If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly embraces the flavors of fall, this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. These scones are beautifully tender, studded with sweet raisins and juicy diced apples, and infused with warm cinnamon spice. Each bite offers a delightful mix of buttery crumb and fruity bursts, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea. Once you master this recipe, these scones will quickly become your new go-to comfort baked good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this classic baked treat. Each component brings its own magic: the flour creates the perfect structure, the cold butter adds flakiness, and the apples and raisins provide natural sweetness and moisture. Cinnamon warms everything up with delicious spice, while the cream and egg enrich the dough for soft, tender scones.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for your scones, ensuring they have a light crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: The leavening that makes your scones rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with apple and raisin.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors in the dough.
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cuts into the flour to create flaky layers essential for tender scones.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Adds sweet bursts of chewy texture throughout the scones.
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple): Contributes juicy fruitiness and moisture to every bite.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing: Moisturizes and enriches the dough, making the scones tender and golden.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle sweetness and depth.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your scones bake evenly without sticking, setting you up for perfectly golden results.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This mix is the dry foundation where your scones start to take shape and aroma.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to your dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. These little bits of butter will melt during baking, creating that wonderfully flaky texture.
Step 4: Add Apples and Raisins
Stir in the raisins and diced apples gently until evenly distributed. This step flavors the dough with fruity sweetness and juicy pockets that are simply delightful.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This creamy mixture will bind everything together and add richness to the dough.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a light touch keeps the scones tender instead of tough.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle, which makes cutting the scones clean and easy.
Step 8: Cut and Prepare for Baking
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough circle into 8 wedges. Place these wedges on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra cream for that lovely golden finish.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones for 16 to 18 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen.
Step 10: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Allow the scones to cool just a bit so they hold their shape, then serve warm or at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but just as tasty if saved for later.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For extra charm, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze over the tops of your scones. A pat of butter melting on warm scones is a classic favorite that never disappoints.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a bowl of yogurt topped with honey and toasted nuts or alongside fresh fruit salad for a complete, balanced breakfast or brunch. They also shine when served with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the cinnamon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, arrange your scones on a tiered stand with small bowls of clotted cream, honey, or jam nearby. This invites everyone to customize their scones, turning a simple snack into a warm, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover scones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, perfect for snacking the next morning.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unbaked scones on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, homemade goodness is always on hand.
Reheating
Reheat scones gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This refreshes their warmth and crumbly texture just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith bring a tart bite, while Fuji or Gala add sweetness. Just dice the apple finely to ensure it bakes evenly and doesn’t add too much moisture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though scones made with cream will be richer and more tender. If using milk, consider adding a bit more butter for that buttery texture.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and replace butter with a plant-based alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I keep my scones tender and flaky?
Keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough are key. Mix just until the ingredients come together for a light, tender crumb with flaky layers.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?
Feel free to get creative by tossing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries. They complement the apple cinnamon raisin combo wonderfully and add extra texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade scones fresh out of the oven, and this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe is no exception. With its perfect balance of warm spices, juicy fruit, and tender crumb, it’s guaranteed to smile on your taste buds. So, grab your ingredients, get your hands a little floury, and bake up these scones to share and savor—you won’t regret it!
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Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are a delightful breakfast treat, combining tender, flaky pastry with sweet raisins and finely diced apples, all infused with warm cinnamon. Baked to a golden perfection, they’re perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon snack alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the scones bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cut in Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Fruits: Stir in the raisins and finely diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract to create the wet mixture that will bind the dough.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough scones.
- Knead Gently: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to bring it together, ensuring it remains tender.
- Shape and Cut: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut it into 8 wedges for classic scone shapes.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Brush the tops lightly with extra heavy cream to promote a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through, offering a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool slightly before serving them warm or at room temperature, ideal for enjoying their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky layers in the scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.
- Feel free to substitute raisins with currants or dried cranberries for variation.
- Serve with butter, clotted cream, or jam for extra indulgence.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
