Apple Cinnamon Scones Fluffy

Apple cinnamon scones have become my weekend breakfast treat that makes the whole house smell like a bakery. This recipe turns classic apple pie flavors into a rustic, cozy baked good with a tender crumb inside and a golden, crunchy top. It is deceptively simple yet delivers the comfort of something homemade and special.

These scones saved the morning during a lazy snow day when I had almost nothing in the fridge but a lone apple and some odds and ends in the pantry. Since then, it is my favorite low-stress bake to share with friends over coffee.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: provides structure and balances the moisture from the apple use a good quality flour for the best crumb
• Rolled oats: add heartiness and a nutty texture choose old-fashioned oats for extra chew
• Baking powder: creates lift for fluffy scones check it is fresh for best results
• Ground cinnamon: supplies most of the signature flavor try Ceylon cinnamon for gentle warmth
• Baking soda: ensures rise especially important because of the honey and milk
• Salt: sharpens the flavors use fine sea salt for more even mixing
• Ground nutmeg: layers in subtle spice freshly ground nutmeg has brighter flavor
• Butter: unsalted and cold ensures those flaky, tender layers use a European butter for richer taste if available
• Large apple: adds sweet moisture and little pockets of fruit I find tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best
• Milk: moistens and brings everything together whole milk gives richer results
• Honey: naturally sweetens and adds floral notes use a local honey for added depth

For the Topping

• Rolled oats: more crunch and toasty flavor
• Turbinado sugar: provides caramel crunch look for big golden crystals
• Ground cinnamon: locks in the apple pie effect
• Milk: helps the topping stick and creates a shiny exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Start by heating your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even browning

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine flour rolled oats baking powder cinnamon baking soda salt and nutmeg Use a whisk or fork to fully distribute the leaveners and spices through the flour

Cut in the Butter:

Cut cold butter into small cubes then add to the flour mixture Using two knives or a pastry blender work the butter in until it looks like lumpy coarse crumbs with some larger pea sized bits This step ensures your scones turn out flaky and not dense

Add Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl stir together the milk honey and chopped apple Pour this over the dry ingredients Gently mix everything until just combined with a spatula or fork Scrape down the sides as needed but do not overmix

Form and Shape Dough:

Sprinkle flour lightly on a clean work surface and your hands Turn the dough out and knead just until it comes together into a soft sticky mound Pat this into a circle about nine to ten inches across and roughly a half inch thick

Cut and Prepare Scones:

Transfer the disk to your prepared baking sheet Using a sharp knife slice into eight wedges then nudge them so each piece has a little space around it for even baking

Add Topping:

Brush the tops with milk In a small bowl mix turbinado sugar ground cinnamon and oats Sprinkle generously over each scone for extra crunch and visual appeal

Bake:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about twenty minutes until the tops are golden and the edges are just crisp The kitchen will smell amazing

Save Pin

The honey in this recipe gives just enough sweetness without turning the scones into cake and paired with tart apple it has a balance I crave. My daughter now insists on adding extra cinnamon each time we make it together. These little rituals are what make this recipe close to my heart.

Storage Tips

Let scones cool completely before storing To keep them soft store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep in the fridge up to seven days Scones also freeze exceptionally well Place them in a freezer bag and thaw at room temperature or rewarm in the oven for a fresh bake taste

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the apple for pears or even berries if you want to change up the flavor If you need the recipe to be dairy free use cold coconut oil instead of butter and a plant based milk like oat milk Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a robust flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve your apple cinnamon scones slightly warm with a smear of butter or a dollop of whipped cream They pair beautifully with coffee chai or even a glass of cold milk For a brunch spread set out a bunch with some sharp cheddar slices and see how quickly they disappear

Save Pin

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I keep scones soft and fluffy?

Work with cold butter, and avoid overmixing the dough. Gently knead just until combined for tender scones.

→ Can I use different apple varieties?

Yes, try tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp to vary the flavor and texture in your scones.

→ What is the purpose of the oat topping?

The oat and sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to each scone.

→ How should I store them for freshness?

Keep cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can the dough be frozen for later?

Yes! Shape and cut the dough, then freeze individually. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

→ Is it possible to make these dairy-free?

Substitute non-dairy butter and milk for a version that works with your dietary needs.