Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them the perfect breakfast treat or snack. The soft and flaky texture, mingled with the warm spice of cinnamon and the fruity freshness of apples, creates a symphony of tastes that dances on your palate. These scones are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to indulge anytime the craving strikes.

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

I first encountered Apple Cinnamon Scones during a cozy autumn afternoon baking session with my grandmother. The scent of cinnamon filled the kitchen, intertwining with the crisp air wafting through the open windows. It was a recipe that captured the essence of the season, and the moment those scones came out of the oven, I fell in love. Trust me, once you experience the warm, buttery goodness of these treats, you’ll be hooked, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet apples and warm cinnamon create an unforgettable taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly shaped wedges that look and smell amazing.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter (frozen & grated): This adds richness to the scones. Grating ensures it mixes evenly without melting.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Fresh grated apples give moisture and flavor. For a sweeter touch, choose Gala or Pink Lady.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the scone dough. For gluten-free readers, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This is key for making the scones rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors in the scones.
1 large egg (cold): Binds the ingredients together while providing richness.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream (cold): This will make the scones tender and moist.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits: These add extra bursts of cinnamon flavor and sweetness (store-bought or homemade if you prefer).
1 cup powdered sugar: This is for the icing to drizzle on top.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Used to achieve the desired icing consistency.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Grate Frozen Butter: Grate the frozen butter and place it back in the freezer while preparing the other ingredients. This keeps the butter cold, critical for flaky scones.
Grate the Apples: Grate the apples until you have 1½ cups. Squeeze out excess liquid using a clean cloth or paper towel for the best texture.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cold egg and the cold heavy whipping cream. Stir in the shredded apples to combine.
Incorporate the Butter: Toss the frozen butter into the flour mixture. Make sure to separate any shreds so they are evenly coated.
Combine the Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients and cinnamon sweet bits to the dry. Use a wooden spoon to combine until just mixed; don’t overwork the dough.
Shape the Dough: Scrape the dough onto a floured work surface, gently patting it into an 8-inch circle (around 1 inch thick). Cut this into 8 wedges with a knife or bench scraper.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Move the wedges to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet using your bench scraper, ensuring the pieces are close together to help them rise.
Chill Before Baking: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few minutes while preheating your oven to 400℉.
Bake the Scones: Once preheated, bake the scones for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely on the pan.
Prepare the Icing: While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.
Drizzle the Icing: Once completely cooled, drizzle or pipe the icing over the scones. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store any remaining scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for about a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a 350℉ oven for about 5-7 minutes. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but refreshing them in the oven can restore some of that lovely flakiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your butter is frozen before grating; this step is crucial for achieving that delightful flaky texture.
Don’t skip squeezing out excess apple juice; it prevents the dough from becoming too wet.
Instead of a knife, use a bench scraper to cut and transfer the scones – it’s much easier and cleaner!
Feel free to play around with different apple varieties or even add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some crunch.
If you’re short on time, these scones can be partially made ahead; you can mix the dry ingredients together and store them, then add the wet ingredients just before baking.

Apple Cinnamon Scones offer a delightful experience with every bite. With their tender, flaky texture and the heartwarming aroma of cinnamon and apples, they make mornings feel special. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors – whether it’s extra spices or an icing twist, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the process, and gladly share your creations with friends and family!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Gala, and Pink Lady apples are great choices, feel free to experiment with your favorites. The key is to choose apples that are flavorful and not overly soft.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes! Substitute the heavy whipping cream with a non-dairy milk, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon grounded flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg. You’ll still get fantastic scones!

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

You can use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative, but keep in mind that the scones might be slightly less rich and tender.

How do I know when the scones are done?

Look for a light golden color on the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

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Author: Anna
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 a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining fresh apples, rich butter, and whipped cream. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they are easy to make and irresistible with their warm spices and sweet glaze. Enjoy a homemade treat that everyone will love!

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 the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated apples and other dry ingredients.
Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream before adding to the mixture.
Stir until just combined, then fold in the cinnamon sweet bits.
Shape the dough into scones and arrange them on the prepared sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.

Notes

Use cold ingredients for flaky scones.
These scones can be made ahead and frozen for later enjoyment.
Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.