Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful balance of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, encased in a perfectly flaky and buttery pastry. With every bite, you experience the tender crumb paired with the comforting flavors of freshly grated apples and gooey cinnamon sweet bits. This charming treat bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert, making it a tempting option for any time of 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 remember the first time I baked these scones; the intoxicating aroma filled my kitchen, enveloping me in warmth and nostalgia. As I pulled the tray from the oven, the golden edges and soft centers reminded me of sunny mornings spent in cozy cafes. These scones are not only easy to make but are also a wonderful way to impress guests or simply treat yourself. Their soft texture and comforting flavors make them a perfect choice for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of juicy apples and warm cinnamon creates a sweet and spicy delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These scones look as good as they taste, making them perfect for brunch gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—everyone will love them any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets!

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup unsalted butter (frozen & grated): Using frozen butter helps create a flaky texture; if you’re out of unsalted, feel free to use salted, just reduce other salt.
1½ cups grated apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady): These apple varieties add a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. For less tartness, choose Gala.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your scone dough; if you’re going gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount to balance the tart apples and enhance sweetness; light brown sugar makes a good alternative.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for making the scones rise and achieve that lovely tenderness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the scones.
1 large egg (cold): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together; for egg-free, you can use a flax egg or applesauce.
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream (cold): Helps maintain moisture and richness; you can substitute with half-and-half if needed.
½ cup cinnamon sweet bits (store-bought or homemade): These add extra bursts of cinnamon flavor; if unavailable, you can chop dark chocolate for a different twist.
1 cup powdered sugar: For making a sweet glaze to drizzle on top; you can substitute with a sugar alternative if desired.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Intensifies the cinnamon flavor in the icing; add a pinch more for extra warmth if you like.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor; feel free to use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking; for plant-based options, use almond or soy milk.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Preparation: Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Grate your frozen butter and put it back in the freezer while you prepare the apples. Grate your apples (about 1½ cups) and squeeze out excess liquid using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until evenly combined.
Combining Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 large cold egg and ⅔ cup of cold heavy whipping cream, then fold in the grated apples. Incorporating the apples here ensures they are distributed throughout the dough for a delicious bite.
Combining Mixtures: Toss the frozen butter shreds into the flour mixture, separating any clumps to ensure they’re all coated in flour. Then, pour in the apple mixture along with the ½ cup of cinnamon sweet bits, using a wooden spoon to gently combine everything. Be careful not to overmix.
Shaping the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and form it into a 1-inch thick circle, roughly 8 inches in diameter. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chilling: To ensure a light and flaky texture, keep the wedges close together on the baking sheet. Then, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F.
Baking: Bake the scones for 20-25 minutes, or until their tops turn lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Cooling & Icing: Once baked, allow the scones to cool on the pan. Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and enough milk (1-2 tablespoons) to reach your desired icing consistency. Drizzle or pipe the icing over the cooled scones, and they are ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your apple cinnamon scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them later, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, restoring some of their initial texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the dough to ensure your scones stay tender and flaky.
Cold ingredients are key; keep your butter and cream chilled until you’re ready to mix.
If the dough feels too sticky, dust it with a little more flour while shaping.
Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.
For a sweeter scone, feel free to sprinkle some extra sugar over the tops before baking.

Apple Cinnamon Scones offer a perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee or tea, bringing together the cozy flavors of fall at any time of year. With their delightful taste and easy preparation, these scones will surely become a staple in your baking routine. Feel free to mix and match ingredients, creating variations to suit your taste! Enjoy baking and sharing these fabulous scones with family and friends; you won’t regret it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are tart and great for baking, you can use Gala or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter scone. Feel free to mix them up for a unique flavor profile!

How can I make these scones dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. This keeps the scone texture while accommodating dietary preferences.

How do I know when my scones are done baking?

A good indicator is when the tops appear lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead and shape it into wedges. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them. Just remember to bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

More DONUTES & SCONES Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Apple Cinnamon Scones

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Cinnamon Scones combine the tartness of apples with warm spices, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s simple to make. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these scones are sure to delight anyone who loves homemade baked goods.

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a bowl, combine the grated apples and unsalted butter until well mixed.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
Add the apple mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
Stir in the egg, whipping cream, cinnamon sweet bits, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the dough comes together.
On a floured surface, gently knead the dough until smooth, then shape it into a disk, about 1 inch thick.
Cut the disk into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with milk, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

For an extra kick, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
These scones can be served fresh from the oven or reheated in the toaster for a warm treat.
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.