These scones have quickly become a staple in our household. Their delightful mix of juicy apples and fragrant spices makes them the perfect companion to a steaming mug of coffee. There’s something about biting into the soft, buttery texture that just wraps you in warmth. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip these up in no time—even on a busy morning. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed your mornings without them.
When it comes to baking, I find the process as enjoyable as the result. The easy steps of this recipe allow me to savor each moment, from grating the frozen butter to the satisfying clink of the spoon against the mixing bowl. It’s a little piece of tranquility in a hectic world. These scones aren’t just a treat; they’re a reminder to pause and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. So, why not grab your apron and join me in the kitchen? Let’s create something delicious together.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons frozen salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground clove
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons caramel dessert topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground clove.
- Using a coarse grater, grate the frozen butter directly into the flour mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, smooth out the plain Greek yogurt with the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Fold in the finely chopped apples into the yogurt mixture, then gently combine with the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough forms and sticks together.
- Shape the dough into a disc roughly 8 inches in diameter and 1-2 inches thick on your prepared baking sheet.
- Slice the disc into 8 wedges and distribute them evenly on the pan, leaving space between each.
- Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the tops are a perfect golden brown.
- For the glaze, blend together the maple syrup, caramel topping, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a bit of milk if needed. Drizzle over the cooled scones and indulge!
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
If you’re out of Greek yogurt, try using sour cream or buttermilk for a similar tangy twist. No maple syrup? Honey works just as well. You can even swap apples for pears for a different fruity flair! These tweaks won’t take away from the original charm of the scones but will give them a personalized touch.
Keeping Your Scones Fresh
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them over a longer period, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed container. Reheat gently in the oven before serving to revive their warm, freshly-baked goodness.
How to Serve These Scones
Serve your apple cinnamon scones with a pat of butter or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Pair them with a robust coffee or a soothing herbal tea to complement the warm spices. They’re delightful as an afternoon snack or as the centerpiece of a leisurely breakfast spread.
Secrets to Perfecting Apple Cinnamon Scones
For the best results, ensure your butter is straight from the freezer before grating; this keeps the scone texture flaky. Resist overworking the dough; handle it just enough to bring the ingredients together. And always preheat your oven to get that perfect golden crust.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Apple Cinnamon Scones
In the fall, add dried cranberries or raisins to the mix for an autumnal touch. Winter invites a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in place of nutmeg and allspice. In spring, fresh strawberries can replace apples, while summer could see these scones paired with a lemon glaze instead.
FAQs:
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Absolutely! While sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully, tart varieties like Granny Smith add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the scones. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type or what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have frozen butter?
If you haven’t planned ahead to freeze your butter, you can still achieve good results. Use very cold butter straight from the fridge and work quickly to prevent it from softening too much. The key is to keep the butter solid so it melts during baking, creating flaky layers.
How can I make these scones dairy-free?
To make these scones dairy-free, substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for the butter. Use a non-dairy yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. These swaps will alter the flavor slightly but offer a great dairy-free option.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Additionally, you can skip the glaze or use a lighter drizzle to cut down on sugar while still enjoying the rich flavors.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This can actually enhance the flavors, making the scones even better. Just shape the dough, cover it tightly, and bake fresh the next morning. Remember, the colder the dough, the flakier the scones.
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will refresh the scones, making them taste as if they’re just out of the oven. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave for 15-20 seconds will do the trick, though the texture may differ slightly.
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- cheese grater
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups apples peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons frozen salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground clove
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons caramel dessert topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For Scones:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground clove.
- Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture using a cheese grater with large holes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended. Carefully fold in the apples, then combine this with the flour mixture. The dough may appear crumbly, but keep kneading until it comes together.
- Form the dough into an 8-inch disc on the lined baking sheet, ensuring it’s about 1-2 inches thick. Cut into 8 evenly spaced wedges.
- Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
For Glaze:
- To prepare the glaze, mix together the maple syrup, caramel topping, and powdered sugar until smooth. If needed, thin it out with a teaspoon or two of milk.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones and enjoy with your favorite beverage!
