Are you tired of dry, crumbly scones that disappoint? Do you dream of perfectly flaky, melt-in-your-mouth treats that elevate your afternoon tea? A recent survey showed that 70% of home bakers struggle with achieving the desired texture in scones. This recipe for Blood Orange Marmalade Scones, coupled with our 7 expert tips, will help you conquer that challenge and create scones that are truly exceptional. Get ready to experience the joy of crafting the perfect scone!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (consider using a blend of all-purpose and cake flour for extra tenderness)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (using cold butter is crucial for flakiness!)
- Zest of 1 blood orange
- ½ cup (120ml) cold heavy cream (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
- ÂĽ cup (60ml) blood orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best aroma!)
- ½ cup (120g) good-quality blood orange marmalade

Timing:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes (approximately 20% less than average scone recipes!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 2: Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing!
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, blood orange juice, and blood orange zest. Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing will lead to tough scones!
Step 4: Fold in Marmalade: Gently fold in the blood orange marmalade. Don’t worry about distributing it perfectly; pockets of marmalade throughout the scones create delightful surprises.
Step 5: Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out scones.
Step 6: Bake: Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy: Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Scone, Approximate):
Calories: 250-300
Fat: 12-15g
Saturated Fat: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Sugar: 10-12g
Protein: 4-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe:
For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and reducing the amount of sugar. You could also incorporate seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition. Experiment with different types of fruit jams, such as raspberry or apricot, for variation.
Serving Suggestions:
These Blood Orange Marmalade Scones are delightful served warm with clotted cream and a dollop of extra marmalade. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or coffee. For a unique twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: This leads to tough scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Using warm ingredients: Cold butter and liquids are essential for flakiness.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the scones in the oven to prevent dryness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe:
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. For making ahead, you can freeze the unbaked scones before baking – simply add a few minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
Making perfect Blood Orange Marmalade Scones is achievable with the right technique and attention to detail. Following these seven tips will help you create delightful treats that will impress your friends and family. Try this recipe today and share your baking journey with us in the comments below! Are you ready to conquer the world of scone-making?
 Don’t forget to check out our other delicious cake recipes!
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of fruit jam?
Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite jams or preserves.
What if my scones are too dry?
You may have overbaked them or used too much flour. Try adding a little more liquid next time.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones or store baked scones for a short time as detailed above.
Why are my scones not as flaky as expected?
Ensure you use cold butter and don’t overmix the dough. Using a pastry blender helps keep the butter cold and incorporated as large pieces for flakiness!
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🍊 Blood Orange Marmalade Scones
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Whisk or fork
- Knife or bench scraper
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 113g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup 120ml heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup 80g blood orange marmalade (store-bought or homemade)
- Zest of 1 blood orange optional
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup 60g powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons fresh blood orange juice
- Zest for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional zest.
Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes. Cut in using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry mixture and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in Marmalade
- Gently fold in marmalade, leaving streaks and swirls rather than fully mixing in. This creates a marbled effect.
- Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick round disk. Cut into 8 wedges.
Chill (Optional but Recommended)
- Place wedges on the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps them rise better.
Bake
- Brush scones with a little extra cream. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool & Glaze
- Let scones cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over warm scones. Garnish with blood orange zest if desired.
Notes
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