Craving a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea? Look no further than these scrumptious Orange Almond Buttermilk Scones! With a perfect balance of zesty orange and nutty almond flavors, these scones are sure to be a hit with your taste buds. These tender and moist scones are incredibly easy to make, making them the ideal choice for a cozy breakfast at home or a weekend brunch with friends. Let’s get baking!
#### Orange Almond Buttermilk Scones
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. **Cut in Butter:**
– Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add Orange Zest and Almonds:**
– Stir in the orange zest and sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. **Incorporate Buttermilk:**
– Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
6. **Shape the Dough:**
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
7. **Cut Into Triangles:**
– Using a sharp knife, cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pie.
8. **Brush With Egg Wash:**
– Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg wash.
9. **Bake:**
– Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. **Cool and Enjoy:**
– Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. These scones are best enjoyed warm with a dollop of clotted cream or your favorite jam.
These Orange Almond Buttermilk Scones are a delightful addition to any brunch or afternoon tea spread. Their bright citrusy flavor combined with the crunch of almonds will have your guests coming back for more. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these easy-to-make scones? They are guaranteed to bring some extra warmth and sweetness to your day!
