Orange Raisin Scones 🍊🍇

These Orange Raisin Scones are a delightful twist on classic scones, bursting with the bright citrusy flavor of orange zest and the sweet chewiness of plump raisins. Soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and brushed with an egg wash for a golden finish, these scones are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack. Paired with a dollop of butter, jam, or clotted cream, they’re simply irresistible.

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Orange Raisin Scones step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Citrusy & Sweet : The combination of orange zest and raisins creates a refreshing yet indulgent flavor.
  2. Soft & Flaky : Baking margarine and Amasi (a type of cultured milk) ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  3. Customizable : Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
  4. Perfect for Sharing : Great for brunches, afternoon tea, or gifting to loved ones.
  5. Make Ahead Friendly : Prep the dough ahead of time and bake fresh when ready.

Ingredients

(Makes 16–20 scones)

For the Dough:

  • 8 cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for dusting 🥣
  • 10 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup sugar 🫒
  • 500g baking margarine , cold and cubed 🧈
  • Orange zest (from 1–2 oranges, finely grated ) 🍊
  • 1½ cups raisins 🍇
  • 2 cups Amasi (or buttermilk as a substitute ) 🥛
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice 🍹
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (optional, but adds extra flavor )
  • 2 eggs , beaten (for the dough ) 🥚

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg , beaten (for brushing ) 🥚

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the Margarine

  1. Add the cold cubed margarine to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of margarine.
    • Tip : Keeping the margarine cold ensures flaky scones.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Amasi , orange juice , vanilla essence , and 2 beaten eggs .
  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  3. Fold in the orange zest and raisins , ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Scones

  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2–3 times to bring it together.
  2. Pat the dough into a rectangle or circle about 1-inch thick .
  3. Use a round biscuit cutter or knife to cut the dough into individual scones.
    • Tip : Dip the cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart.

Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash

  1. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes , or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
    • Tip : Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  1. Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
  2. Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or clotted cream.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Cold Ingredients : Keep the margarine and Amasi cold to achieve the flakiest texture.
  2. Don’t Overmix : Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix just until combined.
  3. Add Nuts or Spices : Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
  4. Make Ahead : Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
  5. Switch Up the Fruit : Substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or currants.

Perfect Pairings

These Orange Raisin Scones pair beautifully with:

  • Hot Beverages : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • Clotted Cream or Butter : Spread with clotted cream, butter, or honey for added indulgence.
  • Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries or sliced oranges for balance.
  • Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of milk for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Scone, Approx.)

(Based on 20 scones)

  • Calories : ~250 kcal
  • Protein : ~5g
  • Carbohydrates : ~35g
  • Fat : ~10g
  • Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Raisin Scones are a soft, citrusy, and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, these scones deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of tangy orange zest, sweet raisins, and flaky dough creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the mix-ins, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your ingredients, zest that orange, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.

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