Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the scone dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the scones and helps with browning.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with apple.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flakiness to the scones.

Apple: Adds moisture and a natural sweetness, as well as a delightful texture.

Heavy cream: Contributes to the tender crumb and richness of the scones.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

When incorporating the butter into the dry ingredients, make sure it remains cold. This ensures that the scones will have a flaky texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break the butter into small, pea-sized pieces. If the butter starts to soften, place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content, though it may make the scones denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, but reduce the amount slightly due to its higher sweetness level.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the same leavening effect.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same amount and provides a subtle coconut flavor while keeping the scones moist.

• apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to apples.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a similar richness and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile to the scones.

• To keep your apple cinnamon scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will help maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
• For longer storage, place the scones in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving to enjoy their full taste.
• If you want to freeze the scones, first let them cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps them from getting soggy.
• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the scones tasting fresh.
• Place the wrapped scones in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen scone, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds on a low setting.
• To bring back that freshly baked taste, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the thawed scones for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive their crisp exterior and soft, tender interior.
• If you prefer, you can also freeze the scone dough before baking. After cutting the dough into wedges, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen wedges to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
• When baking frozen scone dough, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on them and bake until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple cinnamon scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through. This method helps retain the scones' original texture, making them taste freshly baked.

• Microwave Method: Place a scone on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals. This method is quick but may slightly alter the texture, making the scone a bit softer.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't over-brown. This method is great for achieving a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist.

• Stovetop Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the scones in the skillet and cover with a lid. Warm them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is excellent for a quick reheat and adds a slight crispiness to the exterior.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the scones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method is efficient and helps maintain a crispy texture.

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to bake the scones until golden brown.

• Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.

• Parchment paper: Place on the baking sheet to ensure easy removal of scones.

• Large mixing bowl: Use to whisk together the dry ingredients.

• Whisk: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly.

• Pastry cutter: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Small bowl: Whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Fold in the diced apple gently and mix the wet and dry ingredients.

• Floured surface: Turn the dough out onto this to shape it into a circle.

• Knife: Cut the dough circle into 8 wedges.

• Wire rack: Cool the scones on this after baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and dice the apple and cube the butter ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and butter by pulsing in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Preheat while prepping: Start preheating your oven as you begin your preparation to save time.

Shape dough directly on parchment: Form the dough circle directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid transferring and reshaping.