Homemade Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones: Your Ultimate Zesty Chocolate Breakfast Indulgence

Imagine biting into the familiar, comforting flavor of a dark chocolate orange, but elevated into a tender, flaky scone perfect for breakfast. That’s precisely what these Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones deliver! This delightful and simple recipe, a cherished hand-me-down from my beloved Grandma Alice, brings a touch of warmth and tradition right into your kitchen. It’s an ideal way to kickstart your day with a burst of citrus and rich cocoa, embodying a perfect blend of sweetness and a hint of tartness.

I truly believe I’ve stumbled upon a scone combination so utterly perfect, it might just be the best in existence. If you’ve already had the pleasure of tasting an orange dark chocolate chip scone, I humbly ask you to keep it to yourself. Allow me to bask in the blissful illusion that this exquisite creation is a novel discovery, a culinary revelation that will soon become a household favorite. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about experiencing pure joy and a touch of delicious nostalgia.

As August drew to a close, and with Denver’s weather whimsically fluctuating between a cool 60 and a warm 90 degrees, I found myself longing for a recipe that could bridge the gap between bright summer days and the cozy embrace of autumn. I wanted a scone that encapsulated the best of both worlds – the vibrancy of summer citrus and the comforting richness that ushers in the cooler seasons. Fall, with its crisp air and inviting flavors, is undeniably one of my favorite times of year. While I may not be the most ardent pumpkin spice latte enthusiast, my heart truly sings for the diverse array of warm, complex flavors that define fall and winter. This scone embodies that sentiment perfectly.

The Timeless Appeal of Oranges: A Seasonal Bridge

For me, oranges hold a special, almost iconic place in my heart, effortlessly marking both the sun-drenched days of summer and the cozy evenings of fall and winter. My memories are painted vividly with the vibrant hues and sweet aromas of this versatile fruit, often intertwined with the cherished stories of my grandmothers.

During summer, my thoughts drift to my grandma Adele, who resided in sunny Florida. Her backyard was a verdant haven, boasting a bountiful orange tree. Whenever I visited, we’d delight in picking the ripe oranges directly from the branches, their fresh scent filling the warm air. These sun-kissed fruits, along with grapefruits generously sprinkled with sugar, formed the centerpiece of our breakfasts, a truly simple yet profound pleasure that tasted of summer itself.

As the seasons shifted, grandma Alice took center stage in my orange-infused memories. Every Christmas, she would dutifully tuck a fresh orange into each of our stockings. My cousins and I would inevitably respond with groans – after all, who wanted a mere orange when there were chocolate coins and toy soldiers awaiting? Yet, without fail, that very orange would be the first thing we’d peel and eat on Christmas morning, a refreshing contrast to the sugary confections. Grandma Alice also made sure to include socks, which elicited similar theatrical groans. However, what started as a seemingly mundane tradition gradually transformed into something deeply anticipated and beloved. It’s a tradition my mom proudly carries on for me even today, a testament to its enduring charm.

And now, here I am, nestled right in the heart of fall, yearning for the very best of both worlds. Why choose one when you can have it all? This philosophy guided the creation of these exceptional scones. I generously incorporated a significant amount of fresh orange zest, which releases vibrant essential oils and a bright, tangy flavor. To deepen the aromatic profile and add a touch of sophisticated warmth, I included a hint of star anise – a spice with a sweet, licorice-like essence that beautifully complements both citrus and chocolate. Finally, a splash of Cointreau, an orange-flavored liqueur, was added not for alcohol content, but to intensify the orange notes and infuse the scones with a subtle, sultry complexity that perfectly suits the cooler temperatures of autumn. The result is a scone that truly captures the essence of both seasons.

Why These Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones Will Become Your Favorite

These aren’t just any scones; they are, in essence, the perfect scone for a place like Colorado during this transitional time of year. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of bright citrus and deep, luxurious dark chocolate, creating an experience that is both comforting and exhilarating. I find immense pleasure in savoring one of these alongside my robust morning coffee, letting its flavors awaken my senses. They also make an absolutely divine afternoon snack, especially when paired with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or a fragrant herbal tea. What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility – it’s such an easy recipe to whip up, and the incredibly rewarding end result far outweighs the minimal time and effort it requires. The flaky, tender texture combined with the vibrant flavors is simply irresistible.

The addition of generous dark chocolate chips transforms these scones into something akin to a gourmet candy bar, but in a breakfast-friendly format. And honestly, I am 100% on board with starting my day with such a decadent treat. Aren’t you? The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate perfectly cuts through the sweetness, creating a complex and utterly satisfying flavor profile that will have you reaching for another before you even realize it.

Essential Tools for Baking Perfect Scones

One of the many joys of this recipe is its straightforwardness; you truly don’t need an overwhelming array of specialized kitchen gadgets. However, having a few key tools on hand will make the process even smoother and ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.

First and foremost, a good set of stainless steel mixing bowls is invaluable. You’ll need different sizes to combine your dry ingredients, prepare your wet mixture, and later, gently fold everything together. I also highly recommend keeping a sturdy wooden spoon nearby. While your fingers are excellent for incorporating cold butter into flour (a crucial step for flaky scones), a wooden spoon offers better control for subsequent mixing without overworking the dough.

