Spiced Apple Cider Scones
These Spiced Apple Cider Scones bring all the cozy flavors of fall into one tender, buttery bite. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of cider syrup glaze, they’re perfect for crisp mornings or weekend baking. Each golden brown scone has flaky layers and a sweet apple aroma to eat along with your coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed or grated
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
Cider Syrup Glaze
- 6 tablespoons cider syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add the grated cold butter. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
- Add the buttermilk, applesauce and vanilla extract. Stir with a large wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. If adding chopped apples, fold them in now.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into an 8-inch circle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into eight pieces. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops of the scones are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cider syrup, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the warm scones and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep the butter as cold as possible for tender, flaky scones.
- apple cider can be substituted for cider syrup
- 1 egg can be substituted for the unsweetened applesauce.
- Stir in a handful of cinnamon chips, raisins or craisins for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a light crunch.