Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful, bakery-inspired treat that pairs the tartness of diced apples with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. These scones have a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, flaky center, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Each scone is topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, which adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor. These scones are easy to make and can bring the comforting aroma of spiced apples into your kitchen in no time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
   • Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This will evenly distribute the baking powder and sugar throughout the flour, helping the scones rise evenly.
4. Cut in the Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Small bits of butter will create flaky layers in the scones when they bake.
5. Add the Buttermilk and Apples:
   • Pour the buttermilk over the flour mixture, gently stirring until the dough begins to come together. Add the spiced apple mixture to the dough and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
6. Shape the Dough:
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a disk about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the disk into 8 triangular wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round cutter for more classic, round scones.
7. Bake the Scones:
   • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the scones are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If needed, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
9. Glaze and Serve:
   • Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and let it set for a few minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor, with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 280-300 kcal
• Protein: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Sugars: 25 grams

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these scones without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk. If you want to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk, let it sit for a few minutes, and then use as directed.

Q2: What type of apples work best for these scones?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are great because they hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness. However, you can use any apple variety you enjoy, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.

Q3: How can I make these scones vegan?

To make these scones vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

Q4: How can I keep my scones soft and fluffy?

Cold butter is key to fluffy scones, as it creates small pockets of air as it melts during baking. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the scones dense. Also, serve them fresh to enjoy the best texture.

Q5: Can I freeze these scones?

Yes, these scones freeze well. Freeze unbaked scones for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked scones and reheat them before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Scones:

1. Use Cold Ingredients:
   • Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for a flaky texture. The cold butter creates pockets of steam in the dough, which results in a tender, layered texture.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough:
   • Stir the dough until just combined and avoid over-kneading. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, as it develops too much gluten in the flour.
3. Adjust the Sugar in the Dough:
   • If you prefer a less sweet scone, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons. The brown sugar in the apples and the glaze on top will still add plenty of sweetness.
4. Experiment with Spices:
   • Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for extra warmth. These spices complement the apple-cinnamon flavor wonderfully.
5. Try Different Glaze Variations:
   • For a richer taste, swap out the vanilla in the glaze with almond extract. You can also add a dash of cinnamon to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may lose its crispness over time, but the scones will still taste delicious.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Scones can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
3. Freezing Unbaked Scones:
   • To freeze unbaked scones, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Freezing Baked Scones:
   • Freeze baked scones by allowing them to cool completely, then place in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion:

Apple Cinnamon Scones with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen, though they’re delicious any time of the year. The combination of spiced apples and a tender, flaky scone topped with sweet glaze creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Easy to make, these scones are perfect for family breakfasts, cozy brunches, or even as an after-school snack.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create bakery-style scones that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, drizzled with vanilla glaze, for a comforting and delicious homemade treat!