Crunchy Orange Butter Scones

Chef Darina Allen’s recipe. Chef Allen is the chef-owner of Ireland’s famous cookery school, Ballmaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland.

Note: Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees.

  • 8 cups all-purpose flour or Odlums Irish Cream flour.
  • 6 oz. (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter.
  • 1/8th teaspoon salt.
  • 2 oz. (¼ cup) granulated sugar.
  • 1 heaped tablespoon baking powder.
  • Zest of one large orange.
  • 3 fresh large eggs.
  • 15 oz. (scant 2 cups, more if needed) whole milk. NOTE: Do not use skim or non-fat milk.

Orange Butter Recipe:

  • 1 generous tablespoon orange zest.
  • 6 oz. (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter.
  • 7 oz. (1 ¾ cup) confectionary sugar.

Directions for making Orange butter:

  • Cream the butter (room temperature) with the tablespoon of orange zest until well incorporated.
  • Add the confectionary sugar until light and fluffy.

Scone Recipe:

  • Sift the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar into a very large bowl. Mix completely.
  • Add the zest of the large orange and, again, mix thoroughly.
  • Cut the butter into the flour, rubbing the butter (with your fingertips) into the flour resulting in large flakes.
  • Then, make a well in the center of the flour.
  • Whisk the eggs with the milk thoroughly.
  • Pour the egg and milk mixture into the center of the flour.
  • With the fingers of your best hand, mix in full circular movement from the center to the outside of the bowl.
  • This takes just seconds and presto, the scone dough is made.
  • Sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn out the dough onto the floured surface.
  • Tidy the dough into a cohesive ball.
  • Flip the dough over and roll or pat the dough into a rectangle approximately ¾ inch.
  • Spread the orange butter mixture over the surface of the dough.
  • Roll the dough up lengthwise and cut into pieces about 1 ½ inch thick.
  • Brush the tops with egg wash and dip the tops only in granulated sugar. Put on parchment lined baking sheet close together and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
  • Serve warm!

Egg Wash Recipe:

  • Whisk 1 egg thoroughly with a teaspoon of milk.