Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Orange Scones Recipe
Introduction
If you love the combination of chocolate and citrus, these chocolate orange scones are a must-try. They’re moist, tender, and filled with bursts of chocolate and bright orange flavor—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup orange juice, fresh
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the granulated sugar and cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Pour this into the flour mixture and gently stir until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 6: On a floured surface, shape the dough into a disc about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 equal triangles.
- Step 7: Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and firm to the touch.
- Step 9: While the scones bake, whisk the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Step 10: When the scones are done, let them cool slightly and then drizzle with the orange glaze before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest flavor rather than pre-packaged zest.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake the scones fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice and zest?
While you can use orange extract, fresh juice and zest provide a more vibrant and natural citrus flavor that really makes these scones special.
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Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These irresistibly moist chocolate orange scones combine the rich flavor of cocoa with a bright citrus twist, creating a tender, fluffy baked treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips and finished with a sweet orange glaze, these scones are sure to delight any chocolate and orange lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Add-ins and Glaze
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when your scones are shaped.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Butter and Sugar: Add the granulated sugar and cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into crumbs resembling coarse sand, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, cracked egg, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir gently just until the dough comes together without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, form the dough into a 1-inch thick disc.
- Cut the Scones: Slice the disc into 8 triangular wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the scones are puffed up and feel slightly firm to the touch.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over them for a sweet citrus finish.
Notes
- For best texture, use cold butter and work quickly when mixing to prevent melting.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
- Fresh orange juice and zest enhance the bright citrus flavor, but bottled juice can be substituted if necessary.
- Ensure scones cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate orange scones, chocolate scones, citrus scones, breakfast scones, cocoa scones, glazed scones, semi-sweet chocolate chips

