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Orange Spice Scones With Kefir Glaze

The aroma of citrus and spice always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. She would meticulously stud oranges with cloves, creating fragrant pomanders that filled the house with warmth and cheer. While those pomanders were beautiful, I always secretly wished I could eat them! These Orange Spice Scones capture that same comforting scent and flavor in a delicious, edible form, perfect for a cozy morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes freezing time)
Servings: 16
Yield: 16 scones
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
2 organic oranges, zested and juiced (reserve juice for glaze)
2 1⁄4 cups plain kefir

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1⁄2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons plain kefir

Equipment Needed

Two baking sheets
Parchment paper
Large bowl
Whisk
Pastry blender or two forks
Sharp knife
Plastic wrap
Wire rack

Instructions

Begin by preparing your baking sheets. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
Cut in the butter. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly, keeping the butter cold, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating flaky scones.
Add the orange zest. Stir in the orange zest from the two organic oranges. The zest adds a burst of bright citrus flavor that complements the warm spices.
Incorporate the kefir. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the plain kefir and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough scones.
Shape the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. I find that taping a piece of plastic wrap to the counter first, then sprinkling it with flour, minimizes cleanup. Press the dough into an 11” x 7” rectangle, about 1” thick.
Cut into rectangles and triangles. Using a sharp knife, cut the rectangle in half lengthwise, so you have two 5.5” x 7” pieces. Then, cut each of those halves in half in the same direction. You’ll now have eight 3.5” x 2.5” rectangles. Cut each of those rectangles diagonally to form 16 triangles.
Freeze the scones. Place the triangles onto your prepared baking sheets and cover them with plastic wrap. Freeze them for about 2 hours. Freezing helps the scones hold their shape during baking and creates a more tender crumb.
Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
Bake the scones. Bake the frozen scones for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Keep an eye on them; they are done when they are golden brown and flecked with brown.
Cool the scones. Transfer the baked scones to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from steaming and becoming soggy.
Prepare the glaze. While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add the kefir and whisk until fully incorporated.
Glaze the scones. Dip the top of each cooled scone into the glaze, or pour the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful shine.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. If the butter gets too warm, the scones will be dense and heavy. Consider chilling the dry ingredients and bowl before adding the butter.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Freeze for best results: Freezing the scones before baking helps them hold their shape and creates a more tender crumb. This step is especially important if you live in a warm climate or if your kitchen is warm.
Adjust baking time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the scones and adjust the baking time as needed. They are done when they are golden brown and flecked with brown.
To cut out some fat and calories from this recipe, replace a half cup of butter with unsweetened applesauce. This will make the dough a little loose, so we recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting it. Please note that this will also result in a scone with a slightly chewier texture than the all-butter version.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Orange Spice Scones warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. They are also delicious with a dollop of clotted cream or a spoonful of your favorite jam.

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked scones for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the scones at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1226.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	428 g	35%
Total Fat	47.6 g	73%
Saturated Fat	29.4 g	147%
Cholesterol	122 mg	40%
Sodium	1451.7 mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate	186.7 g	62%
Dietary Fiber	5.8 g	23%
Sugars	74.1 g	296%
Protein	15.9 g	31%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the amount of kefir slightly to achieve the correct dough consistency.
Dairy-Free: Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Use a plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, in place of the kefir in both the scones and the glaze.
Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger, to create your own unique flavor profile.
Citrus Variations: Try using lemon or grapefruit zest and juice instead of orange for a different citrusy twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I use a food processor to cut in the butter?
A: Yes, you can use a food processor to cut in the butter. Pulse the dry ingredients and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overprocess.

Q: What if I don’t have kefir?
A: If you don’t have kefir, you can substitute buttermilk or plain yogurt. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the correct dough consistency.

Q: Can I add dried fruit or nuts to the scones?
A: Yes, you can add dried fruit or nuts to the scones. Stir them into the dough along with the orange zest.

Q: How do I know when the scones are done?
A: The scones are done when they are golden brown and flecked with brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe these Orange Spice Scones will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. The combination of warm spices, bright citrus, and tangy kefir creates a flavor sensation that is both comforting and invigorating. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make them your own. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations – happy baking!

Orange Spice Scones With Kefir Glaze Recipe