Apple Scones Recipe (Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Dessert)
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Apple Scones with Vanilla Glaze
These Apple Scones are buttery, flaky, and packed with juicy cinnamon apples in every bite. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they're the perfect breakfast pastry for fall mornings, brunch, afternoon coffee, or holiday gatherings. They're crisp on the outside, tender inside, and taste just like they came from your favorite bakery.
Why You'll Love These Apple Scones
Buttery, flaky bakery-style texture
Loaded with fresh apples
Warm cinnamon spice in every bite
Easy to make in under an hour
Perfect with coffee or tea
Freezer-friendly for meal prep
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Servings: 8 large scones
Calories: Approximately 395 per scone
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Scones
2½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Egg Wash
1 egg
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Vanilla Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Apples
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
Transfer to a plate and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl whisk together:
Flour, Sugar, Baking powder, Salt, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
Cold butter creates flaky layers.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together:
Egg, Heavy cream, Vanilla, and Almond extract.
Pour into the flour mixture.
Stir gently until the dough just begins to come together.
Fold in the cooled apples.
Do not overmix.
Step 5: Shape the Scones
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Pat into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick.
Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 equal wedges.
Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Freeze for 10 minutes before baking for extra flaky scones.
Step 6: Bake
Whisk together the egg wash.
Brush the tops of each scone.
Bake for 20–24 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Whisk together:
Powdered sugar, Heavy cream, and Vanilla
Drizzle generously over the warm scones.
Optional Toppings
Caramel drizzle
Chopped pecans
Cinnamon sugar
Streusel topping
Powdered sugar
White chocolate drizzle
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze unglazed scones for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Apple Scones
Keep all ingredients cold for flaky layers.
Cool the cooked apples completely before mixing into the dough.
Don't overwork the dough or the scones will become dense.
Freeze the shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking to help them rise taller.
Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape during baking.
Variations
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Scones
Caramel Apple Scones
Apple Cheddar Scones
Maple Glazed Apple Scones
Apple Cranberry Scones
Apple Pie Scones
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for scones?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples are excellent choices because they stay firm while baking.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but drain any excess syrup and chop the apples into smaller pieces before folding them into the dough.
Why are my scones dry?
Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can make scones dry. Mix only until the ingredients come together.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and shape the scones, then refrigerate overnight or freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from the refrigerator or add a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.
Final Notes
These Apple Scones are buttery, flaky, and packed with juicy cinnamon apples in every bite. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they're the perfect breakfast pastry for fall mornings, brunch, afternoon coffee, or holiday gatherings. They're crisp on the outside, tender inside, and taste just like they came from your favorite bakery.