Apple Cinnamon Scones

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When it comes to homemade scones, the combination of apple and cinnamon is simply divine. These Apple Cinnamon Scones are wonderfully crisp on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside, bursting with the flavors of juicy apples and warm spices. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon treat. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these scones are easy to make and full of cozy, comforting flavors.

Perfectly Spiced and Buttery

There’s something so satisfying about the flaky, buttery texture of a freshly baked scone. This Apple Cinnamon Scone recipe uses a classic scone technique that creates a tender crumb, but it’s the addition of cinnamon and fresh apples that truly sets these apart. The cinnamon complements the apples beautifully, adding warmth to each bite, while a sprinkle of coarse sugar gives them a lovely crunch on top. For an extra decadent twist, you can even drizzle these scones with caramel sauce before serving.

These scones are a fantastic way to start your day or to share at a gathering, filling your home with the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples as they bake. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious treats yourself!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Scones

Creating these Apple Cinnamon Scones is easy with a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, spiced treats:

• All-Purpose Flour – You’ll need 2 cups of flour to form the base of the dough. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to ensure you have the right amount for tender, flaky scones.
• Baking Powder – With 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, this helps the scones rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon – For warm, autumnal flavor, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon are added to the dough, pairing perfectly with the apples.
• Salt – A 1/2 teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – You’ll need 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) of frozen butter. Grating frozen butter ensures that it incorporates into the dough evenly, resulting in a flaky scone.
• Heavy Cream – This adds richness and moisture. You’ll use 1/2 cup in the dough, plus an extra 2 tablespoons for brushing the tops of the scones.
• Large Egg – A cold egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the scone.
• Brown Sugar – With 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, this adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and apples.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Just 1 teaspoon brings out the warm flavors in the scones, adding a subtle, comforting aroma.
• Apples – For that fresh apple flavor, use a heaping cup (about 125g) of peeled and chopped apple. Choose a variety that’s firm and sweet, like Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Optional Toppings

• Coarse Sugar – Adds a delightful crunch and a little extra sweetness on top of the scones.
• Caramel Sauce – For an indulgent finishing touch, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the warm scones.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones

Baking scones can be easy and rewarding when you follow a few essential steps. The secret to great scones is using cold ingredients, which help create those flaky layers. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Grate the frozen butter directly into this mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into pea-sized crumbs. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the wet ingredients.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this over the flour mixture and add the chopped apples. Mix until everything is just moistened.
3. Shape the Dough
   On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and gently shape it into a ball. Pat the dough into an 8-inch disc and use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 equal wedges.
4. Chill the Scones
   For best results, refrigerate the shaped scones for at least 15 minutes (and up to 1 day) before baking. This step helps the scones hold their shape during baking.
5. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the scones on the sheet, brush them with the remaining heavy cream, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
6. Cool and Serve
   Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before topping with optional caramel sauce. Enjoy warm, or store leftovers at room temperature for a few days.

How Long to Bake Apple Cinnamon Scones

Baking these Apple Cinnamon Scones to perfection takes about 22–25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). However, the baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the scones. The goal is to have the scones turn golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top.

To ensure even baking, arrange the scones with enough space—about 2–3 inches apart—on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly around each scone, helping them bake consistently and achieve that lovely golden color.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Scones

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping the butter and wet ingredients cold is key for creating flaky scones. Cold butter will release steam as it melts, creating those tender layers.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough scones. The dough will be sticky, which is perfectly normal.
• Chill Before Baking: For best results, chill the shaped scones for at least 15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents the scones from spreading too much.
• Check for Doneness: Scones are done when they’re golden brown on the edges and lightly browned on top. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

How to Store Leftover Scones

Apple Cinnamon Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well if you have leftovers. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• At Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving or warm them up briefly in the oven or microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
• Freezing Scones: If you’d like to store them for even longer, wrap each cooled scone in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.

Reheating Tips

For the best texture, reheat the scones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This helps restore their crispness on the outside while keeping them soft inside. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the scones a bit chewy rather than flaky.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Cinnamon Scones are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a few extras:

• Butter and Jam: A simple spread of butter or a dollop of apple butter brings out their flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top them with warm caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
• Tea or Coffee: Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the warm spices in the scones.

With these tips, your Apple Cinnamon Scones will be an absolute hit, whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or enjoying them later in the week.

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