For cutting your scones into uniform, beautiful shapes, a biscuit cutter set is essential. This ensures consistent size, which leads to even baking. Finally, to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and prevent sticking, a reliable half sheet baking pan lined with silicone baking mats will ensure your delicious treats bake beautifully and release with ease.

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Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones

It’s like eating one of those dark chocolate oranges, but for breakfast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

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equipment

• biscuit cutter set
• Silicone Baking Mat Sheets
• Half Sheet Pan
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp Cointreau
• 1 tsp ground star anise
• 2 tsp fresh orange zest
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• Turbinado sugar

instructions

• Preheat oven to 450˚F (230°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of dry ingredients and helps create a lighter scone. Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut the very cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pieces no larger than small peas. Alternatively, you can use your fingertips, but work quickly to prevent the butter from warming too much, as cold butter is key to flaky scones. Do not overmix.
• In a separate small bowl, reserve 2 tablespoons of the beaten eggs for an egg wash. To the remaining beaten eggs, add the heavy cream and whisk until thoroughly combined.
• Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the egg and heavy cream mixture into this well. Also add the Cointreau, ground star anise, and fresh orange zest to the center. Begin to mix the ingredients together slowly using a wooden spoon or your hands. Just as the dough appears moistened and begins to come together, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips. Work the dough with only a few strokes and handle it as little as possible to avoid developing the gluten, which can make scones tough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat the dough gently with your hands or a rolling pin until it is approximately 3/4 inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter (I recommend 1.5 to 2-inch circles for a good size), cut out your scones. Gather any dough scraps, gently pat them out again, and cut out any remaining biscuits. Place the cut scones on an ungreased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper/silicone mat. Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved beaten egg for a golden finish, and then sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar for a lovely crunchy texture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their tender interior. Serve these irresistible orange dark chocolate chip scones immediately while still warm for the best experience.

Category: Breakfast

Tips for Scone Baking Success

Crafting the perfect scone is a rewarding experience, and a few simple techniques can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary. Here are some key tips to ensure your Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones turn out flaky, tender, and incredibly flavorful:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: This is arguably the most crucial tip for flaky scones. Ensure your butter is straight from the refrigerator and ideally, cut into small cubes. Some bakers even chill their flour and mixing bowls! Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, leading to those desirable flaky layers.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and the dough comes together. A few dry streaks are perfectly fine – they indicate you haven’t overmixed.
• Handle Gently: When patting out the dough and cutting the scones, be gentle. Excessive handling will warm the butter and activate gluten. Work quickly and with a light touch.
• Flour Lightly: A lightly floured surface is essential to prevent sticking, but too much flour can dry out your dough. Use just enough to keep things manageable.
• Avoid Twisting the Cutter: When using a biscuit cutter, press straight down and lift straight up. Twisting the cutter can seal the edges of the scone, preventing it from rising properly and creating those beautiful layers.
• The Egg Wash is Key: Brushing the tops of the scones with a little beaten egg (and turbinado sugar!) before baking helps them achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust and a slight sheen, adding to their visual appeal and texture.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones are utterly delicious on their own, especially when warm, fresh from the oven. However, there are many ways to enjoy and enhance them:

• Simple Pleasure: Serve them plain with your morning coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The rich flavors truly shine on their own.
• Elevate with Toppings: While not strictly necessary, a dollop of clotted cream, a smear of orange marmalade, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar can add another layer of indulgence.
• Glaze it Up: For an extra touch of sweetness and citrus, consider drizzling a simple orange glaze over the cooled scones. Mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of fresh orange juice until smooth.
• For Brunch or Dessert: These scones make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, offering a unique flavor that stands out. They can also be a light, sophisticated dessert, perhaps served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Storing Your Homemade Scones

Freshly baked scones are always best, but if you have leftovers, proper storage will help maintain their quality:

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They may lose a bit of their crispness, but can be refreshed by a quick warm-up.
• Freezing Baked Scones: For longer storage, freeze cooled scones in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing Unbaked Dough: You can also prepare the dough, cut the scones, and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen scones on a baking sheet (no need to thaw) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden. This is a fantastic way to have fresh scones ready on demand!

Frequently Asked Questions about Orange Dark Chocolate Chip Scones

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious scones:

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a sophisticated balance to the orange, milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, more approachable scone. Choose what you prefer!
• What if I don’t have Cointreau? Cointreau adds a lovely depth of orange flavor. You can substitute it with an equal amount of fresh orange juice for a non-alcoholic version, or a tiny splash of orange extract mixed with a little heavy cream if you want to enhance the orange flavor without the liqueur.
• Is ground star anise essential? Star anise contributes a unique, warm, and slightly licorice-like spice that really complements the orange and chocolate. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, or try a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a different warm spice note, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
• My scones didn’t rise much, what happened? This usually happens due to overworking the dough (which develops gluten and makes them tough) or using butter that wasn’t cold enough. Make sure to work quickly and gently, keeping ingredients as cold as possible. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh!
• Can I make these mini scones? Yes! Just use a smaller biscuit cutter and adjust the baking time. Mini scones will bake faster, so start checking them around 8-10 minutes.