If you love the irresistible blend of zesty citrus and rich chocolate with a creamy twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe. These scones bring a delightful balance of soft crumbly texture and luscious flavors, making each bite a little celebration. Perfect for elevating your breakfast, brunch, or tea time, this recipe uses everyday ingredients to create something truly special and memorable. Trust me, once you try these scones, they’ll become a treasured recipe you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in amping up the flavor, texture, or aroma, giving these scones their unique character.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Gives the scones a lovely lift and softness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness.
- Zest of 1 large orange: Bursts of citrus aroma that brighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup cold butter: Cut into pieces, cold butter creates flaky, tender layers.
- 1 cup chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate: Melts beautifully inside for pockets of decadent indulgence.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds moisture and creamy texture without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Helps bind the dough while enriching the flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Subtle sweetness that complements orange and chocolate perfectly.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the luscious orange glaze.
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed to achieve the perfect tangy glaze consistency.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready upfront makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and the fragrant orange zest. Adding the zest here ensures its bright, citrusy oils infuse the dry mixture. Then, toss in the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, quickly cut the butter into the flour until you get crumbly pea-sized bits. This step is essential for creating that signature flaky texture in your scones.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chunks
Next, gently stir in the chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate. These rich morsels will melt lightly in the oven, turning each scone bite into a blissful encounter of sweet, gooey chocolate and citrus tang.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta, Cream, and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds moisture and subtle richness, keeping your scones tender and wonderfully soft on the inside.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ricotta mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to gently fold everything together just until it comes together into a cohesive dough. Avoid overmixing here to keep your scones from becoming dense.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a disk about 2 inches tall. For an even bake, slice the disk carefully into 8 equal wedges and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Giving them room ensures that they bake evenly and develop beautiful golden bottoms.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the scones in the oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are golden and the tops are lightly browned. The warm citrus aroma filling your kitchen is a definite sign that these scones are close to perfection.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Orange Glaze
While the scones cool just slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and the fresh orange juice until you achieve a thick glaze. You can adjust the juice amount to get your desired consistency. Then, drizzle this vibrant glaze over the warm scones, letting it set for about 15 minutes before serving. This glaze adds just the right final touch of sweetness and tang.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a few chocolate shavings on top of the glazed scones adds a delightful visual pop and a boost in flavor. Fresh edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can also bring elegance to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of creamy mascarpone for extra indulgence. A small bowl of mixed berries or a fruit compote complements the citrus-chocolate combination beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the scones on a rustic wooden board or place them in a pretty tiered cake stand for a tea party vibe. You can even slice them in half and layer a smear of orange marmalade and some cream in between for a delightful twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and tender for up to 2 days, making for an easy grab-and-go treat the next morning.
Freezing
To preserve these scones longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat scones gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked goodness while keeping the chocolate melty and the texture flaky. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful crunch on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of ricotta in this recipe?
Ricotta is key for the moist, tender texture these scones have, so just milk would make the dough too runny. If you can’t get ricotta, cottage cheese blended until smooth can be a decent substitute, but aim to keep the consistency similar.
What type of chocolate works best for these scones?
Bittersweet or dark chocolate chunks work beautifully here. They balance the sweetness and add depth without overpowering the zesty orange flavor. Avoid milk chocolate if you want to keep that sophisticated chocolate-orange contrast.
Can I make these scones vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, you’d need to substitute the butter with a vegan alternative, use a plant-based ricotta or tofu blend, and a non-dairy cream. Keep in mind that texture and flavor will be different, but you can still achieve delicious results with some experimentation.
How important is using cold butter in this recipe?
Very important! Cold butter creates layers as it melts during baking, giving the scones their flaky, tender crumb. If the butter warms up too much, the scones can turn out dense and less airy.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the scones?
Absolutely! Chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, or even dried cranberries can add exciting texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate chocolate-orange balance that makes this Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe is a real standout, combining simple ingredients into something glowingly delicious and heartwarming. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or a cozy weekend treat, these scones never fail to impress and delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the joy of these luscious scones with your loved ones—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again very soon.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Decadent Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate and zesty orange with the soft, creamy texture of ricotta cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet orange glaze, these scones are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large zest of orange
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate (chunks)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (adjust to consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Add the cold butter pieces and cut them into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like pea-sized crumbs. Fold in the chopped chocolate chunks evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Form Dough: Gently fold the wet ricotta mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Shape & Cut: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a 2-inch high disk, and cut into 8 equal wedges. Transfer the wedges to the prepared sheet pan, spacing them apart.
- Bake Scones: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottoms and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until thick but drizzleable. Adjust juice quantity as needed for consistency.
- Glaze & Serve: Once baked, allow scones to cool slightly. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm scones and let it set for about 15 minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor and delightful texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the best flaky texture in scones.
- Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before shaping can help with easier handling and better rise.
- Adjust orange juice in glaze for desired consistency; thicker glaze will hold better.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat gently in a warm oven to restore freshness before serving.
