Apple Cinnamon Scones
Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful hybrid of buttery scones and the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie. With their flaky texture and hints of cinnamon, each bite transports you to a cozy café where the scent of freshly baked goods fills the air. They combine the best of both American and British baking traditions—perfect for brunch or as an indulgent afternoon treat.
Table of Contents
This recipe is not just a simple mixture of ingredients; it’s an experience waiting to happen. From the moment you start mixing the cold butter with flour to the first taste of these fragrant treats, you and your loved ones will be captivated. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of flavor, making it an irresistible option for a hearty breakfast or a delightful snack. So, put on your apron and get ready to bake some Apple Cinnamon Scones that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect harmony of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a crumbly, buttery scone base.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden-brown exterior and drizzle of creamy icing make them a showstopper on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack—ideal for any time of day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe to make it dairy-free or gluten-free with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (frozen & grated): Creates a flaky texture. Make sure it’s frozen for the best results.
- 1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Adds moisture and natural sweetness. Squeeze the apples to remove extra liquid for a better dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our scones; essential for structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances tartness from the apples.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the scones their lightness, ensuring they rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 large egg (cold): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream (cold): Provides moisture and creates a tender crumb.
- ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits: These little bits of sweetness explode with cinnamon flavor in each bite. Store-bought is convenient, but homemade can be fun!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the icing that lends a lovely finish to the scones.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Intensifies the warm flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and adds a comforting aroma.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjust to achieve your desired icing consistency.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures that the scones don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.
- Prep the Ingredients: Grate the frozen butter and place it back in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Grate the apples until you have 1½ cups, then gently squeeze out the liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large cold egg and ⅔ cup of cold heavy whipping cream. Stir in the shredded apples from step 2.
- Add Butter: Toss the frozen grated butter into the flour mixture, ensuring each shred is coated. This step is crucial for achieving those flaky layers.
- Bring It Together: Pour the apple-cream mixture and the ½ cup of cinnamon sweet bits into the flour and butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to combine until just blended. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be slightly shaggy.
- Shape the Dough: Scrape the mixture out onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch high. Cut the circle into 8 wedges with a knife or bench scraper.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer each wedge to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them relatively close together. This helps with rising during baking.
- Chill Before Baking: Place the pan of scones in the freezer while you preheat the oven to 400℉. Chilling helps retain their shape and results in better texture.
- Bake: Once preheated, bake the scones for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Let them cool completely on the pan to ensure they set properly.
- Make the Icing: While the scones cool, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for your preferred icing consistency.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled scones, allowing it to add a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy them fresh for the ultimate satisfying experience!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Apple Cinnamon Scones, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week in a sealed container. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the scones for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 5-7 minutes. Just be aware that frozen scones may change slightly in texture; a quick refresh with a little warmth will bring back the delightful flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is very cold when grating; this is key to achieving that flaky texture.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the wet ingredients to keep the scones light and tender.
- For extra flavor, make the cinnamon bits at home by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and bits of butter and letting them chill in the refrigerator.
- Keep an eye on your scones towards the end of their baking time; every oven behaves differently, and you want them to be just golden.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sweet bits, such as chocolate or toffee, if cinnamon isn’t your flavor of choice.
Baking Apple Cinnamon Scones is more than just a culinary endeavor; it’s a journey filled with warmth and comfort. The blend of fragrant spices, sweet apples, and rich cream creates a delightful treat that can turn any ordinary day into something special. Feel free to mix things up with add-ins or favorite flavors—after all, cooking is an art! Grab your apron and experience the joy of baking these delectable scones.
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?
Absolutely! While the recipe shines with apples, consider using pears, peaches, or cranberries for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the amount and moisture accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the scones light and fluffy. Always check the blend for xanthan gum, as this can help achieve the desired texture.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle an additional tablespoon or two of flour into it. Work gently to incorporate the flour without over-mixing, which could prevent the scones from rising well.
Can I make these scones in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut the scones, and freeze them before baking for later use. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Embrace the warmth and joy of homemade Apple Cinnamon Scones, perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Apple Cinnamon Scones
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful blend of warm spices and fresh apple flavor, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this satisfying comfort food in no time!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter frozen & grated
- 1½ cups grated apple granny smith, gala, or pink lady
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg cold
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream cold
- ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits store bought or make your own
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the frozen, grated butter and mix until crumbly.
- Fold in the grated apple and cinnamon sweet bits.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Form the dough into a circle on a floured surface, about 1-inch thick, then cut into wedges.
- Place the scones on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before drizzling with powdered sugar mixed with milk and cinnamon.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding some nuts or raisins to the dough.
Serve warm with a dollop of butter or your favorite jam.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
