
Introduction to Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
When life gets busy, it’s comforting to have a warm, delightful treat waiting for you. That’s where these Apple Scones with Maple Glaze come in! Perfectly fragrant and delicious, they’re an easy solution for breakfast or an afternoon snack that will make your taste buds sing.
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling schedules or a professional racing to meetings, these scones offer a quick and rewarding escape. Plus, they’re an impressive way to share love and warmth with friends and family. So, let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
These Apple Scones with Maple Glaze will quickly become your go-to recipe. They’re a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for hurried mornings or cozy afternoons. Each bite bursts with warm, spiced apple flavor, topped with a sweet maple glaze that adds a special touch. Plus, they’re versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be coming back for more!
Ingredients for Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards baking those heavenly Apple Scones with Maple Glaze. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your scones, providing structure. You can substitute some with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Baking powder: The magic leavening agent that helps your scones rise to fluffy perfection. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the spices. Alternatively, try brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples. Feel free to add more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Don’t skip it!
- Ground nutmeg: This spice adds a hint of warmth and complexity. It’s optional but recommended for that cozy touch!
- Ground all-spice: Just a whisper of spice that complements the apple flavor. Substituting with pumpkin pie spice works perfectly too.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, this is your key to a flaky texture. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness. You can swap it with mashed bananas for a different twist.
- Heavy cream: Rich and creamy, it gives the scones a tender crumb. Milk or a dairy-free alternative can be used, just keep the fat content in mind.
- Large eggs: Cold eggs help bind the mixture together, giving it structure.
- Pure vanilla extract: A splash of this elevates the flavors, bringing the scones to another level. You can even use almond extract for a unique taste.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart apples bring a perfect balance of flavor. Feel free to try other apple varieties if you prefer sweet apples.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where all the details are laid out for printing!
How to Make Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together to create those scrumptious Apple Scones with Maple Glaze! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat on your hands in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 425°F (218°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy. While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ground all-spice. Use a whisk to blend everything evenly. This not only combines the dry ingredients, but it also aerates the flour for a lighter texture. Just imagine the warm aromas that will fill your kitchen soon!
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Now comes the fun part! Take your cold, cubed butter and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse meal. You want little chunks of butter, about the size of peas. This is what creates those flaky layers we all love in scones!
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, heavy cream, cold egg, and pure vanilla extract. This is where all that lovely moisture comes from. Make sure it’s well mixed; you want everything to blend flawlessly before it joins the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the center of your dry ingredients. Then, gently fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples. Use a spatula to stir everything together until just moistened. The dough may look shaggy, but that’s completely normal! Don’t overmix it; we want tender scones.
Step 6: Knead and Shape Dough
Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface, then empty your shaggy dough onto it. Gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overdo it! Shape the dough into an 8-inch disc; it doesn’t have to be perfect. Think of it more as a rustic charm!
Step 7: Cut into Wedges and Chill
Using a sharp knife, cut your disc into 8 even wedges. Carefully transfer these wedges to your prepared baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart. For this part, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This chilling step helps your scones hold their shape while baking.
Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
After they’ve chilled, brush each scone lightly with egg wash. This will give them that beautiful golden color. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sparkling sugar either—sprinkle generously on top! Now, pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 9: Drizzle with Maple Glaze and Serve
Once they’re done baking, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After cooling, drizzle them with your maple glaze. Serve those scones warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up. You’ve just created a piece of cozy, baked happiness!
Tips for Success
- Always use cold butter for flaky scones; the colder, the better!
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be slightly shaggy for a tender texture.
- Chilling the scones helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavors.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a little more maple glaze on top!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A regular sheet will do, but an insulated one keeps your scones from over-browning.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup. If you don’t have it, grease the baking sheet.
- Pastry cutter: A fork works too if you don’t have one!
- Mixing bowls: One large for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet mixtures.
- Whisk: A fork can be used for mixing ingredients, too!
Variations on Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
- Change the Apples: Swap Granny Smith apples for sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a milder flavor.
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft scones.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with spices! Try a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the cream with coconut milk, use a flax egg in place of the regular egg, and replace butter with vegan margarine.
- Fruit Medley: Incorporate other fruits like cranberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
- Pair your scones with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for the perfect morning treat.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to add a pop of color and nutrition.
- For a cozy afternoon, enjoy them with a scoop of whipped cream.
- Presentation tip: Arrange the scones on a beautiful platter, drizzled with extra glaze for a lovely touch.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving for an elegant finish!
FAQs about Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tart balance, you can use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each variety will bring its unique flavor to your scones.
How do I store leftover scones?
If you have any leftover scones (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them, and just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy a delightful treat!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and cut it into wedges in advance. Just wrap the shaped dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the same instructions as you normally would!
What’s the best way to glaze the scones?
The easiest way to glaze your scones is to place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Drizzle the maple glaze over the scones and let it set for a few minutes. This way, the glaze won’t make a mess.
How can I customize the glaze for different flavors?
You can easily adapt the glaze. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract to the maple glaze for a unique twist. Citrus zest can also brighten the flavor beautifully!
Final Thoughts on Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Every bite of these Apple Scones with Maple Glaze is a warm embrace, bringing comfort during busy days. The delightful combination of spiced apple and silky glaze makes them a real crowd-pleaser. They’re not just a treat; they create memories shared over breakfast or an afternoon tea. Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering or enjoying them solo, there’s a certain joy in baking that connects us to our roots. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and let these scones become a cherished part of your culinary adventures!
Print
Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fragrant apple scones topped with a sweet maple glaze, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) baking powder
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
- 10 Tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (130g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup (57ml) heavy cream
- 1 large egg, cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (200g) granny smith apples, peeled or unpeeled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and all-spice, mix well to combine.
- Cut the butter into small cubes, then, using a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dough until it resembles a coarse meal. The chunks of butter should be about the size of peas.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the applesauce, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the center of the flour mixture. Then add in the chopped apples. Use a spatula to stir everything together until just moistened. Don’t worry if the dough looks dry/shaggy!
- Empty the loose dough out onto a clean, lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough until it comes together, then shape it into an 8-inch disc.
- Cut the disc into 8 even wedges and carefully transfer them to the prepared sheet, placing them 2-inches apart. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the refrigerator and lightly brush each scone with egg wash.
- Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sparkling sugar. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow scones to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then drizzle with the glaze and serve warm!
Notes
- For best results, keep the butter cold.
- Feel free to substitute other types of apples if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Bakery
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg