5 Apple Scone Recipes That’ll Make It Feel Like Fall
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better time to bake with the comforting flavors of apple scones. These delightful treats combine the sweetness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for fall mornings or afternoon snacks. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or indulgent, these five apple scone recipes will bring the cozy feeling of autumn right into your kitchen.
Why Apple Scones Are a Fall Favorite
Apples are the perfect fall ingredient, offering natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. Pairing apples with traditional fall spices like cinnamon adds warmth to any dish, while experimenting with flavors like maple syrup or caramel elevates the experience. Apple scones are versatile and can be served for breakfast, dessert, or with a cozy cup of tea.
If you’re eager to try more fall-inspired apple recipes, check out these Fall Apple Recipes for additional ideas that go beyond just scones.
For those who prefer something sweet yet healthy, explore the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes for another delicious apple-filled option perfect for the fall season.
Essential Ingredients for Apple Scones
To make perfect apple scones, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Fresh Apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for structure.
- Butter: Cold, unsalted butter ensures flaky layers.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds richness, while granulated sugar provides sweetness.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are essential to achieving that warm, cozy flavor.
- Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and keeps them light.
- Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and richness.
- Egg: Adds structure and binds the ingredients together.
1. Classic Apple Cinnamon Scones
There’s nothing quite like classic apple cinnamon scones. These are the ultimate fall comfort food, combining juicy apples with the warming spice of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Stir in diced apples, milk, and egg until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a circle on a floured surface and cut into wedges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
These apple cinnamon scones are best served warm, with a light drizzle of cinnamon glaze or butter.
2. Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
For those who love the deep, earthy flavor of maple syrup, these apple scones with maple glaze are a dream come true. The maple glaze perfectly complements the tartness of the apples.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter, then stir in the apples, milk, and egg.
- Shape the dough into wedges and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and maple syrup, then drizzle over cooled scones.
The combination of maple syrup and apples makes these scones an indulgent fall treat, perfect for a cozy morning.
3. Apple Cheddar Scones
For a more savory option, apple cheddar scones offer a delightful balance between sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese. They’re great as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter, then stir in the cheddar cheese and diced apples.
- Add milk and egg, mix until a dough forms, then shape into wedges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
These apple cheddar scones are perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, especially during fall gatherings.
4. Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Scones
For those who enjoy the tangy flavor of sourdough, apple cinnamon sourdough scones bring together the best of both worlds. The tartness of the sourdough balances beautifully with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter, then stir in apples, sourdough starter, milk, and egg.
- Shape the dough into wedges and bake for 15-20 minutes.
These sourdough scones are a great way to use up leftover sourdough starter, offering a tangy twist to the classic fall flavors.
5. Caramel Apple Scones
For an indulgent treat, caramel apple scones take fall baking to the next level. The caramel drizzle adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart apples.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- For the caramel: 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in butter, then stir in apples, milk, and egg.
- Shape the dough into wedges and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm scones.
These caramel apple scones are an indulgent way to celebrate fall, perfect for dessert or a special weekend breakfast.
FAQs
What type of apples should I use for apple scones?
For the best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold up well during baking.
Can I freeze apple scones?
Yes, you can freeze apple scones by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
How do I keep my scones from drying out?
To keep scones moist, use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Baking at the right temperature also helps prevent drying.
Can I add other flavors to apple scones?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like pecans, vanilla, or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the taste of your scones.
These 5 apple scone recipes will fill your home with the cozy scents and flavors of fall. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, classic or unique, these scones are sure to make it feel like fall in every bite. For even more autumn baking ideas, check out these Caramel Apple Recipes that are perfect for celebrating the season.