I absolutely love how these Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe capture all the warmth and coziness of autumn in every bite. From the tender chunks of fresh apples to the inviting cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s like biting into a slice of your favorite fall day. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon treat, these scones hit the spot every time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how light and fluffy the scones turned out despite all those rich fall flavors. You’ll find that the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overpowering, making these scones perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or tea. I promise this Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe will quickly become your go-to when the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples brings that cozy, seasonal taste you crave.
- Light and Tender Texture: These scones are fluffy, not dense, thanks to careful mixing and cold butter.
- Easy Homemade Glaze: The simple cinnamon glaze adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the natural apple flavor.
- Great for Breakfast or Snacks: They’re easy to make in one batch and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create scones that are both flavorful and tender. Using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour adds a subtle nuttiness, and the cold butter is key to that flaky scone texture you want.
- Cold buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, helping the scones stay tender and flavorful.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Helps keep the scones moist without adding extra sugar, plus it boosts that natural apple flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: Provides depth and a slight molasses note that complements the fall spices.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making the spices and apples pop.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- White whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome texture without being too heavy.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the scones light and fluffy.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps your scones rise beautifully.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic fall spices that warm up the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and spices.
- Chilled butter: Critical for creating flaky layers; make sure it’s cold when you cut it in.
- Diced apples: Fresh and peeled, I recommend Granny Smith for a nice tart contrast.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the glaze that ties everything together with a touch of sweetness.
- Cold fat-free milk: Helps get the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Variations
I love making this Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe my own by swapping out certain elements or adding a twist. Feel free to experiment — after all, scones are pretty forgiving and great for personalization.
- Gluten-free option: I once tried using a gluten-free flour blend and while the texture was a bit different, it worked well if you’re gluten-sensitive.
- Swap the apples: Pears or even dried cranberries make delicious alternatives if you want a different fruit flavor.
- Maple glaze: For an extra fall flair, try adding a touch of maple syrup to the glaze — it’s irresistibly good!
- Extra nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can give a lovely crunch that’ll surprise your taste buds.
How to Make Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together the cold buttermilk, unsweetened applesauce, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg in a medium bowl. I like to use cold ingredients straight from the fridge because that helps keep the butter cold for better flakiness later. Make sure you mix until everything is well combined, but don’t stress over incorporating too much air here.
Step 2: Prep Your Dry Mixture
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This little spice mix is really the secret to that cozy fall flavor in your scones. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Cut in the Chilled Butter
Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-sized bits. This step is crucial – the small chunks of cold butter create those flaky layers when baked. Trust me, it’s worth taking your time here and keeping the butter cold.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples and Combine
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re well distributed but not crushed. Then add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is moistened. Overmixing can make your scones tough, so be gentle here.
Step 5: Shape and Cut Your Dough
Lightly flour a flat surface and your hands, then knead the dough gently about four times – just enough to bring it together without overworking. Pat or roll the dough into a 9-inch circle, roughly three-quarters of an inch thick, right on your greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 12 even wedges, cutting all the way through for even baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the scones at 375°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re golden brown on top. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them starting around 15 minutes. Once baked, move your scones to a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before glazing.
Step 7: Make and Apply the Glaze
Mix the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of cold fat-free milk in a bowl. If it seems too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you get a smooth glaze that drizzles easily. For the finishing touch, either drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones with a spoon or dip the scone tops right into the glaze and place them on waxed paper to let it set.
Pro Tips for Making Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: I learned keeping your butter chilled until the last second makes the difference between crumbly scones and flaky, layered ones.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworking dough can toughen your scones, so stir just until combined for tender results.
- Use Tart Apples: I prefer Granny Smith because their tartness balances the sweet glaze beautifully and keeps scones flavorful.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust milk gradually — too thin glaze can drip off too quickly, and too thick won’t spread or drizzle well.
How to Serve Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe
Garnishes
I love a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze for a little pop of spice and color. Sometimes, I add a few thin apple slices or even a tiny mint leaf to each scone for an eye-catching, fresh touch that says “fall” on the table.
Side Dishes
These scones go beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich latte, especially on chilly mornings. For a heartier brunch, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad with toasted pecans.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these scones in a rustic basket lined with a cozy plaid cloth napkin — it instantly makes the spread inviting. You could also stack glazed scones on a tiered cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece at fall parties or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about two days, but I find they taste best within the first day while still soft and slightly warm.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these scones successfully by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then warm briefly in the oven to refresh that just-baked texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them evenly and helps the glaze soften back up without making the scones soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen apples for this Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe?
Fresh apples are best for this recipe because they hold their texture during baking, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them really well before folding into the dough to avoid extra moisture.
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What’s the best way to ensure my scones are flaky?
Keeping your butter very cold and cutting it into small, pea-sized pieces before mixing is key. Also, handle the dough gently and avoid over-kneading for tender, flaky layers.
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Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk plus a splash of vinegar to mimic acidity. Use dairy-free butter alternatives and non-dairy milk for the glaze for a tasty dairy-free version.
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How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and edges. The scones should spring back gently when pressed and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Can I double this Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to bake the scones on two separate baking sheets to avoid over-crowding, which can affect even baking and rising.
Final Thoughts
Making these Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of fall comfort. I always look forward to baking a batch when the season changes because it fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma and brings smiles all around. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy that same cozy feeling with every bite—just like I do each year!
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Glazed Apple Scones with Fall Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 80 min
- Yield: 12 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These glazed apple scones are a delicious, lightened-up twist on the classic recipe, featuring tender baked apples infused with warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfectly tender and mildly sweet, they make a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat when drizzled with a smooth cinnamon-spiced glaze.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp cold fat free milk (plus 1/2 tbsp if needed for glaze)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (divided between dough and glaze)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (divided between dough and glaze)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, for glaze)
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chilled butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups diced apples, peeled (Granny Smith recommended)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the scones.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, unsweetened apple sauce, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and large egg until smooth and combined.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, small pieces of butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized crumbs.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced peeled apples into the flour and butter mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Add Wet Mixture: Pour the buttermilk mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir just until the dough is moistened and comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly four times with floured hands to bring it together.
- Shape Dough: Form the dough into a 9-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet, shaping it to approximately 3/4-inch thickness.
- Cut Wedges: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal wedges, cutting all the way through to separate the scones.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons cold fat-free milk in a bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon or teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze Scones: Place scones on parchment or wax paper. Drizzle the glaze over each scone with a spoon, or dip the tops directly into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- These scones use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flours for a balance of nutrition and tenderness.
- Chilled butter is key to achieving flaky, tender scones – avoid letting it soften before cutting into the dough.
- Granny Smith apples offer a tart, firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk gradually to get the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg
