Get ready to transform your ordinary morning routine into an extraordinary culinary experience! These Hazelnut Orange Chocolate Scones are not just another breakfast pastry – they're a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine biting into a perfectly flaky scone studded with crunchy hazelnuts, bursts of rich dark chocolate, and a vibrant hint of fresh orange zest. Whether you're a breakfast enthusiast or a passionate baker looking to impress, these scones promise to elevate your morning from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped hazelnuts, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This technique helps create a flaky texture in the scones.
- Gently fold in the orange zest and dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the heavy cream. Using a fork or wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together. Pat the dough into a circular shape approximately 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal wedges, similar to cutting a pizza. This ensures uniform scone sizes for even baking.
- Carefully transfer the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
- Optional: Brush the top of each scone with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with a small amount of granulated sugar for a golden, crisp exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These scones are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Keep Your Butter Cold: The secret to ultra-flaky scones is using butter straight from the refrigerator. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a light, tender texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your scones tough and dense.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly zested orange and high-quality chocolate chips make a significant difference in flavor intensity.
- Uniform Cutting: Use a sharp knife and cut your dough into equal wedges to ensure even baking and consistent size.
- Optional Glaze: For an extra touch of elegance, consider drizzling melted chocolate or creating a light orange glaze after cooling.
- Serve Fresh: These scones are best enjoyed the same day, preferably warm, to experience their optimal texture and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
