Tender brunch scones with citrus zest and warm spice
Orange Cardamom Scones
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
18 min
Total Time
38 min
Servings
8
8 scones
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Orange Cardamom Scones
Tender brunch scones with citrus zest and warm spice
Tender scones perfumed with orange zest and cardamom, finished with a light glaze for an easy bakery-style brunch bake.
20m
Prep Time
18m
Cook Time
38m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Scones are at their best when they feel delicate and fragrant rather than dense. Orange and cardamom keep these especially good with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
OvenBake
Test Kitchen Pick
Sheet Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a good sheet pan helps here
The pan is doing more work here than it looks like. A sturdy, evenly heating sheet pan gives you better browning and fewer hot spots.
This recipe benefits from more even oven contact and easier cleanup.
- Promotes more even browning
- Useful across weeknight roasts and baking
A heavy rimmed sheet pan is one of the highest-use tools in almost any kitchen.
Shop sheet pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan.
- 2
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly.
- 3
Stir in the cream just until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Pat the dough into a round, cut into wedges, and bake until golden.
- 5
Glaze lightly after cooling if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Orange zestLemon zest
Lemon makes the scones brighter and a little less warm
CardamomCinnamon
Cinnamon makes them more familiar and less floral
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Freeze the scones for a few minutes before baking if the dough feels warm.
Do not twist the cutter if you shape them as rounds; it can keep them from rising evenly.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm briefly in the oven before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 scone) · 8 servings
Calories270
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates29g
Fat15g
Fiber1g
Sugar9g
Sodium220mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use milk instead of cream?
- You can, but the scones will be less rich and tender.
- Is cardamom strong?
- It is noticeable, but orange keeps it balanced and approachable.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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