Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

When I think of comfort food that also feels a little special, my mind often drifts to the delightful Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread. It’s that perfect blend of a tender scone and a sliceable loaf, bringing a lovely warmth to any morning or afternoon tea. Reminds me of the simplicity and joy of making a batch of apricot bread with my grandmother, filling the kitchen with sweet aromas.

I remember experimenting in my kitchen as a young girl, mixing flavors and always trying to make things healthier and more accessible for family meals. This recipe harks back to those days of playful creativity, turning a classic scone into something easily shared.

This Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread offers a comforting treat with minimal fuss, perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying breakfast or a wholesome snack. My secret is to use quality ingredients; they truly make all the difference.

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What You Need to Make This Recipe

This delightful Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread comes together with simple pantry staples, elevated by the bright zest of oranges and the rich sweetness of chocolate chips. Just like when I’m baking a classic rhubarb banana bread, I find that using fresh ingredients really makes this loaf sing. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

Crafting this Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread is a wonderfully straightforward process, combining dry ingredients before cutting in cold butter, then gently mixing in the wet ingredients with orange zest and chocolate chips. The dough comes together quickly, shaped into a loaf, and bakes to golden perfection. It’s a forgiving recipe, much like my favorite almond flour rolls, designed to bring joy to your kitchen without stress.

Pro Tips for Making This Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

Getting that perfect tender crumb in your Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread is all about technique. I always say, don’t overmix the dough! Overworking the gluten will result in a tough loaf, and we want a light, delicate texture here.

My Secret Trick: For the brightest orange flavor, I always zest my oranges directly over the sugar and rub them together with my fingertips before adding other ingredients. This releases the essential oils, intensifying the citrus aroma beautifully.

Fun Variations for Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

This Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! I love playing with flavors, just like when I’m tweaking my recipe for burger buns for a different occasion.

• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and a nutty depth.
• Citrus Swap: Lemon zest and white chocolate chips create a brighter, tangier version.
• Dried Fruit Delight: Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different kind of sweetness and chew.

What to Serve With Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

This delightful Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread is a star on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple accompaniments.

• A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
• A light fruit salad for a balanced breakfast
• A smear of homemade orange marmalade or berry jam
• A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting herbal tea

My practical tip: I always prepare a small fruit salad with seasonal berries to serve alongside, as the freshness beautifully complements the rich scone bread.

How to Store Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

To keep your Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, I always let frozen slices thaw slightly, then warm them gently in the microwave or a toaster oven until just heated through. Reheating slowly brings the tender texture and vibrant flavors back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread offers a hearty and satisfying start to your day, providing energy from wholesome ingredients and a touch of vitamin C from the fresh orange zest. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a comforting breakfast that feels good and nourishes the body for busy families.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a classic balance, feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile. White chocolate chips also pair wonderfully with the orange, making this Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread truly versatile to your taste preferences.

What’s the best way to get a perfectly golden crust on my Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread?

To achieve a beautifully golden crust on your Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also brush the top of the loaf with a little heavy cream or an egg wash just before baking. This encourages browning and adds a lovely sheen.

Can I make Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This can be a real time-saver for busy mornings. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking to take the chill off.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread recipe?

You can slightly reduce the granulated sugar in the Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread if you prefer a less sweet bread, perhaps by 1/4 cup. Keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture and moisture, so significant reductions might alter the final result of this delightful bread.

Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread

This delightful Scone Bread combines the crumbly texture of a scone with the convenience of a quick bread, bursting with bright orange zest and melty chocolate chips, all finished with a sweet citrus glaze.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Scone Bread

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter 1 stick, very cold, cubed
• 1 Large egg room temperature
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Orange zest from 1 large orange
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp Orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1/2 tsp Orange zest optional, for extra flavor

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry blender
• Microplane or Zester
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment Paper
• Small Bowl

Method

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or your hands just until combined and a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan. Press it evenly into the pan. The dough will be thick and shaggy, similar to scone dough. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached (no wet batter).
• Remove the Scone Bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting it out by the parchment paper overhang and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the bread cools, prepare the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and optional 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice a tiny bit at a time if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it's too thin, to achieve a pourable consistency.
• Once the Scone Bread is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your butter is very cold. You can even cube it and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before use. Do not overmix the dough; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. A few dry streaks are okay. This Scone Bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it's made. Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Conclusion

I hope this Orange Chocolate Chip Scone Bread becomes a cherished recipe in your home. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical and comforting for the whole family. It’s truly a delight to bring nourishing and satisfying meals to your table without adding extra stress to your busy life. Enjoy every tender, citrusy bite!

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