Fluffy & Fragrant Clementine Buttermilk Scones: Your Perfect Zesty Breakfast Delight
Imagine a crisp morning, a warm cup of coffee, and a plate of these incredibly tender and flaky buttermilk scones. Infused with the bright, aromatic zest of fresh clementines and crowned with a delicate, sweet clementine icing, these scones are more than just a baked good – they’re a little ray of sunshine on any day. They strike the perfect balance between richness and zesty freshness, making them an ideal treat that feels both indulgent and wonderfully light.
When Literary Adventures Meet Culinary Creations
I must confess, this delightful recipe for Clementine Buttermilk Scones was originally slated for your screens days ago. However, life, or rather, an exceptionally gripping literary journey, intervened. I’ve spent the past several nights completely engrossed in the thrilling pages of “The Girl Who Played with Fire,” the second installment in the captivating “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series. Once I started, putting it down felt like a betrayal to the characters and the unfolding mystery. So, instead of carefully crafting blog posts, I found myself comfortably curled up in bed, lost in a world of intrigue and suspense.
As the new year began, one of my unofficial goals was to be more consistent with my blogging. And here we are, barely a few days in, and my resolution has already faced a formidable challenge from a Swedish crime novel! But fear not, dear readers, for I believe these luminous Clementine Buttermilk Scones are the perfect way to make amends. They are a testament to the fact that even when distractions pull us away, the joy of creating something delicious can always bring us back, and often, with something even more special to share.
Embracing the Abundance of Winter Citrus
This time of year, my kitchen counter often boasts a vibrant surplus of citrus. Whether they’re cherished remnants from a Christmas stocking, or I simply couldn’t resist the alluring, colorful displays at the grocery store, I frequently find myself with an abundance of oranges, tangerines, clementines, and other glorious members of the citrus family. While they make for a wonderfully refreshing snack on their own, there’s always the risk that some might, regrettably, go past their prime before I have the chance to savor every last one.
This year, I was determined to avoid such a citrus tragedy. My bag of beautiful clementines deserved a better fate than being forgotten! That determination led me to the delightful idea of baking, transforming these bright little fruits into something truly extraordinary. Baking with citrus not only uses up the fruit but also infuses your home with an intoxicating aroma that is both comforting and uplifting, especially during the colder months.
Clementines, Tangerines, Mandarins: A Citrus Family Affair
It’s a common culinary conundrum: what exactly is the subtle distinction between tangerines, clementines, and mandarin oranges? While the nuances can be intricate and vary by region, the good news for this recipe is that any of these delightful citrus fruits will perform beautifully. They all belong to the mandarin orange family, offering a similar sweet-tart flavor profile and an abundance of fragrant zest. I happened to have a generous supply of clementines on hand, but whether you have juicy tangerines or sweet mandarins, feel confident that your scones will turn out wonderfully zesty and delicious.
The Irresistible Charm of These Buttermilk Scones
At first glance, these scones might appear to be unassuming, perhaps even “run-of-the-mill.” But let not their humble appearance deceive you! These are no ordinary scones. Each bite is a burst of fresh, vibrant citrus flavor, amplified by the sweet, tangy glaze that delicately coats their tops. The magic truly lies in their exquisite balance: they are wonderfully tender and flaky, yet never overly sweet. I deliberately kept the sugar content in the scone dough modest, resisting the urge to increase it, because I cherish their simplicity. This intentional choice ensures that the bright clementine flavor truly shines, and the scones don’t cross over into the “dessert” category.
This less-sweet profile is precisely why I feel absolutely no guilt enjoying them for breakfast. Paired with a steaming cup of coffee, they create a morning moment of pure bliss – a truly delicious start to any day. The tang of the buttermilk contributes to their delightful texture and subtle richness, while the clementine zest brightens every crumb.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Flaky Scones
Baking scones might seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve that coveted tender, flaky texture every time. The secret lies in understanding the key role of cold ingredients and a gentle touch.
Keep Your Butter Chilly
The colder your butter is, the better. When tiny pieces of cold butter melt in the hot oven, they release steam, which creates those lovely pockets and layers that define a flaky scone. Use a pastry cutter, your fingertips, or even a food processor to quickly cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Avoid overworking the dough, as warm butter leads to dense, tough scones.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the wet ingredients (buttermilk and egg), mix just until the dry ingredients are barely incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough scone. A slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine, even desirable. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
Buttermilk is Your Best Friend
Buttermilk not only adds a lovely tangy flavor but also contributes to the scones’ tender crumb. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, helping the scones rise beautifully. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Pat, Don’t Roll, and Cut Neatly
When shaping your dough, pat it out gently on a lightly floured surface rather than using a rolling pin, which can compress the dough too much. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Use a sharp biscuit cutter (don’t twist it, just press straight down and lift) for clean edges, which encourages a higher rise. Re-roll scraps only once, if necessary, as overworking can toughen the dough.
The Magic of the Glaze
While the scones are delicious on their own, the clementine glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a vibrant citrus punch. Spooning the glaze over the scones while they are still warm allows it to melt slightly and seep into the nooks and crannies, creating an even more delightful experience. This simple step elevates the scones from great to truly unforgettable.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Clementine Buttermilk Scones are incredibly versatile. They shine brightest alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant pot of tea. For a classic experience, serve them simply as they are, letting their bright citrus flavor take center stage. You could also offer a side of clotted cream or a light fruit jam, though honestly, with their flavorful glaze, they need very little embellishment.
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pistachios to the dough for an added texture and flavor dimension. Or, if clementines aren’t in season, remember the note from the recipe: use any citrus you have on hand – lemon, lime, orange, or tangerine zest and juice will all create a wonderfully aromatic variation.
Clementine Buttermilk Scones
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Ingredients
- ½ cup butter , cold and cubed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon clementine zest
- 3 tablespoons clementine juice , freshly squeezed, divided
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Egg wash
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the citrus zest. Add the cubed butter and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork until the butter is the size of peas.
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In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of citrus juice. Add to the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon just until the mixture comes together and all the dry bits are incorporated.
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Pat out on a lightly floured surface to about 1 ½ inches thick. Cut out rounds and place on the prepared sheet pan about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with eggwash. Bake until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, combine the powdered sugar and remaining citrus juice to make a glaze. Cool the baked scones on a wire rack and spoon glaze over the tops while they’re still warm.
Notes
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Final Thoughts and a Confession…
Admittedly, it might be a little while before I fully resurface from my current literary obsession. “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” the thrilling conclusion to the series, is next on my reading list, and knowing how the previous book ended, I simply cannot leave that cliffhanger unresolved for long! My cozy corner, piled high with blankets and a good book, calls to me. But before I dive back in, I wanted to share this little piece of culinary comfort with you.
These Clementine Buttermilk Scones are a perfect companion for such moments – whether you’re lost in a book, enjoying a quiet morning, or simply seeking a delicious homemade treat. I encourage you to make a batch (or two!) for yourself. Let the bright citrus aroma fill your home, and savor each tender, zesty bite. And please, forgive my temporary disappearance into the world of fiction; I promise to return, perhaps with even more delicious recipes to share once Salander’s fate is finally revealed!