# Delicious Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
**Meta Title:** Irresistible Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
**Meta Description:** Treat yourself to delightful apple scones with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these scones are easy to make and simply delicious!
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You know that moment when you find the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence? For me, that’s when I bite into a freshly baked apple scone topped with a sweet maple glaze. There’s something incredibly comforting about warm scones, with their crumbly texture and the sweet aroma of baked apples wafting through the kitchen. Today, I’m here to share my secret recipe for these incredible apple scones with maple glaze, a treat that’s not just delicious but also brings a sense of nostalgia, like a hug from an old friend.
Picture this: it’s a chilly autumn morning, and the sunlight peeks through your window, illuminating your kitchen while you sip on a hot cup of coffee. The aroma of apples and cinnamon fills the air as you pull a batch of these scones from the oven. Yeah, that’s the feeling I want to recreate with you today.
## What are Apple Scones?
Apple scones are a wonderful hybrid of fluffy pastries and wholesome comfort food. They are traditionally a British treat, made with a simple mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and baking powder, then often infused with creamy dairy and fresh fruits. Incorporating diced apples adds a lovely sweetness and moisture that keeps each bite tender.
The beauty of apple scones lies not only in their delightful texture—crumbly on the outside, soft on the inside—but also in their versatility. The flavor of the apples can play around with various spices; you can choose warm cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of ginger to make things extra special. Topped with a maple glaze, these scones transform into an irresistible treat that can brighten up any breakfast table or brunch gathering.
## Why You’ll Love This Apple Scones Recipe
There are countless reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for these apple scones with maple glaze.
1. **Simplicity:** The ingredients are straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Just a few pantry staples, and you’re ready to go!
2. **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a rich maple glaze creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
3. **Comforting and Cozy:** There’s nothing quite like the smell of baking scones to make your home feel warm and inviting. These scones are ideal for cozy mornings spent with loved ones.
4. **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a festive gathering with friends, these scones fit right in. Plus, they’re great for sharing or meal prep.
5. **Adaptable:** Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or swapping out the apples for your favorite seasonal fruit.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful apple scones with maple glaze, gather the following ingredients:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour:** The base of your scones; it provides structure and acts as the canvas for your flavors. You may substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** This sweetens the scones perfectly, balancing the flavors of the apples. Brown sugar can be used too for a deeper flavor.
– **1 tablespoon baking powder:** Essential for that light, flaky texture. Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
– **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold:** Chilled and cubed, butter gives scones that rich, flaky quality. For a dairy-free option, swap with coconut oil or vegan butter.
– **1/2 cup buttermilk:** This adds moisture and tang. If unavailable, simply mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
– **1 cup peeled, diced apples:** Use your favorite apple variety, like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Fresh apples add moisture and flavor.
– **1 teaspoon cinnamon:** A warm spice that complements the apples beautifully. For a twist, consider adding cardamom or nutmeg.
### For the Maple Glaze:
– **1 cup powdered sugar:** This provides the sweet base for the glaze.
– **2 tablespoons pure maple syrup:** The star ingredient that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
– **1-2 tablespoons milk:** This helps to achieve the right consistency for drizzling. Adjust based on your preferred thickness.
## How to Make Delicious Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Now, let’s dive into the heart of baking these delicious scones with a step-by-step guide that will take you from start to finish:
### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your scones don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you focused on the most important part—baking!
### Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **granulated sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. The whisking aerates the flour and combines the dry ingredients evenly, which is crucial for even baking.
### Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the **cold, cubed butter** to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step creates those glorious flaky layers you want in a scone. Remember to work quickly to keep that butter from melting.
### Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the **buttermilk**. Gently fold this in until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as we want tender scones, not tough ones. Then, fold in the **diced apples** and **cinnamon**, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
### Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges (like a pizza) or use a scone cutter for classic round shapes. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out as they’ll puff up beautifully when baked.
### Step 6: Bake
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the fragrant aroma of apples and cinnamon will envelop your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for them to cool!
### Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the scones are baking, whisk together the **powdered sugar**, **maple syrup**, and **milk** in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk until you reach your desired thickness. You want a drizzling consistency, not too runny but not too thick.
### Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the maple glaze generously over them. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite warm beverage, and watch your loved ones light up with joy as they take their first bite.
## Tips, Tricks & Variations
Baking is as much an art as it is a science! Here are my top tips for getting the perfect apple scones and adding your personal touch:
1. **Chill Your Ingredients:** Keep your butter chilled until you’re ready to use it for the flakiest scones. You can even chill your bowl and utensils for extra astuteness.
2. **Play with Spices:** Feel free to substitute the cinnamon with your favorite spices or add a pinch of ginger for a warm twist.
3. **Apple Varieties:** Experiment with different types of apples. Use Fuji for sweetness, or tart varieties like Jonagold for a bit more tang.
4. **Storage:** Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them before glazing for a quick future treat.
5. **Make Them Mini:** If you’re hosting a party or brunch, try making smaller, bite-sized scones. They’re perfect for sharing and easier to eat while mingling!
## What to Serve With Apple Scones
These delectable apple scones with maple glaze shine on their own, but when you’re looking to create a cozy breakfast spread, consider pairing them with:
– **Fresh fruit salad:** The bright colors and acidity of berries or citrus wonderfully balance the sweetness of the scones.
– **Yogurt:** Try a dollop of vanilla or Greek yogurt on the side for some creaminess that complements the texture.
– **Coffee or tea:** A hot cup of coffee or fragrant herbal tea elevates the experience, making every bite a bit more special.
## Nutrition & Health Benefits
These apple scones are not only delicious but also pack in some nutritional benefits. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestive health and a strong immune system. While these scones provide a treat, you can enjoy them guilt-free knowing there’s fruit included!
Generally, one scone (without the glaze) contains about 200 calories. You can make this recipe even healthier by switching to whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar.
For more information on healthy eating habits, check out [Healthline’s guide to fiber-rich foods](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fiber-rich-foods#1.-Legumes).
## Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I make these scones ahead of time?**
Absolutely! You can prepare the scone dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just cut and bake them. You can also freeze them after shaping for up to 3 months.
2. **What if I don’t have buttermilk?**
No worries! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It’s a perfect buttermilk substitute.
3. **Can I customize the fruit?**
Yes, these scones are quite versatile! You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears, cranberries, or berries. Just be mindful of the moisture content.
4. **How do I store leftover scones?**
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. You can also reheat briefly in the oven to restore some of the original texture.
5. **Can I make these scones vegan?**
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk. For the maple glaze, you can keep it simple with powdered sugar and maple syrup – no dairy needed!
In conclusion, these delicious apple scones with maple glaze are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. The combination of fresh apples and sweet, sticky glaze offers both comfort and delight. Perhaps it’s time to whip up a batch today—your friends and family will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite recipe.
If you loved these scones as much as I do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your results in the comments below or tag me on Instagram! Let’s celebrate the joy of baking together!
