Apple Scones | Easy Homemade Apple Scone Recipe

PUBLISHED September 5, 2025· MODIFIED September 3, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1470 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon, apples, and buttery pastry, you’re going to love this Apple Scones recipe! These tender, flaky scones are packed with fresh apple pieces and spiced just right for a bakery-style breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Brilliant Breakfast

Quick & Easy. Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Flavorful. Packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla.
Perfect Texture. Buttery, soft in the center, and lightly crisp on the edges.
Great for Any Time of Day. Serve them warm for breakfast, as a midday snack, or a cozy dessert.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, an autumn gathering, or simply want a sweet homemade treat to enjoy with coffee or tea, these apple scones deliver rustic charm and irresistible flavor in every bite.

What Do Apple Scones Taste Like?

Apple scones are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and fruit-forward sweetness. The chunks of juicy apple provide bursts of natural flavor, while the scone itself is rich, buttery, and delicately sweetened. Add a dusting of cinnamon or a simple glaze, and you’ve got a pastry that rivals your favorite bakery.

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can change up the spice, swap out the glaze, or even add nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour– Provides structure and forms the base of the scone dough, resulting in a soft but sturdy texture.
Granulated Sugar– Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples and contributes to browning.
Baking Powder– Acts as a leavening agent, helping the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon– Infuses the dough with warm spice that complements the flavor of the apples.
Salt– Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness in the dough.
Cold Unsalted Butter– Creates a tender, flaky texture by releasing steam as it melts during baking.
Fresh Apple– Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and texture; choose a crisp variety to retain shape during baking.
Egg– Binds the ingredients together and contributes richness and structure.
Heavy Cream (or Milk)– Moistens the dough and keeps the scones soft and tender inside.
Vanilla Extract– Adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
Optional Glaze– Made with powdered sugar and cream or milk; adds a sweet, glossy finish to the scones.

How To Make Apple Scones

Making homemade apple scones is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare the Dough Base. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This creates a well-balanced dry base with plenty of warm flavor.
Cut in the Butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is crucial. It creates steam pockets in the oven, which leads to flaky layers.
Add Apples. Stir in your chopped apples. You want small, evenly sized pieces so they distribute throughout the dough and bake evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream (or milk), and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir just until a shaggy dough forms.
Shape the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together, then shape it into a 7–8 inch round disc. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut into 8 wedges.
Bake the Scones. Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Optionally, brush the tops with extra cream for a golden finish. Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and set.
Cool and Glaze. Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Tips And Tricks

Making apple scones at home is simple and satisfying, but a few expert tips and tricks can help ensure your scones turn out perfectly tender, flaky, and full of flavor every time:

Use Cold Butter. Always use cold, cubed butter and work quickly. This helps create that light, flaky texture you want in a scone.
Don’t Overmix. Mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing will lead to tough scones.
Chill the Dough. For even flakier results, you can refrigerate the shaped scones for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Choose the Right Apples. Use firm, tart-sweet apples that won’t turn mushy when baked.

Variations

While classic apple scones are delightful on their own, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Here are some creative twists to inspire your next batch:

Maple Apple– Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup to the wet ingredients and top with a maple glaze.
Apple Cinnamon– Stir in a handful of raisins along with the apples for a fruity, spiced combo.
Apple Cheddar– Omit the sugar and add shredded sharp cheddar for a savory twist.
Gluten-Free Option– Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What To Enjoy With Apple Scones

These apple scones are delicious on their own but even better when paired with:

Hot Tea or Coffee– A warm cup of tea or fresh coffee brings out the cozy flavors.
Whipped Butter or Clotted Cream– Add a touch of richness with a pat of butter or cream.
Apple Butter or Jam– A smear of apple butter or fruit jam complements the scone’s flavor.
Fresh Fruit– Balance the buttery scone with a bowl of berries or citrus segments.

How Long Do They Last?

Apple scones are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of baking, when they’re still warm and slightly crisp on the edges. However, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life to about 4 to 5 days, though the texture may become slightly firmer over time.

For the best results, reheat refrigerated scones in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore their warmth and softness.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you want to store them for an even longer period, apple scones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them at room temperature or warm directly from frozen in the oven until heated through.

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