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Fig Scones with Orange Zest Recipe

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These Fig Scones are a delightful blend of sweet dried California figs and bright orange zest, baked into tender, flaky scones. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea, they combine the richness of buttermilk and butter with a subtle citrus tang, topped with a crunchy sugar glaze.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fruit and Flavorings

  • 5 ounces dried California figs, stemmed and chopped
  • Zest of half an orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Fat

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, frozen then grated
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Other Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the scones evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the base for your scones.
  3. Add Butter and Figs: Add the frozen, grated butter to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Then fold in the chopped dried figs until they are evenly dispersed throughout the flour mixture, helping to create pockets of fig flavor in the scones.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, stir together the buttermilk, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Pour this wet mixture into the flour and fig mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together into large clumps or a single ball.
  5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it fully together. Then pat or roll the dough out into about 1 inch thick, preparing it for cutting.
  6. Shape and Place: Using a 2 1/2 or 3-inch round cutter, cut the dough into rounds. Transfer these rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them evenly.
  7. Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the unbaked scones, which will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch.
  8. Bake: Bake the scones in your preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Using frozen, grated butter ensures a flaky texture in the scones.
  • The figs add natural sweetness, so you can adjust sugar according to taste if desired.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk and cream with plant-based alternatives, but the texture may vary.
  • Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.