Today is my dad’s birthday and when I asked him what wonderful sweet treat he would like he requested scones.  Excellent!  I love scones.  These would also make a great Christmas morning treat.

I used a recipe from Mom’s Big Book of Baking by Lauren Chattman.  It’s a fantastic book, full of simple recipes, great tips, and yummy baked goods.

Add-On Scones:
The book gives a list of possible add-ins.  I used dried apricot and threw in some orange zest.

6T unsalted butter, chilled
3 C flour
1/3 C sugar
1T baking powder
1/2 t salt
3/4 C dried apricots cut into small chunks
2 t orange zest
2 large eggs lightly beaten
3/4 C whole or lowfat milk

  • Preheat the oven to 450°
  • Cut butter into 1/4″ chunks and put in freezer
  • Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
  • Add chilled butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.Stir in apricots and zest
  • Stir in eggs and milk and mix by hand until just moistened- don’t overmix
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and divide in half.  Shape each into a 6″ disk
  • Cut each disk into 6 wedges
  • Place the wedges 1/2″ apart on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet
  • It’s optional at this point to brush the tops with another lightly beaten egg
  • Bake until golden about 12 minutes

I let my scones cool and topped them with this orange glaze.