Scones are a beloved treat around the world, often enjoyed as part of breakfast, tea time, or as an afternoon snack. Among the endless varieties of scones, apple cinnamon scones stand out as one of the most comforting and flavorful options. With the perfect combination of sweet apples and aromatic cinnamon, these scones bring a touch of autumn into every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy morning at home, or just because, this apple cinnamon scone recipe will not disappoint.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making apple cinnamon scones, from choosing the right ingredients to tips for perfecting the recipe every time.
What Are Apple Cinnamon Scones?
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes apple cinnamon scones so special. Scones are a type of baked good originating from the United Kingdom, often made with flour, butter, sugar, and cream or milk. They have a crumbly, biscuit-like texture that is both tender and slightly crisp on the outside. The addition of apples and cinnamon to the dough adds moisture and warmth, making the scones even more delightful.
Apple cinnamon scones, in particular, combine the natural sweetness and moisture of apples with the spicy warmth of cinnamon. These ingredients not only create a flavorful scone but also fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma as they bake. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or with a dollop of cream, these scones are perfect for any occasion.
Apple Cinnamon Scones Ingredients
To make the best apple cinnamon scones, it’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients. The following list will provide you with all the essentials you need to bake the perfect scones.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the scone dough. Be sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid packing it into the measuring cup.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): This leavening agent helps the scones rise, giving them that light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For a slight sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice of this recipe. It gives the scones their warm, comforting flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Scones are all about the butter. Using cold butter is essential for achieving that perfect, crumbly texture. Cut it into small cubes before using.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Provides moisture to the dough. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or opt for a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a binding agent and adds structure to the scones.
Apples:
- Apple (1 medium): A tart apple, such as Granny Smith, is perfect for this recipe. You’ll need to peel, core, and chop the apple into small pieces to fold into the dough.
Additional Ingredients (Optional):
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping): A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the scones before baking gives them an extra sweet touch.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making apple cinnamon scones may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. The hot oven will help the scones bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. These ingredients form the base of your scone dough, so it’s important to mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want the butter to remain in small, pea-sized pieces, as these pockets of butter will create a tender, flaky texture in the scones.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until well combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in dense scones.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Once the dough is formed, fold in the chopped apple pieces. Be gentle during this step to avoid mashing the apples. You want to ensure that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking apart.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. This is a great time to sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the scones if you like a sweet, crunchy topping.
Step 7: Bake the Scones
Place the scone wedges onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are close together but not touching. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These scones are delicious when served warm, with a drizzle of glaze, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of clotted cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Scones
- Cold Butter: The key to flaky scones is using cold butter. Don’t skip this step! If needed, you can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour.
- Don’t Overmix: The more you handle the dough, the denser the scones will become. Mix until the dough just comes together, and then stop.
- Choose the Right Apples: For a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, opt for firm apples that hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are great options.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your apple cinnamon scones! You can add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut the dough and bake it as directed. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes will also help with texture and flavor.
- Glaze or No Glaze: If you like a sweet glaze on your scones, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled scones for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations on Apple Cinnamon Scones
While the classic apple cinnamon scones are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:
Apple Cinnamon Scones with Streusel Topping
For an added crunch, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping on the scones before baking. Simply mix together 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cold butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and crumble it over the scone dough before baking.
Glazed Apple Cinnamon Scones
If you love a sweet glaze, drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon over the top of the scones once they’ve cooled. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the scones.
Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Syrup
For a fall-inspired twist, replace the milk in the recipe with maple syrup. This will give the scones a subtle maple flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Apple cinnamon scones are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:
- With Tea or Coffee: Serve these scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
- As a Dessert: Pair these scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet delightful dessert.
- With Jam or Honey: Spread some apple butter, strawberry jam, or honey on top of the warm scones for a sweet, extra touch.
- With Cheese: For a savory contrast, enjoy the scones with a slice of sharp cheddar or goat cheese.
Conclusion
Apple cinnamon scones are a delightful and comforting treat that can brighten any day. With the perfect balance of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a crumbly texture, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of tea, these scones are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Try out the recipe today and let us know how you customize it to make it your own!
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Scones are a perfect combination of sweet and spicy, with chunks of fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. Soft on the inside and golden on the outside, these scones are a delightful addition to your breakfast or afternoon tea. Made with simple ingredients, they offer a warm, comforting flavor that is perfect for fall, though they can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients
For the Scones Base
For the Topping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the scones from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Cut in Butter
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Add Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in dense scones.
Fold in Apples and Nuts
- Gently fold in the diced apple and chopped nuts (if using) into the dough. The dough will be slightly sticky, but that's normal.
Shape and Cut the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place each wedge onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Apply the Topping
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream for a golden finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
Bake
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 323.74kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18.39g29%
- Saturated Fat 8.58g43%
- Trans Fat 0.02g
- Cholesterol 57.39mg20%
- Sodium 258.73mg11%
- Potassium 131.83mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 34.96g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2.17g9%
- Sugars 8.78g
- Protein 5.85g12%
- Vitamin A 122.72 IU
- Vitamin C 1.4 mg
- Calcium 169.28 mg
- Iron 2.04 mg
- Vitamin D 0.35 IU
- Vitamin E 0.6 IU
- Vitamin K 2.12 mcg
- Thiamin 0.28 mg
- Riboflavin 0.23 mg
- Niacin 1.98 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.08 mg
- Folate 21.28 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.15 mcg
- Phosphorus 263.15 mg
- Magnesium 23.44 mg
- Zinc 0.61 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
To make the scones extra tender, be sure to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough will result in dense scones.
If you don’t have whole milk, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
The scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
