Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. These tender, flaky scones combine fresh diced apples with warm spices, topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3/4 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
• 1 1/2 cups diced green apple (about 1 large apple)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3: Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring carefully to incorporate it evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the diced apples and gently stir to combine.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and the egg.
6. Step 6: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cream and egg mixture. Gently stir until the dough comes together, adding a little more flour or cream as needed to avoid crumbly or overly sticky dough.
7. Step 7: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
8. Step 8: Shape each portion into a disk about 5 inches across and 1 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the dough. Cut each disk into 6 wedges.
9. Step 9: Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Step 10: Brush the scones with 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
11. Step 11: Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the scones are lightly browned.
12. Step 12: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before glazing.
13. Step 13: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or cream as needed.
14. Step 14: Pipe or drizzle the glaze over the scones and let it set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart green apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can help maintain the scones’ flakiness.
• For a nutty twist, add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Swap the cinnamon in the glaze for a pinch of ground cardamom for an aromatic variation.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warm before serving to restore their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just choose apples that hold their shape well during baking to avoid mushy scones.

How do I know when the scones are done?

The scones should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 150 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Scones are a perfect blend of tender, flaky pastry and warm, spiced apple flavor. Made with diced green apples, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a smooth cinnamon vanilla glaze, they are ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 scones 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Scone Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3/4 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
• 1 1/2 cups diced green apple (about 1 large apple)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Glaze Ingredients

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Incorporate Butter: Grate the frozen unsalted butter into the dry ingredients a little at a time, and gently stir to evenly distribute the butter without melting it, creating a crumbly texture.
4. Add Apples: Fold the diced green apples into the flour and butter mixture carefully to ensure even distribution without breaking up the apples.
5. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and one egg until smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the cream and egg mixture, and gently stir just until the dough comes together. Adjust by adding more flour or cream if the dough is too sticky or crumbly. Avoid over-mixing to keep the scones tender.
7. Shape Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Form each portion gently into a disk approximately 5 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the dough.
8. Cut Scones: Cut each disk into six even wedges, making a total of 12 scones.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
10. Brush and Sugar: Brush the tops of the scones with 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and sprinkle evenly with coarse sugar for a crunchy topping.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning, until the scones have a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
12. Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before glazing.
13. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or cream as needed to create a glaze that’s thin enough to pipe but thick enough to hold shape.
14. Glaze Scones: Pipe the glaze over the cooled scones and allow it to set before serving for a sweet cinnamon-vanilla finish.

Notes

• Freezing the butter before grating helps create a flaky texture by keeping the butter cold and solid when mixed with the flour.
• Be careful not to over-mix the dough to avoid tough scones; mix just until combined.
• Diced green apples add a tart flavor and slight crunch, but you can substitute with other firm apples if preferred.
• The glaze can be adjusted for thickness depending on your preference for drizzling versus piping.
• Scones are best enjoyed fresh the same day they are baked, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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