There’s just something magical about a freshly baked batch of Orange Cardamom Cream Scones—it’s like sunshine and spice wrapped up in a tender, crumbly treat. Every bite bursts with citrusy brightness and subtle, floral warmth from the cardamom, all tied together by rich cream. Whether you’re brewing your favorite coffee or setting out an elegant brunch spread, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. I’m excited to share all my tips, tricks, and swoon-worthy details so you can whip up your own batch of unforgettable Orange Cardamom Cream Scones at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into these dreamy scones! Each ingredient has a special job: some deliver signature flavor, some shape that signature scone crumb, and others give everything that irresistible golden finish. Gather your basics, but get ready to see how a couple of special touches make these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The perfect foundation for scones, delivering just the right balance of structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds delicate sweetness without overshadowing the bold citrus and spice notes.
- Baking powder: Powering those sky-high, flaky layers we all crave in a good scone!
- Ground cardamom: This is where the magic happens—a little floral, a little spicy, and completely transformative.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance and bring out all the other flavors.
- Orange zest: Zest from a fresh orange infuses the dough with lively, fragrant citrus oil that makes every bite sing.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is key for that irresistible flaky texture—don’t skip this step!
- Heavy cream: Cream moistens the dough and delivers the rich, luscious crumb you only get in cream scones.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness and color.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the flavors and add bakery-worthy aroma.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkle this on top for a sparkly, crunchy finish—it feels like a luxury!
How to Make Orange Cardamom Cream Scones
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your scones are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—no one wants to lose that golden crust!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cardamom, salt, and fresh orange zest. The zest will immediately release its fragrant oils, setting the stage for all those bright, citrusy notes to come. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined so each scone has that burst of flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it looks like sandy, pea-sized crumbs. The trick is to work quickly so the butter stays cold—this is what creates flaky layers once baked.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. The cream adds richness and moisture, while the egg gives your scones structure and that classic tender crumb. Stir until well blended and smooth.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour-butter mixture. Use a fork or spatula to mix gently—don’t overwork it! As soon as the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. A few gentle kneads with your hands will bring it just right; it should look rough, not overmixed.
Step 6: Shape and Cut
Pat the dough into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 triangles—classic scone shapes! Transfer each piece to your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of room to rise and spread.
Step 7: Finish and Bake
Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for that signature sheen. If you’d like extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle on some coarse sugar. Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the Orange Cardamom Cream Scones are gorgeously golden and just firm to the touch. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before diving in.
How to Serve Orange Cardamom Cream Scones
Garnishes
Scones may be simple, but a little garnish goes a long way. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of fresh orange glaze, or even a sprinkle of extra orange zest makes these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones look just as irresistible as they taste. Try a dollop of softly whipped cream on the side for the full tea-room experience!
Side Dishes
Serve your warm scones with good-quality butter, thick-cut marmalade, or a homemade berry jam—each highlights a different flavor nuance. For a cozy brunch, fresh fruit and creamy yogurt alongside Orange Cardamom Cream Scones bring a wonderful balance to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your scones on a pretty platter with edible flowers or slivers of candied orange peel. Stack them tall in a tiered stand for an afternoon tea vibe, or wrap each Orange Cardamom Cream Scone in parchment and twine for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t polish off the batch right away (no judgement if you do!), keep your leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to two days, making them easy for tomorrow’s breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Orange Cardamom Cream Scones freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag. When a scone craving hits, simply take out what you need—they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, reheat scones in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 8 minutes straight from room temperature or 12 minutes from frozen. They’ll emerge warm, soft, and impossible to resist, just like when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute another spice for cardamom?
Absolutely! If cardamom isn’t your thing or you simply ran out, try ground cinnamon or ginger for a cozy twist. Both play beautifully with the orange, but keep in mind the distinctive flavor of cardamom is what makes Orange Cardamom Cream Scones truly special.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter and use full-fat coconut cream in place of the dairy cream. The scones won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get delicious results with that lovely orange-cardamom flavor.
Why is it important to use cold butter?
Using cold butter means it will hold its shape as you work the dough, creating tiny pockets of steam when the scones bake. This is the secret to those light, flaky layers that make scones so irresistible!
Do I have to use coarse sugar on top?
Not at all! Coarse sugar adds extra crunch and sparkle, but feel free to skip it or use a lighter dusting of granulated sugar. Alternatively, an orange glaze is a lovely way to finish your Orange Cardamom Cream Scones.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, or golden raisins are fantastic additions, and they pair beautifully with the citrus and spice of these scones. Just keep the total volume to about 1/2 cup so the crumb stays delicate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten your kitchen (and your morning!), don’t wait another second to try these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones. Each batch brings a burst of joy, a hint of luxury, and real comfort to any day. Bake a batch soon and let them become your new favorite scone recipe, too!
Print
Orange Cardamom Cream Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Orange Cardamom Cream Scones, a perfect balance of citrusy zest and aromatic cardamom in a tender, buttery scone. Enjoy them warm for a comforting breakfast treat or elegant afternoon tea.
Ingredients
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 (from about 1 large orange)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, salt, and orange zest.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Bring dough together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Shape and bake: Turn the dough out, pat into a circle, cut into wedges, place on baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Transfer scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle cooled scones with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
