Pin it These classic British scones combine tender, buttery dough with the vibrant brightness of fresh orange zest and the sweet warmth of finely chopped candied ginger. The result is a beautifully balanced treat that's perfect alongside morning coffee or afternoon tea. The method incorporates cold butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly, then adds a rich cream-egg mixture for a light, fluffy texture. Bake until golden for crisp edges and soft interiors. An optional orange glaze adds extra sweetness and a finishing touch.
My grandmother kept a crystal jar of candied ginger in her pantry, something I always thought was reserved for special occasions until she casually tossed handful into scones one rainy Sunday morning. The way the spicy sweet bits burst through tender buttery dough changed everything I thought about baking. Now these scones are my go-to whenever I need something that feels indulgent but still appropriate for breakfast.
Last winter my neighbor came over shivering from a morning walk and I pulled these fresh from the oven. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, then proceeded to eat two more standing right there at the counter. Sometimes the best moments happen when you did not plan anything special at all.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: The foundation that gives these scones their classic tender crumb
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to let the orange and ginger shine without overpowering
- Baking powder: What makes these rise beautifully into those tall flaky layers
- Fine sea salt: A pinch that balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- Orange zest: Use fresh oranges and grate only the bright colored part for the most intense citrus aroma
- Candied ginger: Chop it finely so you get those surprise pockets of spicy sweetness in every bite
- Cold unsalted butter: Keep it ice cold and work quickly to create those essential butter pockets
- Heavy cream: Makes the dough rich and tender while helping it come together beautifully
- Large egg: Adds structure and richness to the crumb
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warm comforting notes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless.
- Mix the dry foundation:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until everything is evenly distributed, then stir in the orange zest and chopped ginger.
- Work in cold butter:
- Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, break in the cold cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea sized pieces remaining.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- Whisk the cream, egg, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth, then pour over the flour mixture.
- Gather the dough:
- Stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overwork it or your scones will be tough.
- Shape and cut:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat it into a 1 inch thick round, and cut into 8 wedges like a pizza.
- Finish and bake:
- Brush the tops with extra cream and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar with just enough orange juice to make it drizzleable and pour generously over the cooled scones.
Pin it These have become my baking equivalent of a warm hug, something I make when friends need comfort or just because Tuesday feels like a scone kind of day. The way the house fills with orange and butter makes everything feel right with the world.
Getting The Rise Right
The height of your scones depends entirely on how cold your butter stays and how gently you handle the dough. Work quickly and confidently, treating the dough like something fragile that needs care rather than force.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cut the scones and freeze them unbaked on a parchment lined sheet, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen whenever the craving strikes. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and nobody will know the difference.
Serving Suggestions
These are absolute perfection split open while still warm with a generous slathering of butter that melts into all those flaky layers. The contrast between the warm tender crumb and cold butter is something that must be experienced to be understood.
- Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate afternoon experience
- Crumble leftover scones over vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert
- Store any extras in the freezer and reheat briefly in the oven to refresh
Pin it I hope these bring as much warmth to your kitchen as they have to mine over the years.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- → What's the best way to store these?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked scones for up to 3 months and reheat in a 350°F oven.
- → Can I use dried ginger instead of candied?
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Dried ginger won't provide the same sweet chewy texture. If unavailable, increase fresh ginger to 1 tsp and add 2 tbsp extra sugar to compensate for lost sweetness.
- → Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
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Warm ingredients or over-measuring liquid can cause stickiness. Chill your bowl and utensils, measure cream precisely, and add just enough flour to handle without overworking.
- → What pairs well with these scones?
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They're excellent with clotted cream and lemon curd, or simply butter and honey. Pair with Earl Grey, English Breakfast tea, or a cappuccino for a complete afternoon tea experience.
