Apple cinnamon scones have a charming way of welcoming you with their warm, buttery notes and that hint of sweet apple goodness. Each bite bursts with cinnamon, creating a delightful harmony that makes you feel at home. The flaky texture and comforting aroma evoke memories of crisp autumn mornings, wrapped in a soft blanket with a hot drink in hand. Perfectly satisfying, they elevate your breakfast spread or make delightful snacks for any time of the day.

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 still remember the first time I bit into a homemade apple cinnamon scone. It was at a quaint café tucked away in the countryside, where everything was baked fresh daily. I was enchanted! Since then, I’ve sought to recreate that experience at home. You may think making these scones is complicated, but I assure you, they’re simple and entirely worth it. They’ll transform your mornings into special occasions. So, gather your ingredients and let’s bring the bakery to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch.
Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the warm embrace of cinnamon tickling your senses and the juicy sweetness of apples in every flaky bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The delightful golden color and the drizzle of icing makes these scones as beautiful as they are delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a sweet treat during the day, they fit in anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily modify this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free with simple substitutions, making it accessible for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter (frozen & grated): This technique helps achieve that flaky texture that’s essential for great scones. Make sure it’s cold to keep the butter from melting too quickly in the dough.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): Choose a tart variety to balance the sweetness of the scones. Remember to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the backbone of your scone. You could substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed, but results may vary.
¼ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness. You can cut down the amount if you prefer less sweetness or use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, ensuring that your scones rise beautifully. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 large egg (cold): The egg acts as a binder. Make sure it’s cold—like the butter—to help create a tender crumb.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream (cold): This gives a rich flavor and soft texture. If you need a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or plant-based cream.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits: These add bursts of sweet cinnamon flavor throughout. You can find them in stores or make your own using cinnamon and sugar.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the icing. This sweet mist on top makes your scones visually appealing and adds a nice sugary touch.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: It brings an aromatic warmth, enhancing the cinnamon flavor in the scones.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in deepening the flavor profile. You can use almond extract for a different twist.
1-2 tablespoons milk: To thin out the icing to your desired consistency.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Preheat and Prepare: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will help with easy clean-up after baking.
Grate the Butter: Grate the frozen butter and pop it in the freezer while you prep. This keeps the butter cold, ensuring a flaky texture.
Grate the Apples: Grate your chosen apples until you have 1½ cups. Gently squeeze out the liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent a wet 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.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 large cold egg and ⅔ cup cold heavy whipping cream, then stir in the shredded apples.
Incorporate Butter: Toss the frozen butter shreds into the flour mixture, separating any pieces so they’re coated in flour. This ensures they stay distinct in the scone.
Combine Everything: Add the apple mixture, ½ cup cinnamon sweet bits, and use a wooden spoon to combine the dough until it’s just moistened. Be gentle to avoid overmixing.
Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch high. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
Position on Baking Sheet: Move the wedges to the parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them relatively close together to help them rise.
Chill Before Baking: Place the complete baking sheet of scones in the freezer while you preheat your oven to 400℉.
Bake: Once your oven is preheated, bake the scones for 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the pan.
Make the Icing: While the scones cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach your desired icing consistency.
Decorate: Drizzle, pipe, or spoon the icing over the cooled scones, and then they are ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Once completely cooled, store your apple cinnamon scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes, and they’ll taste just like freshly baked!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Overmix: To achieve the perfect scone texture, mix the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overworking the dough can make them tough.
Cool Ingredients: Keep your butter and cream cold; this helps in getting that fantastic flaky texture that makes scones so special.
Grate Apples: Make sure to squeeze out the excess juice from the grated apples; too much moisture can lead to gummy scones.
Chill Before Baking: Freezing the shaped scones for a few minutes before baking helps them rise beautifully and results in a better texture.
Add More Flavor: For an added touch, consider incorporating chopped nuts or a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

There’s nothing like a warm scone fresh from the oven to brighten your day. These apple cinnamon scones embody that perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors that makes them utterly irresistible. I invite you to experiment with this recipe, perhaps trying different apples or adding nuts. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy each delightful bite as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady apples give a great flavor profile, you can substitute with any apple variety you enjoy. Just remember that firmer apples will provide more texture.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and cut it into wedges in advance. Store them in the freezer as mentioned earlier. When you’re ready to bake, allow a few extra minutes if baking straight from the freezer.

How can I make these scones healthier?

You can reduce the sugar content or use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. Substituting applesauce for some of the butter also adds moisture with fewer calories.

What’s the best way to reheat scones?

Reheating in the oven is preferable for maintaining the scone’s original texture. If you use a microwave, wrap them in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out, but this may not maintain that lovely crispy edge.

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful treat bursting with flavor. Made with fresh apples and a touch of cinnamon, they are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, these scones will surely satisfy your cravings for homemade goodness.

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 to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the grated apples, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar.
Add the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and cinnamon sweet bits, mixing until just combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the cold egg, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and gently pat it into a circle, about 1 inch thick.
Cut the dough into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with milk for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Make sure the butter and cream are very cold for flaky scones.
Feel free to substitute different types of apples based on your preference.
These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.