Introduction to Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Hey, home cooks! You know how crazy life can be with work, family, and everything in between, and sometimes you really just need a little something sweet to pick you up. Enter my darling Apple Scones with Maple Glaze. It’s got those tasty, comfy flavors but requires such little prep. Seriously, it’s the solution for when the clock’s ticking and you’ve got a full-on morning ahead or pop-in guests. Hugely aromatic, these lovely scones will give your kitchen warmth as love at home is impressed by such small acts of making self-treats.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
These Apple Scones with Maple Glaze are like a warm hug on a plate! They come together quickly, which is perfect for my fellow busy moms and professionals. Imagine the aroma of fresh-baked scones wafting through your home, bringing smiles from loved ones. Plus, they’re easily customizable with your favorite ingredients. Whether for breakfast or a classy afternoon tea, these scones are here to make your day just a bit sweeter!
Ingredients for Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up those scrumptious Apple Scones with Maple Glaze. Don’t worry about the exact measurements just yet; you can find them at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your scones, giving them structure. Feel free to swap half with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition.
- Baking powder: Essential for that lovely rise! Make sure it’s fresh to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps brown the scones. Consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Cinnamon: Ah, the warm spice that sings of cozy kitchens. You can mix it up with nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for a fun twist.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors, ensuring your scones are balanced and delightful.
- Ground nutmeg and all-spice: These spices bring warmth and depth to your scones. They are optional but oh-so-worth it!
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, this lends richness and flaky layers to your dough. Don’t skimp here – good butter makes all the difference!
- Unsweetened applesauce: This keeps your scones moist and adds a hint of apple flavor, contributing to the scone’s moist texture.
- Heavy cream: This adds to the richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Large egg: It binds the ingredients and enriches the flavor of the scones.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the flavor profile and adds comfort to every bite.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and crisp, these apples offer that fresh burst of flavor. You can use other baking apples, but I love the tanginess of Granny Smith!
- Egg wash and sparkling sugar: The egg wash gives your scones a beautiful golden hue while the sparkling sugar adds a sweet crunch on top.
- Confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract (for the glaze): This sweet topping ties everything together with its lovely maple flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.
With all these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm! Just remember, if you find yourself missing something, don’t hesitate to reach out or be creative with substitutions! Let’s get baking!
How to Make Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Apple Scones with Maple Glaze. I promise you, it’s easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a tray of warm, delicious scones to share—or keep all to yourself!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your scones will rise perfectly! While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple trick helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and all-spice. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly. Doing this well ensures that the flavors blend beautifully in every bite of your Apple Scones with Maple Glaze.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter
Now comes the fun part! Cut your cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or even your fingertips), work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; those little lumps of butter are what will create flaky layers.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate glass measuring cup, whisk together your applesauce, heavy cream, egg, and a splash of vanilla extract. This velvety mixture acts like a warm hug for your scone dough. Once it’s well combined, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the center of the flour mixture. Gently fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples. Use a spatula to stir, being careful not to overmix. Just until everything is moistened is all you need for delicious results!
Step 6: Form the Dough
Transfer your loose dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough gently until it comes together—this should take just a few turns. Then shape it into an 8-inch disc. It doesn’t have to be perfect; that’s part of the homemade charm!
Step 7: Cut and Chill
Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 even wedges. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps the scones puff up nicely in the oven!
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash
After chilling, it’s time to make them shine! In a small bowl, whisk your egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the mixture over each scone, then sprinkle with sparkling sugar and a bit of cinnamon. This step adds a lovely golden color and a delicious crunch!
Step 9: Bake
With everything ready, it’s time to bake! Place the tray in your preheated oven, and bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the heavenly aroma of baked goods. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the maple glaze. Now, you’re all set to enjoy these utterly delightful scones!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is icy cold for the flakiest scones.
- Don’t overmix the dough; a little roughness is perfectly fine!
- Use a good-quality maple syrup for the glaze; it makes all the difference.
- Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Double the batch and freeze extras for an easy treat later!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large one helps when combining ingredients.
- Pastry cutter: If you don’t have one, your fingertips will work just fine for cutting in butter.
- Baking sheet: A simple cookie sheet will do the trick.
- Parchment paper: Great for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be an alternative.
- Whisk: Use this for mixing wet ingredients; a fork can work, too!
Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a delicious gluten-free treat.
- Add-ins: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. They complement the apple wonderfully!
- Spiced scones: For seasonal flair, add pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend instead of traditional cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Vegan twist: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.
- Cheesy variation: Add shredded sharp cheddar to the dough for a delightful sweet and savory experience.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
- Pair your scones with a steaming cup of chai or a rich coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced meal.
- Present on a beautiful platter, drizzled with extra maple glaze for an eye-catching dessert at gatherings!
FAQs about Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
Got some questions about these delightful Apple Scones with Maple Glaze? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries that might pop up while you’re baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape it into a disc, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Just remember to chill it for a bit before baking.
How do I store leftover scones?
Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up later!
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Sure thing! While I love the tartness of Granny Smith apples, feel free to experiment with berries, pears, or even dried fruits. Just adjust the moisture levels in the wet ingredients as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
The best way to revive these beauties is to warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them soft and delicious again!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the maple glaze?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter or thicker glaze, simply add more confectioners’ sugar to achieve your desired consistency. You can also play with the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts on Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
There’s something utterly magical about baking a batch of Apple Scones with Maple Glaze. The aromas that fill your kitchen whisk you away to a cozy café, right from the comfort of home. These scones are not just a recipe; they’re a gateway to delightful moments shared with family and friends. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or packed as snacks, they bring joy to any table. Plus, they’re quick enough to make even on the busiest of days! So grab those ingredients, and let’s create something special that fills your heart and home with happiness.
Print
Apple Scones with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for apple scones topped with a sweet maple glaze.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) baking powder
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
- 10 Tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (130g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup (57ml) heavy cream
- 1 large egg cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (200g) granny smith apples peeled or unpeeled
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 3 Tablespoons sparkling sugar (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar sifted (for maple glaze)
- 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (21ml) pure maple syrup (for maple glaze)
- 2 teaspoons milk (for maple glaze)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for maple glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and all-spice, mix well to combine.
- Cut the butter into small cubes; using a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dough until it resembles a coarse meal.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the applesauce, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the center of the flour mixture and add in the chopped apples. Stir with a spatula until just moistened.
- Empty the loose dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead until it comes together, then shape into an 8-inch disc.
- Cut the disc into 8 even wedges and transfer them to the prepared sheet, placing them 2-inches apart. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the refrigerator and lightly brush each scone with egg wash. Sprinkle with cinnamon sparkling sugar.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then drizzle with the glaze and serve warm.
Notes
- If the dough looks dry/shaggy, don’t worry; it will come together when kneaded.
- Adjust the thickness of the maple glaze by adding more confectioners’ sugar if it appears too thin.
- For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
