There are few smells more inviting than scones baking in your kitchen, and these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones truly embody the cozy essence of a fall morning—or frankly, any morning you want to treat yourself! Imagine tender pastry bursting with juicy apples, plump raisins, and the perfect kiss of warm cinnamon. Whether you’re gathering with friends, seeking comfort on a chilly day, or just looking for the ultimate snack to pair with your favorite cuppa, these scones are a heavenly marriage of texture and flavor you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones lies in the simplicity of its components. Every item in this recipe offers a special touch—from that signature buttery crumb, to pops of fruity sweetness, to the golden sparkle on top. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives our scones their tender yet sturdy structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create those lovely golden edges.
- Baking powder: Ensures the scones rise beautifully and turn out light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: The aromatic backbone—warm, comforting, and absolutely essential for that apple pie vibe.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter creates those irresistible flaky layers inside each scone.
- Peeled and finely diced apple: Fresh apple brings moisture, sweetness, and little juicy surprises in every bite.
- Raisins: Adds chewy, sweet pops that play perfectly against the tartness of the apples.
- Heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Makes for a rich, tender dough and gives the tops that classic scone sheen.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with mellow, sweet notes.
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional): For a bit of sparkle and crunch on the finished scones.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is where your flavor foundation is set—cinnamon gets evenly distributed, making every bite special.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until you have a coarse, crumbly texture. Those little lumps of butter will melt in the oven, creating flaky, tender pockets throughout your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones.
Step 4: Add Apples and Raisins
Fold in the diced apples and raisins, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed. This is where you get little treasures of flavor tucked into every slice—some bites burst with tart apple, others with chewy raisin, all wrapped in cinnamon.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This lush mixture will bring your dough together and lend that lovely richness that makes scones so comforting.
Step 6: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and blend them gently using a spoon or spatula. The dough will look a bit scraggly at first, but that’s how you know you’re on the right path to tender scones instead of tough ones!
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn your shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just a few times until it holds together. Pat it into an 8-inch wide circle—this part is fun, almost like forming a pie! Slice the circle into eight equal wedges.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leave a little space between each one. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like extra sparkle. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until gloriously golden and your kitchen smells like a dream.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are warmed through and kissed with color, let them cool slightly on the pan before digging in. They’re delightful fresh (honestly, a little patience pays off here!), but perfect even as they settle to room temperature.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of coarse sugar on top as they come out of the oven makes Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones look utterly bakery-worthy. For an indulgent finish, drizzle with a touch of vanilla glaze or dab with softened butter as they’re still warm.
Side Dishes
Pair your scones with a dollop of tangy crème fraîche, a swipe of apple butter, or a spoonful of clotted cream. Add a hot cup of breakfast tea or robust French press coffee and you’ve turned your table into a cozy tearoom.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones in a rustic basket lined with a tea towel at brunch, or plate them individually with a swirl of spiced whipped cream and fresh apple slices. For a special touch, stack them, wrap with a ribbon, and give as a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your scones at their best by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store them in the fridge, but let them return to room temperature or warm slightly before eating.
Freezing
Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each fully cooled scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for those days when you need a treat, fast.
Reheating
To bring scones back to life, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry. This revives their tender crumb and makes them taste fresh from the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Baked Goods
Absolutely! Pears, dried cranberries, or even chopped apricots would be delicious swaps for the apple or raisins, though you might want to keep the cinnamon for that cozy spice profile.
What’s the secret to extra flaky Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones?
The key is keeping your butter cold and handling the dough gently—both help create those irresistible flaky layers. Cut your butter in quickly and avoid over-mixing once you add the liquids.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape, and cut the scones, then refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for scones that taste like you made them in real-time. They can also be frozen, unbaked, then baked straight from the freezer with just a few extra minutes.
Are Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones good for breakfast or more of a snack?
They’re perfect for both! With fruit, whole grains, and just enough sweetness, these scones make a satisfying breakfast, a mid-morning pick-me-up, or a delightful addition to afternoon tea.
How do I prevent my scones from turning out dry?
Be careful not to overbake, and try not to add too much flour when kneading or shaping the dough. The added apple and raisins help keep them moist, but using a gentle hand is always key with scone dough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking an easy but utterly delightful baking project, you can’t miss with these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply because you crave something homey and delicious, they’re bound to bring smiles and a bit of extra warmth to your table. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite scone recipe!
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Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the warm flavors of fall with these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones. Packed with diced apples, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, these tender scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in apple and raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead, pat into a circle, and cut into wedges. Place on baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm apple cider for 10 minutes before adding to the dough.
- Best served fresh, but scones can be frozen and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
