Orange - Raisin Scones with Maple Glaze ~ Day 17

These buttery, soft, orange flavored scones are extremely easy to make.  It takes only 25 minutes from start to finish.  Sweet flavors, like raisin and orange blossom water combined with the intense orange zest and a maple syrup glaze are what make these scones so delicious and irresistible.

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 Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Yield: 8 Scones

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Recipe adapted and modified from: Sugardishme

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cup
• Granulated sugar - 1/8 cup
• Baking powder - 1/2 tbsp
• Salt - 1/2 tsp
• Orange zest - 1/2 tbsp
• Raisins - 1/2 cup
• Cold butter - 1/4 cup (half stick), cut into small pieces and keep it in the fridge until used
• Buttermilk - 1/2 cup (I used homemade yogurt for buttermilk)
• Orange blossom water - 1 tbsp (optional)
• Milk - 2 tbsp, for brushing the scones before baking

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar - 1/3 cup
• Milk - 1/2 tbsp
• Orange juice - 1/2 tbsp
• Pure maple syrup - 1 tbsp

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.  Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. Add raisins and mix well to coat.  Add the butter to the flour and mix with your fingers until it forms a coarse crumble.
4. Pour the buttermilk and orange blossom water (if using) and mix gently to incorporate using a spatula or a wooden spoon.  Do not over mix.  
5. Place the mixture on a lightly floured surface and press it down to 3/4 inch round thickness.
6. Divide the dough into 8 equal triangles using a pizza cutter.  Cut it just like you would slice a pizza.
7. Place the scones on the baking tray.  Brush with milk and bake for 15 minutes or until the bottom of the scones turn light brown.  Remove and let it cool.
8. Prepare the glaze by mixing together the ingredients for the glaze until smooth.
9. Drizzle the glaze over scones.  Enjoy with coffee or tea.