If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery scones studded with juicy apple chunks and finished with a sweet, glossy maple glaze are absolutely irresistible. Perfect for crisp fall mornings or leisurely brunches with friends, this recipe marries classic flavors with a seasonal twist to make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe is wonderfully simple but crucial. Each one plays a special role in delivering that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color, bringing the whole scone to life.
- 2 cups flour: This provides the structure and base for your scones, ensuring they’re tender yet sturdy.
 - ⅓ cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the apples without overpowering them.
 - 1 tbsp baking powder: The leavening agent that helps your scones rise beautifully and become airy.
 - ½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses a warm, subtle spice that pairs perfectly with the apples’ natural tartness.
 - ½ cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is key for flaky layers, melting during baking to create those delightful pockets of richness.
 - 1 cup diced apple: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor bursts.
 - ⅔ cup heavy cream: Keeps the dough moist and tender, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
 - 1 egg: Acts as a binder, lending structure and a slight richness to the dough.
 - ½ cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, this ensures a smooth, sweet coating that melts on your tongue.
 - 2 tbsp maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a deep, caramel-like flavor that’s signature to this glaze.
 - 1 tsp milk: Helps thin out the glaze so it drizzles perfectly over the scones.
 
How to Make Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your scones from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Then, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for those flaky layers everyone raves about.
Step 3: Add Apples
Fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly so each scone will have juicy pockets of apple flavor. Using fresh, crisp apples here makes all the difference.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Whisk together the heavy cream and egg until smooth, then pour this into your dry ingredients. Stir gently just until the dough comes together—it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid overmixing to keep your scones tender.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a 7-inch circle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut this circle into 8 equal wedges. Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the scones have risen nicely and sport a gorgeous golden color. The sweet orchard scents filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Maple Glaze
While the scones cool for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this luscious maple glaze over the warm (but not hot) scones so it sets lightly, adding a shiny finishing touch and that signature sweet finish.
How to Serve Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your scones, consider sprinkling some crushed pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon right over the glaze. A few thin apple slices or a small sprig of fresh thyme can add a stunning, fragrant accent for guests.
Side Dishes
These scones pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, but if you want to turn it into a full brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt topped with honey and granola or a fresh fruit salad with citrus notes to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the scones in a rustic wooden basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for that cozy vibe. You could even set up a small “scone bar” with butter, various jams, and extra maple syrup, letting everyone customize their own perfect bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh while preserving that delightful crumb and moist apple bits.
Freezing
You can freeze these scones before glazing by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then add the glaze.
Reheating
To revive the scones’ warmth and softness, heat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture, and drizzle on fresh maple glaze after warming for that perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith give the best balance of tartness and firmness, you can experiment with Fuji or Gala apples, though the texture might be a bit softer after baking.
Is there a way to make these scones dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cold butter with a plant-based vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative in the glaze. For the heavy cream, coconut cream works well to keep the dough tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. After mixing the dough, you can wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This actually helps develop flavor and makes the scones easier to handle.
What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?
You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor will be different. Maple syrup gives this recipe its signature, rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with apples.
How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?
Look for a golden-brown top and edges that have pulled slightly away from the parchment. They should feel firm to the touch but still tender inside. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe is like inviting a little slice of autumn into your home, no matter the season. From the buttery, flaky texture to the sweet-tart burst of apple and that irresistible maple drizzle, these scones promise smiles with every bite. So go ahead, warm up your oven and share this delightful treat around the table—you won’t regret it!
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Apple Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
 - Yield: 8 scones
 - Diet: Vegetarian
 
Description
Tender, buttery apple scones studded with fresh diced apples and spiced with cinnamon, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet maple glaze. These scones make a delightful treat for cozy breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
 - 1 tbsp baking powder
 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
 - ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
 - 1 cup diced firm apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
 - ⅔ cup heavy cream
 - 1 large egg
 
Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
 - 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
 - 1 tsp milk
 
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking and to ensure even baking.
 - Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
 - Add Apples and Wet Ingredients: Stir the diced apples into the crumbly mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg, then pour this into the flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
 - Shape and Cut Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
 - Bake the Scones: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
 - Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
 - Glaze the Scones: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the cooled scones, allowing it to set slightly before serving.
 
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure the apple pieces hold their shape and add a nice tartness.
 - Make sure the butter is very cold for a flaky texture in the scones.
 - Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.
 - The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner drizzle.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 20 minutes
 - Category: Breakfast, Brunch
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 
