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
Scale
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.
