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Apple Cinnamon Scones 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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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