Apple Cinnamon Scones are the perfect embodiment of cozy baking on a crisp fall morning. With every flaky, buttery bite, you’re greeted by the warmth of cinnamon and the tangy sweetness of freshly grated apples. These scones are not just delightful; they truly capture the essence of autumn. Each scone is a little piece of heaven, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. As a bonus, they come together quickly and are endlessly customizable, which only adds to their charm.

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 remember the first time I baked these Apple Cinnamon Scones in my little kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house was irresistible. It felt as if autumn had wrapped me in a warm hug. I shared them with friends, and their smiles as they took the first bite made it clear: this was a recipe worth cherishing. So whether you’re welcoming guests for brunch or simply seeking a comforting snack, these scones fit effortlessly into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings!
Irresistible Flavor: Flaky, buttery scones filled with juicy apples and sweet cinnamon bites create a heavenly combo.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown exterior and a drizzle of icing make these scones visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as a delightful afternoon snack, or even at a brunch gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets or reduced sugar versions if preferred.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter, frozen & grated: This is key for that tender texture. Freezing the butter prevents it from melting too quickly while baking.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Freshly grated apples add moisture and natural sweetness, plus a delightful bite.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the scones, providing structure and fluffiness.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer taste.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for that light, fluffy rise.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 large egg, cold: Helps bind the ingredients together; make sure it’s chilled for the best texture.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream, cold: Richness in your dough; again, cold is best for optimum flakiness.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits: Either store-bought or homemade, these little bursts of sweetness intensify the cinnamon flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the icing that adds a sweet finish.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and richness to both the dough and icing.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust icing consistency; you may want to add more for a thinner drizzle.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside. This ensures easy cleanup later!
Grate and Prepare Ingredients: Grate the frozen butter and return it to the freezer. Next, grate enough apples until you have 1½ cups. Squeeze out some liquid from the grated apples with a clean cloth or paper towel—this prevents soggy scones!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This forms the base of your scone.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a different bowl, whisk together the cold 1 large egg and ⅔ cup cold heavy whipping cream. Stir in the grated apples until everything is well combined.
Incorporate the Butter: Toss the cold, grated butter into the flour mixture, ensuring all the shards are coated with flour. This step is crucial for that flaky texture when baked.
Combine Dough: Pour the liquid mixture, along with the ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits, into the bowl with the flour and butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir until it forms a dough. Don’t overwork it!
Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and shape it into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch high. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the wedges close together; this helps them puff up nicely.
Chill & Preheat: Place the entire baking sheet of scones in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400℉. Chilling helps maintain their shape while baking.
Bake the Scones: Bake the scones for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before icing.
Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for drizzling.
Ice the Scones: Once the scones have cooled, drizzle or pipe the icing over the top. Get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Apple Cinnamon Scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap each scone tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy these scones warm again, simply pop them in the oven at 350℉ for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Just remember that freezing and thawing may slightly change their texture, but a quick reheat restores their deliciousness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your butter and cream are cold; this is crucial for creating those flaky layers.
Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined for light, tender scones.
If your dough feels too crumbly, a splash more cream can help.
Experiment with different types of apples based on your taste preferences for varying sweetness and flavor.
For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or dried fruit.
These scones also freeze well before baking, so you can have fresh scones whenever the craving strikes!

There’s something simply wonderful about the aroma of freshly baked scones filling your kitchen. Each batch of Apple Cinnamon Scones creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and creates some delicious memories. Experiment with different spices or even add a fruit twist, and let your taste buds enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Gala, and Pink Lady are ideal for their balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will yield scones that are a tad sweeter.

Can I make these scones in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This saves time on busy mornings! Just allow the dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have cinnamon sweet bits?

No worries! You can substitute with regular chocolate chips or leave them out entirely if you prefer a more traditional scone. Adjust the cinnamon in the dough to enhance flavor.

How should I store leftover scones?

Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Scones offer a delightful burst of flavor with each bite. Made with fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, this easy recipe is a great way to enjoy homemade baked goods for breakfast or a snack.

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 mixing bowl, combine the grated apple, butter, and sugar until well mixed.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and stir until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream, then slowly add to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Fold in the cinnamon sweet bits gently until evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, and shape it into a round disc, then cut it into wedges.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, then cool before glazing with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon and a little milk.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, use a mix of different apple varieties.
These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
For added sweetness, drizzle more glaze over the warm scones.