I love the winter months.  If I had my way January and February would consist of nothing but big, dreamy books and dainty cups of tea.  Warm blankets and novelty socks.  And scones.

This recipe was recommended to me by a friend.  Scones scented with orange and studded with tiny gems of sweet white chocolate. 

I expected them to be good, but I did not expect them to be one of the best scones ever to have sat aside my teacup. 

These scones are a combination of bright citrus and sweet chocolate, all enveloped in a light and tender dough. 

They are dipped in a simple glaze which keeps them moist and adds extra orange flavor.

Put the kettle on and grab a good book.  Winter has come - let’s enjoy it.

Sincerely, 

  Pedantic Foodie 

White Chocolate Orange Scones 

makes 10 scones / adapted from Joy of Cooking 

for the scones 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 3 1/2 tablespoons orange zest 

for the glaze

• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 3 tablespoons orange juice 
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 

Sift to combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut cold butter into cubes.  Add butter to flour mixture and use the tips of your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut into flour.  The mixture should resemble rough cornmeal.  

In a separate bowl whisk together orange zest, egg and heavy cream.  Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.  Fold gently until all the ingredients are well combined, but do not overwork.  Add white chocolate chips.  

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll out into a circle 10-inches in diameter.  Cut the round into ten equal wedges.  Transfer the scones to a baking sheet lined with parchment.  

Brush the top of each scone with heavy cream and bake for 12-15 minutes.

While the scones are baking prepare the glaze.  In a small bowl combine orange juice, orange zest, and heavy cream.  Add powdered sugar and whisk until fully combined.  

When the scones have cooled to room temperature, dip in glaze.  Transfer glazed scones to a cooling rack and allow several minutes for the glaze to set.  Enjoy!