Nothing quite beats a warm, freshly baked batch of spiced apple scones first thing in the morning. There’s something so comforting about biting into a golden-brown wedge that’s tender on the inside, bursting with sweet apple bits and a gentle chorus of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. As someone who loves easy baking projects, I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I need a quick yet impressive treat. With just 20 minutes of preparation and about 20 minutes in the oven, you can pull eight delicious scones out of your kitchen, each clocking in at around 180 calories—perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up alongside your favorite cup of tea.
I still remember the first time I whipped up these spiced scones on a crisp autumn weekend. The recipe is designed for beginner bakers, so you don’t need to be a pro to achieve bakery-worthy results. You’ll simply combine pantry staples like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder with warming fall flavors, gently fold in chopped apples, and finish everything off with a quick rest before baking. In no time, your home will be filled with that signature sense of “hello, fall!”—and you’ll be left with a batch of sweet, spicy scones that taste like a hug in pastry form.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SPICED APPLE SCONES
Before we get our hands floury, let’s take a look at what makes these spiced apple scones so special. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect balance of tender crumb, warm spices, and just the right hint of sweetness.
- All-purpose flour
Acts as the sturdy base that gives structure to the scones. It’s versatile, easy to work with, and creates the tender crumb we all love.
- Granulated sugar
Delivers sweetness and helps the scone tops caramelize slightly in the oven, resulting in that golden hue and a touch of crispness.
- Baking powder
Works as the leavening agent, ensuring your scones rise beautifully and achieve that light, fluffy texture instead of turning into dense disks.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making each spice note and apple piece shine without tasting flat.
- Ground cinnamon
Provides a warm, familiar aroma and a cozy spice note that pairs harmoniously with the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds depth with its slightly sweet and nutty undertones, giving your scones a nuanced fall-inspired flavor.
- Ground ginger
Introduces a gentle, peppery kick that brightens up the spice blend and keeps the taste profile lively.
- Ground cloves
Brings an earthy, slightly pungent spice note that ties together the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a beautifully rounded way.
- Unsalted butter
Chilled and diced, it’s worked into the flour to create pockets of fat that melt during baking, producing a tender, flaky texture.
- Large apple
Peeled, cored, and finely chopped, it infuses the scones with juicy bites of fruit, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- Milk
Provides the necessary liquid to bring the dough together and contributes to a moist, tender crumb.
- Egg
Helps bind the ingredients, adds richness, and contributes to the scone’s golden color.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note that complements the spices and apple perfectly.
HOW TO MAKE SPICED APPLE SCONES
Now that we’ve covered what goes into these scones, let’s talk about how to bring all those elements together. The process is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and a joy for anyone who loves to multitask flavors and textures in the kitchen. We’ll go from dry ingredients to beautiful wedges of scone in just a few simple steps.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until the spices are evenly distributed and the dry mix is homogenous.
3. Add the chilled, diced butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or clean hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pea-sized pieces of butter.
4. Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces, ensuring they’re spread throughout the flour-butter blend without crushing them into mush.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together—avoid overmixing to keep the scones light.
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
8. Pat or roll the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle. Use a knife to cut it into 8 wedges or press a round cutter for different shapes.
9. Place the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even air circulation and rise.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SPICED APPLE SCONES
Serving these spiced apple scones is almost as fun as making them! They’re versatile, so you can dress them up or enjoy them simply. Whether you’re entertaining friends, gifting neighbors, or treating yourself, here are some ways to present them beautifully and maximize that cozy vibe.
- Pour a drizzle of runny honey over warm scones right before serving. The sweet, sticky honey will pool in the nooks and enhance every bite with a floral finish.
- Spread a pat of softened butter (salted or unsalted) on a warm scone. The melting butter seeps into the crumb, elevating the richness and highlighting those fall spices.
- Layer scones with a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, and top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or chopped nuts for a luxurious brunch treat.
- Serve alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced latte to echo the warm spice blend in the scones—perfect for chilly mornings or afternoon tea parties.
HOW TO STORE SPICED APPLE SCONES
These scones stay moist and flavorful when stored properly, so you can enjoy them over a few days or freeze them for a later treat. Whether you’re planning for a busy week ahead or want to stock up for unexpected guests, here are reliable methods to maintain their freshness.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, place the scones in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Keep them on the counter for up to 2 days. This method preserves their slightly crisp exterior and tender interior without drying them out.
- Refrigeration: Store scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or give them a quick 5–7 minute warm-up in a 300°F oven to revive that just-baked taste.
- Freezing Individual Scones: Wrap each cooled scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a labeled, freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, unwrap a scone and reheat it in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes—no thawing required.
- Freezing a Whole Batch: Arrange cooled scones on a baking sheet so they’re not touching and flash-freeze for 1 hour. Transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab as many as you need.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into the world of spiced apple scones—one of my all-time favorite baked goods for chilly mornings and cozy afternoons alike. From whisking the dry ingredients to folding in plump apple pieces and warming cinnamon, each step is a little baking adventure that results in eight irresistible wedges. These easy-to-make scones are perfect for breakfast crusted with raw sugar, paired with a drizzle of honey, or simply enjoyed plain with a spread of butter. Don’t forget, you can print this article and save it for whenever you need a quick recipe for fall flavors or last-minute brunch invites. If you flip back to the top, you’ll see everything from preparation and cooking times to difficulty level—making this your reliable guide for a foolproof batch every time. And yes, there’s a handy FAQ section just below that answers those burning questions—no extra searching required.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how your spiced apple scones turned out! Feel free to share comments, ask questions, or even swap out your favorite nut variations. Baking is an adventure best enjoyed together, and your feedback helps me improve and adapt recipes for every home cook out there. So don’t be shy—drop a note below if you need any help, have a tip of your own, or just want to let me know how these scones made your morning a little bit brighter. Happy baking!
Spiced Apple Scones
Description
These fluffy scones are bursting with spiced apple goodness and a hint of warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, they pair wonderfully with butter or honey.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
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Add the chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed through the mixture.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
-
Pat or roll the dough into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for different shapes.
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Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
- For added sweetness, you can sprinkle some raw sugar on top before baking.
- These scones are perfect with a drizzle of honey or a spread of butter.
- Customize with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- They freeze well, so make a double batch and save some for later treats.
