Easy Orange Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe

This easy orange chocolate scones recipe has the most perfect flavor combination for a baked treat. Bursting with fresh orange flavor paired with mini chocolate chips is the best way to enjoy a delicious breakfast with a fresh cup of coffee or cup of tea. 

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

Did you ever have a Terry's Chocolate Orange Ball left in your holiday stocking at Christmas time? It was one of my favorite things to find, whack on the table to break the chocolate segments and then unwrap to enjoy each bite of the dark chocolate oranges! 

Well, this orange chocolate chunk scones recipe reminds me of that very sweet holiday treat. The combination of chocolate and bright orange zest is so incredibly good, that you will not be able to stop at just one. 

Tools to make the best homemade scones

These are the tools I find are the best and most helpful to make perfect scones. I use them for every recipe.

• Pastry blender we mention this item with every single recipe because it is THE item that will ensure a fluffy outcome for your scones. You can use 2 knives or your hands, but a pastry blender is best.
• Parchment paper a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is not only great for non-stick baking, but it is also awesome for easy cleanup! No pan scrubbing is needed!
• Mixing bowl should be a large mixing bowl if you want to make this a one-bowl recipe! I mix and knead the scone dough right in the bowl before turning it out onto a floured surface.

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour
• sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• orange extract
• vanilla extract
• chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• half-and-half, plus 1 tbsp.
• Large Orange for orange zest and orange juice
• Chocolate mini chips

Related recipes: Espresso Chocolate Chip Scones, Master Scone Recipe, Cinnamon Chip Scones,​ Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Scones, Hot Chocolate Scones, Peppermint Scones, Lemon Poppyseed Scones

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How to make Chocolate Orange scones 

Making a fluffy scone full of flaky buttery layers is something I try to do every weekend. When I added chocolate and orange together for this orange scone recipe, it was the perfect combination! 

Start with a pre-heated oven set to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, sugar, zest from one orange, and salt. 

Next, add cold butter to the flour mixture, and using a pastry cutter or two knives cut in the butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized coarse crumbs.

Stir in the wet ingredients of half-and-half, juice of half an orange, orange extract, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips until just moistened. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 5 to 10 times and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. 

With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the soft dough into 8 wedges.

Transfer scones to a parchment-lined baking tray, 2 ” apart. Brush the tops of the scones with half and half or heavy cream and sprinkle each top with sugar. Add a pinch of orange zest to the top before placing in the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Let cool on a wire cooling rack.

Some fun add-ins and topping ideas for this easy scone recipe in my opinion are nuts. This is a good scone as made and really stands on its own flavor-wise. If you wanted to add chopped walnuts or pecans, I think that would work great with this recipe.

Toppings include:

• Drizzle of chocolate syrup or sweet orange glaze
• Dusting of confectioner sugar

Storing Scones

The best scones are sometimes the leftover scones! You can store these in an airtight container, or on a plate covered loosely with plastic wrap. These will also keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake now, then place scones in a freezer-safe Ziplock bag to enjoy during the holiday!

This American-style scone is such a great recipe that has a hint of holiday flavor baked right in. You can never have too many warm scones with breakfast or dessert in my book. It's always a good thing!