Cozy Apple Cinnamon Scones
As the leaves turn golden and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy vibes of fall than by baking a batch of tender Apple Cinnamon Scones. The aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet, baked apples wafting through your home is truly a comfort like no other. Inspired by memories of weekend mornings spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, these scones fill my heart with nostalgia every time I bake them. They remind me of shared laughter, hot cups of tea, and a home filled with love.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a slab of creamy butter or drizzled with a sweet glaze on a leisurely afternoon, these scones are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their easy prep and irresistible flavor, they truly are a perfect fall breakfast or snack. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Apple Cinnamon Scones can be whipped up in no time, making them great for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
- Heavenly Aroma: Your kitchen will smell like a warm hug as they bake, filling the air with sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy these tender scones, perfect for all ages and palates.
- Customizable: Endless possibilities for mix-ins and flavors mean you can make them your own!
- Perfectly Portable: Great for picnics, brunches, or even as an on-the-go breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cinnamon Scones
- 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup butter (cold and cubed)
- ¾ cup small diced fresh apple (peeled)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Let’s Make It Together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced apples, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently knead it until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough!
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk about 1-2 inches tall. Cut each disk into 6 wedges.
- Transfer the wedges to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. In a small bowl, mix the coarse sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the top of the scones.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm or cool scones.
- Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Scones are best enjoyed the day they are baked, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries to enhance the fall flavors.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute the icing with a zesty cream cheese glaze for a rich twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweet indulgence, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the tops of cooled scones.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your butter and eggs cold ensures flakiness in the scones.
- Mix Gently: Over-mixing can lead to tough scones, so stir just until combined for tender results.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the dough, cut it into wedges, and chill it overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different fruits or even add spices like nutmeg.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days.
How long does it last?
Best enjoyed the day they’re baked, but they can last up to 3 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Baking these cozy Apple Cinnamon Scones is a delightful way to bring warmth and comfort into your home. They embody the essence of fall and make for a wonderful treat to share with family and friends. Save this Apple Cinnamon Scones recipe to your cozy fall treats board so it’s ready when you need a delicious escape!
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (cold and cubed)
- ¾ cup small diced fresh apple (peeled)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Topping and Icing
- 3 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoon milk or cream
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced apples, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently knead it until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough!
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk about 1-2 inches tall. Cut each disk into 6 wedges.
Chilling and Baking
- Transfer the wedges to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Chill in the freezer for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. In a small bowl, mix the coarse sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the top of the scones.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm or cool scones.
- Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
