Save Pin Cinnamon Honey Apple Scones are the kind of treat that make a slow Sunday morning feel special With a tender crumb and bursts of juicy apple in every bite these scones balance cozy cinnamon and rich honey for a breakfast or snack that feels just a little decadent but comes together easily The buttery pastry and sweet aroma practically pull everyone to the kitchen before they are even cool
When I first combined honey and cinnamon in my basic scone recipe the kitchen smelled like autumn and my family could not resist stealing scones right off the rack We now make these for any cozy gathering especially when the air gets chilly
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: gives the scones structure Choose a good quality unbleached flour for best texture
- Granulated sugar: adds just a touch of sweetness Stick to white sugar for classic results
- Baking powder: helps the scones rise Look for a fresh aluminum free powder for high lift
- Salt: balances the sweetness and pops the flavors
- Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and a lovely aroma Use a freshly opened jar for the brightest flavor
- Honey: is the star here Opt for a fragrant floral honey if you want more pronounced character
- Unsalted butter cold and cubed: creates flaky layers Use a high fat European style butter for extra richness
- Whole milk or cream: brings tenderness and moisture Full fat dairy gives best results
- Egg: gives rich color and structure
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor A real vanilla extract makes all the difference
- Apple: adds bursts of tart sweet juiciness Choose Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for firm texture and bright flavor
- Optional toppings like more honey or coarse sugar: give shimmer and a little crunch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk flour sugar baking powder salt and cinnamon together This ensures everything is evenly distributed so each bite is balanced
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mix Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter in until the mix looks like coarse crumbs This step is key for light flaky scones
- Add the Apple:
- Stir in your diced apple pieces now Tossing them in at this stage coats them in flour which helps keep them from sinking
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate smaller bowl whisk honey milk or cream egg and vanilla until smooth and fully incorporated This makes for even mixing with the dry ingredients
- Bring Wet and Dry Together:
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mixture Stir gently with a spatula or large spoon Only mix until just combined to avoid tough scones
- Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface Pat it into a round about one inch thick Working gently keeps the scones tender
- Cut and Arrange:
- With a sharp knife slice the dough into eight wedges Carefully move each onto your prepared baking sheet leaving space for them to expand
- Top for Shine and Crunch:
- Brush the tops with a little milk or cream Sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle and extra crunch if you like
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pop your tray into the oven Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the scones are deeply golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean
- Cool and Drizzle:
- Let the scones cool on a rack for ten minutes Drizzle with honey while warm for a glossy sweet finish
Save Pin I have always loved the way cinnamon fills my kitchen with a comforting aroma In our family my daughter is in charge of brushing the tops with cream and adding sugar which makes her feel like the queen of breakfast
Storage Tips
Once completely cool store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for two days They keep well in the fridge for up to five days but the texture is best at room temperature Warm for ten seconds in the microwave or five minutes in a toaster oven for a just baked feel
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a dairy free scone use plant based butter and a creamy oat or almond milk For the egg you can substitute a flaxseed egg though the texture will be slightly softer Walnut or pecan pieces can be stirred in with the apple for crunch And any baking apple will work in place of Honeycrisp
Serving Suggestions
These scones shine with a hot cup of black tea or a spiced chai For something richer serve with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt A soft pat of salted butter is never a bad idea Cut leftover scones in half and toast them lightly for breakfast
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Scones are at the heart of both British and American baking traditions The American style is sweeter and richer thanks to added egg and honey This cinnamon honey apple version especially suits fall and winter when apples are at their peak and cozy flavors are most welcome
Save Pin Freeze shaped scones or bake a double batch to enjoy homemade breakfast all week You will savor every bite of sweet apple and cinnamon warmth