Add in a bit of apricot and orange zest and you’ve got a delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea. While scones might seem like a straightforward recipe, there are a few tips that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your apricot orange cream scones turn out perfectly every time.
Tip #1: Use Cold Butter
One of the keys to making light, flaky scones is to ensure that you use cold butter. When the cold butter hits the hot oven, it will melt and create little pockets of air in the dough. These pockets of air are what create the light, flaky texture that we all know and love.
Tip #1a: Grate the Butter
If you want to take things to the next level, try grating the cold butter instead of cutting it into small pieces. By grating the butter, you’ll create even smaller pockets of air in the dough, which will result in a lighter, flakier scone.
Tip #2: Don’t Overwork the Dough
When making scones, it’s important to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough will result in tough, dry scones that nobody wants to eat. To avoid this, try to mix the dough together with a light touch and only just until it comes together as a cohesive ball.
Tip #2a: Chill the Dough
If you’re having trouble with overworking the dough, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before shaping and cutting it. This will make the dough much easier to handle and will result in lighter, flakier scones.
Tip #3: Use Cold Ingredients
Just like with the butter, it’s important to use cold ingredients when making scones. Cold cream, cold eggs and cold milk will help keep the dough cold, which will result in flakier scones.
Tip #3a: Pre-Chill the Ingredients
To ensure that your ingredients are as cold as possible, consider placing them in the refrigerator for a few hours before making the scones. This will help keep the dough as cold as possible and will result in lighter, flakier scones.
Tip #4: Add Flavorings Carefully
When adding flavorings like apricot and orange zest to scones, it’s important to add them carefully. Too much flavoring can result in soggy scones that don’t hold their shape.
Tip #4a: Dry the Apricots
If you’re using dried apricots in your scones, make sure to give them a good rinse and then pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any excess moisture, which can cause the scones to become soggy.
Conclusion
Making apricot orange cream scones can be a delicious and rewarding experience, but it helps to keep a few key tips in mind. By using cold ingredients and handling the dough as little as possible, you’ll be well on your way to scone success. And with the addition of apricot and orange zest, your scones will be bursting with flavor and aroma.
