Apple Cinnamon Scones

$To create the best apple cinnamon scones, you will need some key ingredients. Here’s a detailed list: - 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the scones their structure. - 1/3 cup granulated sugar: It adds sweetness to balance the tart apples. - 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the scones rise. - 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This provides a warm spice. - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter creates flaky layers. - 1 large apple, peeled and diced: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for great flavor. - 1/2 cup buttermilk: This keeps the scones moist. - 1 large egg: It helps bind the dough. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a nice depth of flavor. - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Nuts add crunch and richness. - Extra sugar for sprinkling on top: This gives a sweet, crunchy finish. Choosing the right apple is crucial. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Both will work well in your scones. If you want extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. For the butter, always use unsalted. This lets you control the salt in your recipe. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make some irresistible scones! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps scones rise well. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the scones from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until everything blends well. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. This will add moisture to the dough. 1. Add cold butter to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend. Stop when it looks like coarse crumbs. 2. Fold in diced apples and nuts, if you like. This adds flavor and texture. 1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently until it comes together. Don’t overdo it! 2. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 wedges. 3. Transfer the wedges to your baking sheet. Sprinkle sugar on top for extra sweetness. 4. Bake for 15-18 minutes. The scones should be golden brown when done. To make the best apple cinnamon scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your scones tough. Gently fold in the wet and dry ingredients. This keeps them light and fluffy. Using cold butter is key for texture. Cold butter helps the scones rise. It creates small pockets of air, making them soft inside. I cube the butter right from the fridge. This keeps it cold until it goes into the oven. To present your scones well, serve them warm. Place them on a nice platter. You can add apples around them for a pop of color. Drizzle a simple glaze on top. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk. Sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flavor. This makes your scones look and taste even better. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors! {{image_2}} You can switch up the fruits in these scones. Try using blueberries or cranberries instead of apples. These fruits add a burst of flavor. They also give a nice color to the scones. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Another way to change the taste is by adding spices. Nutmeg and ginger are great options. They add warmth and depth. A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the apple flavor. Ginger can give a nice kick to the scone. Feel free to experiment! To make these scones healthier, consider using whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat flour gives a slightly nutty flavor too. This change keeps the scones tasty while making them more wholesome. You can also reduce the sugar in the recipe. Try cutting the sugar in half. The natural sweetness of the apples helps balance it out. You could also use honey or maple syrup instead. These options can add a unique flavor while lowering refined sugar. To keep your apple cinnamon scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them moist and soft. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, this method works well. If you want to keep scones for a longer time, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the scones in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. If you have day-old scones, don’t worry! You can easily revive them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them up and makes them taste fresh again. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but they may not be as crisp. Enjoy your scones warm! Can I make scones ahead of time? Yes, you can make scones ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and cut it into wedges. Then, place the wedges on a baking sheet and cover them. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge. What is the best way to serve leftover scones? Serve leftover scones warm. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will refresh their fluffy texture. Adding a light drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter can make them even better. How do I know when the scones are done baking? Check the scones after 15 minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are done. Can I substitute buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute buttermilk. Use regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar tangy effect to buttermilk. What are the signs of overmixing the dough? Overmixing the dough makes the scones tough. You’ll notice a dense texture and fewer flaky layers. The dough should come together gently. Mix only until you see no dry flour. This keeps them light and fluffy. To make these delicious scones, we covered the key ingredients first. You learned about the best apple types, optional nuts, and butter choices. Then, I shared easy steps for preparation, dough blending, and baking. We looked at tips for perfect texture and serving ideas to impress. In conclusion, trying different fruit and spice options can keep things fun. Remember to store and reheat your scones properly for best taste. With these tips, you’ll enjoy great results each time. Happy baking!$

Delight your taste buds with these easy Apple Cinnamon Scones! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these scones combine fresh apples and warm cinnamon for a cozy treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have these delicious scones ready in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this delightful homemade goodness. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 large apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Extra sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Add the cold cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gently fold in the diced apple and chopped nuts (if using) into the flour mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until the dough comes together.

Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of each scone for added sweetness and crunch.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm drizzled with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Place on a beautiful platter with an apple or two for decoration.