In 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 soda, 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.
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!
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!
There’s always tomorrow
!
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?
Yes, an 1 egg should work just fine. Scones are wonderful – very homey and comforting.
Apricots! Yummy
I agree!
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!
Thank you!
Oh, yes! That sounds so good.
I truly do need a love button on your blog. C’mon WordPress!
Veggiewitch ♥
Hehe – you’re so cute and sweet!
Hmm apricots and chocolate- interesting flavour combination! Sounds delicious
It works!
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.
Hugs gladly accepted
! I’m now drooling over your pizza creations!
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.
Girl! I’ve missed ya! And…I really would like you to join the Virtual Vegan Potluck! C’mon!!
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
Waw! Stunning looking vegan scones! They look just so delectable!
I must make them soon!
Chocolate, orange and apricot scones? They sound truly superb! I will have to try this combination some time, thank you for the great idea!
It’s a nice combination – no one flavor out-doing the others. Hey, Lorna – - I’d love to have you be a part of the Virtual Vegan Potluck!
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.
Lorna, I really would love to have you participate and totally understand about your wrist. Teas would be awesome! We need beverages!
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.
Woooohoooo! I’m thrilled!
These look really incredible Ann! I have never made scones before (I know, right?) – I am bookmarking this to try
Love the combo!
Whoa! Girl!! Get in there and bake
!
Yay- it’s nice to know that scones are not off limits as a vegan. Yumm. I am SO making these.
Hey, are you joining the Potluck? C’mon!
OK, you convinced me
Ah, the power of persuasion! I’m glad! Let me know what course you are in for – and thanks!
In my belly now please scones!