Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Scones with this easy-to-follow recipe. These scones are infused with the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 medium apple
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a small amount for dusting)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 5 Tbsp cold butter
Cinnamon Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the apple, cut it into quarters, then cut off the core from each piece. Use a box grater or large-holed cheese grater to shred the apple.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, apple sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and shredded apple.
- In a separate large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Once combined, add the cold butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse, damp sand.
- Pour the bowl containing the apple-egg mixture into the large bowl with the flour and butter. Stir just until a dough forms and no more dry flour remains on the bottom of the bowl.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 6-8 inch wide, 1.5 inch thick disc. (Sprinkle more flour on your hands and on the surface of the dough if needed. The dough may be slightly sticky.) Cut the disc into eight wedges.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cut scones on top. Bake the scones for 18-20 minutes in the fully preheated oven, or until they are just slightly golden brown on top. Allow the scones to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, stir together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and water until a thick paste forms. Once the scones are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over top.
Tips:
- Be sure to use cold butter when making the scone dough, as this helps create a flaky texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while shaping it into a disc.
- For extra sweetness and flavor, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough.
Conclusion:
These Apple Cinnamon Scones are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence. With their tender texture and irresistible flavor, they are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the comforting taste of apple and cinnamon in every bite of these homemade scones!
1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a medium apple, you can use your preferred variety based on taste and texture preferences. Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for baking due to their firmness and sweet-tart flavor. Softer apples like Fuji or Gala can also be used if you prefer a sweeter, softer texture in your scones. Experiment with different types to find the perfect apple flavor for your preference.
2. Can I make these scones ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes, you can! These Apple Cinnamon Scones can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for future enjoyment. After baking and cooling the scones completely, individually wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the scones at room temperature or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
3. Can I omit the cinnamon glaze or substitute it with something else?
Absolutely! The cinnamon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the scones, but it is entirely optional. If you prefer your scones without the glaze, you can simply omit that step from the recipe. Alternatively, if you’d like to add a different type of glaze or topping, feel free to experiment! A drizzle of vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can be a delicious alternative. You can also sprinkle some coarse sugar or cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the scones before baking for added sweetness and crunch.
4. How do I store leftover scones, and how long do they stay fresh?
To store leftover Apple Cinnamon Scones, place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag at room temperature. Properly stored, the scones will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer to enjoy them beyond that timeframe, you can extend their freshness by storing them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply reheat the chilled scones in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Avoid storing the scones in the refrigerator for an extended period, as they may become dry or lose their texture over time.