Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful blend of tender, flaky pastry and the warm autumnal flavors of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon. These scones boast a rich texture that crumbles just right with each bite, making them a comforting treat perfect for cozy mornings or a spontaneous afternoon snack. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist their pull, perhaps even indulging in one (or two!) straight from the oven.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Apple Cinnamon Scones

My journey of making Apple Cinnamon Scones started on a chilly fall day when I craved something warm and sweet to pair with my afternoon cup of tea. The sudden urge led me to create a cozy recipe that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also warms the heart. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these scones come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor without spending hours in the kitchen. So, why not roll up your sleeves and give them a try? I promise you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In about an hour, you can whip up a batch of homemade scones.
Irresistible Flavor: The fresh apples and cinnamon create a warm, inviting blend that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their golden color and sweet, drizzled icing, these scones are a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a mid-afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify with gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream for special diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter (frozen & grated): This cold butter will create flaky layers. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with chilled butter, but be careful not to overmix.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Grating the apples ensures they blend right into the dough, providing moisture and sweetness. If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the structure of your scone. If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This will help the scones rise for that delightful, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
1 large egg (cold): Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness. Make sure your egg is cold for the best texture.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream (cold): Provides moisture, richness, and contributes to a tender crumb. For lighter scones, substitute with half-and-half.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits (store-bought or homemade): These will infuse your scones with delightful buttery cinnamon bursts. If you can’t find them, cinnamon chips work as a great alternative.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and adds a lovely finish to your scones.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Amplifies the delicious cinnamon flavor throughout the scone.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor; make sure to use pure vanilla for the best results.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjust the consistency of the icing to your liking.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup later.
Grate the Butter: Grate the frozen butter into a bowl and place it back in the freezer while you prep the rest. Cold butter is crucial for achieving that desired flaky texture in the scones.
Grate the Apples: Using a grater, shred your chosen apples until you have 1½ cups. Squeeze away excess moisture with a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent a soggy dough.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cold large egg and ⅔ cup cold heavy whipping cream, then fold in the shredded apples, mixing gently.
Incorporate Butter: Toss the grated frozen butter into the dry mixture, ensuring each piece is coated in flour. This helps to keep it cold and ensure flakiness.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients along with ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and gently pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch high. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut it into 8 wedges, transferring each piece to your baking sheet.
Chill: Keep the scones close together on the baking sheet to help them rise uniformly. Place the tray in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F.
Bake: Bake the scones for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely on the pan.
Make the Icing: While cooling, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach your desired consistency for the glaze.
Drizzle & Serve: Once cooled, generously drizzle the icing over each scone. Whether enjoyed as they are or shared with loved ones, these scones are sure to be a delightful treat.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Scones fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you need to refrigerate them, they’ll last about a week in a well-sealed container. For long-term storage, freeze the scones in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their original flaky texture; you might notice the flavor is even better once warmed!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to dense scones instead of light, flaky ones.
Ensure your butter stays as cold as possible; it should be freshly grated before mixing to achieve the best results.
Timing matters! After combining wet and dry ingredients, handle the dough as little as possible to keep it tender.
If you’re making these ahead of time, you can prepare the dough, cut the scones, and freeze them before baking. Then, pop them in the oven from frozen for a freshly baked treat.
Adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking can give your scones a beautiful finish that adds a bit of crunch.

Apple Cinnamon Scones are more than just a recipe—they’re a warm hug on a plate and a celebration of comforting flavors. As you experiment with the ingredients and enjoy the delightful process of making them, I encourage you to add your own twist! Perhaps a handful of walnuts or a swirl of caramel drizzled atop the glaze? The possibilities are endless! I can’t wait for you to try this comforting recipe, and I hope these scones bring you as much joy as they’ve brought to my mornings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Gala, and Pink Lady are excellent choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples or whatever you have on hand. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a slight reduction in the sugar used.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and cut the scones in advance. Store them in the freezer on a baking sheet lined with parchment until they’re firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I get my scones to rise well?

The secret to high, fluffy scones is in the mixing method and the temperatures. Always use cold butter and cream, and be sure to avoid overworking the dough. Keeping the scones chilled until they hit the hot oven will also give them a good lift.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the icing?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the icing won’t be as rich. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Scones are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Featuring grated apples, cinnamon bits, and a fluffy texture, they are a must-have for anyone who enjoys simple, delicious baking at home.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the grated apples with the unsalted butter until well combined.
Add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt to the apple mixture, stirring to combine.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
Fold in the cinnamon sweet bits before shaping the dough into scones.
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for a short while before baking.
Bake until golden brown, then allow to cool before drizzling with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Notes

Feel free to use any type of apple you prefer for a unique flavor.
For extra sweetness, adjust the amount of granulated sugar or add a glaze of your choice.
Serve warm for the best taste and texture.