Apple Cinnamon Scones bring a delightful twist to your breakfast table. Imagine biting into a warm, golden scone, its tender crumb bursting with sweet apple chunks and a hint of spicy cinnamon. This combination creates the ideal morning treat, bridging comfort and ambition, perfect for elevating a simple cup of coffee or a leisurely brunch. You’ll find that baking these scones fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that’s simply irresistible. With a few straightforward ingredients and steps, you can bring this wholesome dish to life in your own home.

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

When I first discovered the joy of baking scones, it was during a cozy autumn afternoon, as the leaves transformed into vibrant hues outside. I whipped up a batch of Apple Cinnamon Scones, and they instantly became a household favorite. Whether enjoyed straight from the oven or slightly cooled, these scones are perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone. With their soft texture and scrumptious flavors, these delights prove to be far more satisfying than anything store-bought. I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in less than an hour, these scones are a breeze to whip up.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tart apples and warm cinnamon creates a flavor that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their golden edges and charming shape, these scones look as good as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack alongside your tea or coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter, frozen & grated: Frozen butter gives these scones a flaky texture. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Fresh, tart apples keep the scones moist and add a lovely sweetness. Feel free to swap for a sweeter apple if you prefer less tartness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the scones. For a gluten-free version, almond or oat flour can work.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount to enhance sweetness without overpowering the apple flavor.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the scones rise. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors.
1 large egg, cold: Acts as a binder for the ingredients and adds richness. Use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream, cold: Provides moisture and ensures a tender scone. Coconut cream can substitute for a dairy-free option.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits: These store-bought treats provide bursts of cinnamon flavor. You can use chopped chocolate or raisins if you can’t find them.
1 cup powdered sugar: Used for icing the scones. You might want to grind your own for an ultra-fine texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Elevates the apple flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complements the apple and cinnamon well.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Helps adjust the icing consistency. You can use any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉ and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Grate Butter & Apples: Grate the frozen butter and put it back in the freezer. Next, grate your apples until you have 1½ cups. Squeeze out excess liquid using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk them together until well blended.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large cold egg and ⅔ cup cold heavy whipping cream. Stir in the grated apples until mixed.
Incorporate Butter: Toss the frozen butter shreds into the flour mixture, ensuring each shard is coated in flour to promote flakiness.
Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients along with ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1-inch high. With a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, making sure to keep them relatively close together for better rising.
Freeze & Bake: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are lightly golden and baked through.
Cool & Prepare Icing: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the pan. While they cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and as much milk as needed to reach your desired icing consistency.
Drizzle & Enjoy: Once the scones are cool, drizzle the icing over the top and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Scones fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For extended storage, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly after freezing, but warming them will refresh their deliciousness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough scones. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
Keep your butter extremely cold; frozen butter yields a flaky texture that’s hard to beat.
Don’t skip the freezing step before baking; it helps maintain the shape and texture during baking.
When grating the apples, choose firm varieties for the best results and less moisture.
If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. If it’s too thick, a drop of milk will help.

Apple Cinnamon Scones are such a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall, making any breakfast or brunch moment feel special. The simple process allows for experimentation, so don’t hesitate to play around with different spices or add-ins. Perhaps a sprinkle of nutmeg or a handful of chopped nuts suits your taste just perfectly! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with loved ones over coffee, these scones will surely make you smile.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in these scones. They will have a nuttier flavor and denser texture. If you go fully whole wheat, consider adding a touch more liquid to balance the dryness.

What is the best way to store leftover scones?

Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer freshness, place them in the refrigerator or freeze them. Be sure to layer them carefully to avoid stickiness.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut the scones, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

The scones should be golden brown around the edges and firm in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time for best results.

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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 incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. Packed with grated apples and sweet cinnamon bits, they make for a delightful snack or breakfast option, perfect for any occasion.

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 to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
Incorporate the grated butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and stir until a dough forms.
Fold in the cinnamon bits until evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and brush with milk.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the scones to cool slightly before drizzling with a mixture of powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a bit of milk.

Notes

Ensure the butter is frozen for better texture.
Feel free to add nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.