These Apple Cinnamon Scones bring all the cozy vibes to your brunch table! Tender, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon and sweet apple bits, these scones bake up golden with a hint of crunch and a drizzle of cinnamon spiced vanilla glaze. They’re the ultimate cozy treat for crisp mornings, holiday gatherings, or a slow Sunday with a warm cup of tea.
Love comforting apple brunch recipes? Try my Caramel Apple Pancakes , Apple French Toast Casserole , Air Fryer Apple Crisp or my other variation of Apple Scones!
I love fall baking, but with a busy household, it has to be easy! Scones are the perfect buttery bake that make your kitchen smell like a bakery on a chilly fall morning. They’re fuss-free, made without a mixer, and ideal for prepping ahead for your next brunch get-together. I love making these Apple Cinnamon Scones for casual fall get-togethers with family and friends. If you want to double down on fall brunch flavors, try my Pumpkin Spice Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte made with an easy homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup !
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Recipe Highlights
- Filled with real apple chunks and cozy cinnamon spice.
- No mixer needed, just a bowl and a pastry cutter (or your hands!).
- Crispy cinnamon-sugar tops with optional vanilla glaze drizzle.
- Perfect for fall brunch boards or a sweet snack with coffee.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Be sure to measure it carefully, too much will make them tough!
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
- Baking powder: Lifts the dough to fluffy perfection.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: My go-to fall spice combo.
- Cold butter: Cube it and chill it, this gives you that irresistible flaky texture.
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best; chop them fine so they bake evenly.
- Heavy cream: Keeps the dough rich and tender.
- Egg & Vanilla: Bind the dough and add flavor.
- Granulated sugar + cinnamon: adds crunch to the topping.
- Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon: For that delicious dreamy drizzle glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones
(See full recipe card below)
- Step 1: Whisk together dry ingredients.
- Step 2: Add in butter.
- Step 3: Cut in butter.
- Step 4: Add in finely diced apples.
- Step 5: Whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Step 6: Add wet ingredients to dry.
- Step 7: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a disc.
- Step 8: Cut scones into rounds.
- Step 9: Place scones on a baking sheet.
- Step 10: Brush scones with heavy cream.
- Step 11: Sprinkle scone tops with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Step 12: Bake until golden.
Charlotte’s Tips for making Cinnamon Apple Scones
- Freeze your butter cubes for 10 minutes before cutting in for maximum flakiness.
- Cut the apples small, so the dough holds together better and bakes evenly.
- Place scones close together on the pan for a higher rise.
- Let them cool fully before glazing to avoid a melty mess.
Recipe Variations
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Swap apples for pears for a soft, floral flavor.
- Use maple extract in the glaze for a delicious upgrade.
Recipe Substitutions
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in a pinch.
- Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for dairy-free scones.
- Try a gluten-free flour blend (1:1) to make them gluten-friendly.
Storage Tips
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unglazed scones; just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven before adding glaze or enjoying warm.
Yes! You can prep and cut the scones, then freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven (add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time). Perfect for make-ahead brunching!
Yes! You can prep and cut the scones, then freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven (add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time). Perfect for make-ahead brunching!
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter and cream. They’ll still be flaky and full of fall flavor. Just check your ingredient labels if serving someone with allergies.
Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Scones
These Apple Cinnamon Scones are the ultimate fall bake! Flaky, buttery, and packed with chopped apples and cinnamon spice. Brushed with cream and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before baking, they get a golden crust and optional vanilla glaze for the dreamiest finish. Serve them warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, holiday brunch board, or anytime treat!
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cube
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
- ½ cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Spiced Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the scones from sticking.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.
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Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Stop when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small buttery bits.
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Gently stir in the chopped apples so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a 1-inch thick round. Use a 2.5-inch cutter to cut out your scones, gathering and reshaping the scraps as needed.
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Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the scones feel set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
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If you’re adding the glaze, whisk the ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled scones for a bakery-style finish.
Notes
- Freeze your butter cubes for 10 minutes before cutting in for maximum flakiness.
- Cut the apples small, so the dough holds together better and bakes evenly.
- Place scones close together on the pan for a higher rise.
- Let them cool fully before glazing to avoid a melty mess.
I hope you love these Apple and Cinnamon Scones. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I’d love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
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