Apple Cinnamon Scones – Warm, Buttery & Comforting
1. Introduction
There’s something irresistible about the aroma of apple cinnamon scones baking in the oven—comforting, warming, and perfect for chilly mornings or weekend brunches. These scones combine juicy apple pieces, flaky buttery layers, and cozy spices, making them a fall favorite (but delicious any time of year!).
In this article, you’ll learn how to make light, tender scones with crisp edges packed with flavor. I’ll also cover using cold ingredients correctly, easy glazing or topping options, and tips to avoid common pitfalls.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250 g) – Provides structure. Use spoon & level method for accurate measuring.
- Baking powder (2¼ tsp) – Gives lift and light texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1¼ tsp) – Brings warmth and spice.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances all flavors.
- Butter (½ cup / 113 g, frozen/grated) – Cold butter creates flaky layers by melting into pockets in the dough.
- Heavy cream (½ cup) + egg (1 large) – Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind. Egg wash or cream on top gives crisp tops.
- Brown sugar (½ cup) – Adds caramel notes and balances tart apples.
- Apple (1 cup chopped, ~1 medium) – Fresh apple chunks keep scones moist and flavor-packed. Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Optional:
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling) – Adds crunch and sparkle.
- Glaze (simple cinnamon-maple or vanilla) – Makes them extra special.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. - Incorporate Butter
Grate frozen butter into dry mix. Use fingers or pastry cutter to blend until pea-sized crumbs remain. Chill for 5–10 minutes. - Add Apples & Wet Ingredients
Gently toss chopped apple in dry mix. In a second bowl, whisk cream and egg. Pour over dry mix, folding until just combined—avoid overmixing. - Shape the Dough
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface, gently knead 3–4 times, then pat into a 7–8″ disc (~1″ thick). Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter. Chill solidified dough if needed to prevent spreading. - Brush & Sugar Top
Brush tops with heavy cream or egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar and cinnamon. - Bake
Bake 18–22 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back. - Glaze (Optional)
After cooling 10 minutes, drizzle a cinnamon-maple glaze or simple vanilla glaze. - Cool & Serve
Allow scones to cool slightly before serving to preserve texture.
4. Tips and Variations
- Cold Butter Is Essential: Melted butter leads to dense, cakey scones. Keep it frozen/grated for best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Slightly shaggy dough ensures tender crumbs.
- Chill Before Baking: Helps maintain height and shape.
- Additions:
- Streusel layer or cinnamon sugar swirl adds extra fall flavor.
- Maple glaze, vanilla icing, or light salted caramel drizzle.
- Nuts or dried fruit like walnuts, pecans, or raisins.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Warm scones pair beautifully with tea or coffee.
- Serve with fresh apple slices, butter, or apple butter.
- Make it a brunch star alongside yogurt or eggs.
6. Storage & Reheating Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Airtight for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Stored well, up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Individually wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: 5–7 minutes in a 325 °F oven, or microwave 20–30 seconds (warming helps revive texture).
7. Recipe Notes
- Doubling? Bake on separate trays for consistent results.
- For whole grain, substitute half the flour with whole wheat.
- For buttermilk scones, replace cream with buttermilk—adds tang and tenderness.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Scone)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Estimated values based on ingredients; may vary.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American / Fall Baking
Servings: 8 scones
Prep Time: 15 min (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 40 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) frozen butter, grated
- ½ cup heavy cream + 1 egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream for brushing
- 1 Tbsp coarse sugar + cinnamon (optional)
- Optional glaze (maple-cinnamon or vanilla)
Instructions:
- Preheat to 400 °F, prepare baking sheet.
- Whisk dry ingredients.
- Grate butter into mix; chill.
- Stir in apples.
- Whisk cream & egg; fold into dry mixture.
- Shape into disc, cut wedges, chill dough.
- Brush tops; sprinkle sugar.
- Bake 18–22 min.
- Cool, glaze, serve.
10. Final Thoughts
These Apple Cinnamon Scones bring fall flavors into your home with ease and elegance. With golden crusts, tender interiors, and a balance of sweet, spiced apple goodness, they’re perfect for any cozy moment. Bake a batch, sip warm cider or coffee, and savor the comfort.