Chocolate Chip, Apricot & Orange Scones

Scone on PlateIn spite of my huge love for yeast bread – the labor involved, the simple ingredients that through kneading and time create complex, rich flavor, the satisfying crunch of a deep brown crust, the smell as it bakes – I adore quick breads, with the humble, homely biscuit being my favorite kind.   I quite possibly could live on biscuits alone (as long as I have a cup of tea or hot chocolate with which to wash it down and perhaps a schmear of jam).  I’ve been messing around with biscuits quite a lot lately, with my attention mostly on the savory kind, but a recent cookie post by emmycooks got me thinking about chocolate and dried apricots.  Sounds like sweet scone material to me!

Orange and chocolate seem so natural together and apricots add that nice, soft bite that complements the flaky scone.  These make a not-too-sweet afternoon snack or a portable breakfast.  With half the fat of “normal” scones, these are nearly guilt-free.

Chocolate Chip, Apricot & Orange Scones
Makes 12

2 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
zest from one orange
1 tbsp. egg replacer + 3 tbsp. water (whisk until frothy, then set aside for a minute or two)
1/4 cup vegan butter
4 oz. unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4-1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
~2 tbsp. soy milk, for brushing tops of scones
Demerara sugar, for sprinkling, if desired

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and orange zest.  Add the butter in chunks and blend until the mixture is the consistency of coarse meal.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg replacer, applesauce, maple syrup and soy milk, then pour into the dry ingredients – adding more soy milk if necessary.  Just before the dough is thoroughly combined, stir in the chocolate chips and dried apricots.

Scoop the batter into a ball and place on a floured surface (or directly onto the lined baking pan).  Pat dough into a circle that is about 1/2″ thick.  Move the circle onto the baking sheet and cut into 8-12 pieces.  Separate the triangles a little bit, then brush the tops with soy milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Scone Dough

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are a nice, rich brown.  Let the scones cool for a minute before putting on wire cooling racks.  Eat while still warm!

Pan of Scones

Apricots & Chocolate Chips

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33 thoughts on “Chocolate Chip, Apricot & Orange Scones

  1. keepinitkind

    I just ate a boring bran muffin before heading out to yoga. Now I’m having morning snack remorse because these look soooooo much more inviting! I used to make chocolate-covered dried apricots, so needless to say, I’m a pretty big fan of that combination! Another lovely baked good from Annie! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Averil

    I’ve never made scones before and these look so tempting. I’ve got to try them. Bookmarking it right away. I suppose I can use an egg instead of the egg substitute right?

    Reply
  3. Ashlae | oh, ladycakes

    Yet ANOTHER great flavor pairing :) I love apricots, but I can never seem to find the ones that aren’t preserved with sulfur dioxide (the stuff gives me a terrible stomach ache). Your scones look delicious!

    Reply
  4. Brittany

    I wish I could hug you right now. I was JUST browsing the grocery store thinking about scones, and what to make/how to make them vegan. Orange and chocolate..perfection.

    Reply
  5. vegancharlie

    dear geeze… I have been away from the delicious food pictures for wayyy too long! this looks sooo yummy and I am a sucker for a delicious scone and a nice cup of tea.

    Reply
  6. Lou

    GREAT flavour combo, love this idea. Actually anything with chocolate is always going to go down a treat, but I’m particularly found of foods involving apricots :)

    Reply
  7. tearoomdelights

    Chocolate, orange and apricot scones? They sound truly superb! I will have to try this combination some time, thank you for the great idea!

    Reply
      1. tearoomdelights

        I think it’s a great idea and I read your posts about it but what worried me was that my wrist might not be up to it at the right time. I would hate to promise you a food item and then not be able to do it on the day. Perhaps I could just provide some teas or something? That might be an idea.

      2. tearoomdelights

        Right-o, count me in on the tea front then! That’s great, I was wondering how I could contribute, I think it’s a brilliant notion of yours.

  8. Shira

    These look really incredible Ann! I have never made scones before (I know, right?) – I am bookmarking this to try :) Love the combo!

    Reply

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