Apple Cinnamon Scones Perfect Fall Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Scones – The Kitchens Aid

Introduction

Is there anything that says “comfort” better than the combination of apple and cinnamon? 🍎✨ If you’re looking for that perfect cozy treat, these apple cinnamon scones are exactly what you need! Not only do they fill your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma, but they also make for a delicious (and easy!) baked good perfect for breakfast, brunch, or that delicious afternoon snack we all crave. I first fell in love with these scones on a crisp fall morning and, well, they’ve been a family favorite ever since. Warm, buttery, and packed with chunks of apples and that signature cinnamon spice—pure bliss!

If you’ve been wanting to bake something special but without the hassle, trust me, these scones are calling your name. Let’s get baking and grab a slice of that cozy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry.
Aromatic Comfort: The mix of cinnamon and apple will make your home smell amazing—it’s like a hug in the form of baked goods.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a slow weekend morning or a quick grab-and-go treat, these scones fit the bill!

Ingredients Breakdown

2 cups all-purpose flour: A base we all know and love. The key to fluffy scones is in how you treat the dough—don’t overwork it!
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten, without overwhelming the apple flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the scones their light and slightly crumbly texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice! It adds that warm, cozy flavor we crave.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter: Cold butter is essential to flaky scones—pro tip, you can freeze the butter and grate it straight into the dough!
1 large egg: Adds structure and helps bind everything together.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the dough beautifully tender. You can substitute with buttermilk in a pinch for a slightly tangier result.
1 apple, peeled and diced: Use any apple you like! Granny Smith will add a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp will keep things sweet.
Optional: Turbinado sugar for sprinkling: Adds a delightful crunch on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to do this first so everything is ready once the dough is mixed. Also, peel and dice your apple—you want small cubes so they evenly distribute in the dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to evenly distribute everything.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add your cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips (work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt!), cut the butter into the flour until you have pieces about the size of peas. These little butter pockets create those flaky layers we love in a scone!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

D In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream. Add the wet ingredients to the flour and butter mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few flour streaks are fine here.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Fold the diced apples gently into the dough. The dough will look a bit shaggy, but don’t worry—it’s supposed to be rustic!

Step 6: Shape Your Scones

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently pat into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Optional Topping

If you want to add that lovely crunch on top of your scones, sprinkle each wedge with a little turbinado sugar.

Step 8: Bake!

Pop the scones into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the scones are golden on top and cooked through. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Keep your ingredients cold: Cold butter is key to flaky scones. After shaping, you can pop the scones into the freezer for 10 minutes to keep the butter from melting too soon.
Don’t overmix the dough: Stir just until combined. Overmixing will make the scones tough instead of tender and crumbly.
Baking Tip: If you’re worried about uneven baking, rotate your tray halfway through the baking time to ensure even color all around.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Add-Ins: You can mix in 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or even some dried cranberries for a festive touch!
Glaze Option: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and a splash of milk for extra sweetness.
Serve With: Serve these scones with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or my favorite—apple cider!

FAQs

Can I make these scones ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and freeze them. Bake straight from frozen—just add about 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do these scones stay fresh? They’ll keep for about 2-3 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them, and reheat in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.
Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Pear, peaches, or even blueberries would all work beautifully. Just tweak the cinnamon to your liking depending on the fruit!

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