Glazed Apple Scones Recipe

If you love cozy fall flavors with a sweet twist, you’re going to absolutely adore this Glazed Apple Scones Recipe. I first stumbled upon this recipe on a crisp autumn morning when I was craving something that felt indulgent but wasn’t too heavy. These scones deliver on tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a perfectly sweet glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. Stick around—I promise you’ll want to make a batch (or two) after reading this!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Glazed Apple Scones Recipe plays a role in achieving the ideal flaky texture and rich, apple-infused flavor. Using a mix of white whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives just the right amount of heartiness, while the spices and glaze bring all that fall magic to life.

• Cold buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, making the scones delightfully tender; make sure it’s cold to help create flaky layers.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and keeps the scones moist without extra fat.
• Dark brown sugar: Cook’s secret for a subtle molasses flavor and deeper sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the apple and spice notes beautifully.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps get that golden crust.
• White whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor than regular wheat flour.
• All-purpose flour: Pulls together the perfect balance for structure and tenderness.
• Baking powder: Your leavening agent for fluffy, risen scones.
• Cinnamon: Infuses those iconic warming spices everyone expects in an apple treat.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch to complement the cinnamon without overpowering.
• Salt: Balances sweetness to brighten all the flavors.
• Chilled butter: Super important for flaky scones—keep it cold and cut into small pieces.
• Diced apples (Granny Smith recommended): Their tartness contrasts nicely with the sweet glaze and spices.
• Powdered sugar: Base for the glaze—sift it to avoid lumps for a silky finish.
• Cold fat free milk: Thins the glaze into that perfect drizzle consistency.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to add your own spin! These scones are forgiving and welcoming to tweaks.

• Fruit Swap: Instead of Granny Smith apples, try diced pears or even frozen berries for a juicy twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a more complex spice profile—I tried this last winter and it was incredible.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flours with a mix of gluten-free baking flour and xanthan gum, but be gentle when mixing the dough.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with a flax egg; the texture is a tad different but still delicious.

How to Make Glazed Apple Scones Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the cold buttermilk, unsweetened applesauce, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and large egg in a medium bowl. This mixture brightens the whole batch and adds moisture without heaviness. The key here is to stir just until combined; no need to overwork it!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter

In a large bowl, whisk together your flours, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now here’s that classic step to get flaky scones: add the chilled, small butter pieces and cut them in using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You want some chunks of butter, about pea-sized, to create those signature flaky layers when baked.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Gently stir your diced apples into the crumbly dough mixture. Fresh, peeled Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the sweet glaze and spices so well—plus, they hold their shape instead of turning mushy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour in the wet ingredient mixture and stir just until everything is moistened and starts to hold together. Be careful not to overmix! Overworking the dough can make scones tough instead of tender. You’ll notice the dough is a little sticky, but that’s right where you want it to be.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones

Flour your surface and hands lightly, then turn out the dough. Knead gently about four times to bring it all together—it’s not like bread, so keep it light! Form the dough into a 9-inch circle about 3/4 inch thick on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut it into 12 equal wedges all the way through. Trust me, slicing this way helps the scones bake evenly and lets your guests grab their own perfectly sized treat.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your scones on the center rack of your preheated 375°F oven for about 18–20 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Every oven’s a bit different, so keep an eye on that golden color rather than the clock alone. Once out, cool them on a rack for 10 minutes before adding the glaze—this prevents the glaze from melting right off.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While your scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of cold fat-free milk. If the glaze is too thick, add the extra 1/2 tablespoon of milk (a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Either spoon the glaze over each scone or dip the tops for a shiny finish. Let the glaze set on parchment paper before serving.

How to Serve Glazed Apple Scones Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these scones, I love a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted walnuts sprinkled over the glaze for a bit of crunch. Sometimes, a thin apple slice on top makes it feel extra special—perfect for company or a cozy weekend brunch.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with smoky bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese plate if you want a savory counterpart. For a simple breakfast, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or your favorite hot tea complements the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I like arranging the scones in a circle on a rustic wooden board topped with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary. Another favorite is serving them warm alongside a pot of apple cinnamon jam—makes your guests feel like you brought autumn right to their table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—though honestly, they barely last that long in my house. Keeping them sealed well keeps the scones from drying out.

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze half. To freeze, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well up to 3 months. When you want a fresh treat, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

I found that reheating scones in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes refreshes their flaky texture and warms the glaze nicely. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to soften the crust too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Glazed Apple Scones Recipe brings together the best of fall flavors in a light, tender package. Every time I make these, I feel like I’m gifting my family a little cozy comfort, right from the oven. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and fresh apple goodness that’s not too heavy or complicated, this is the recipe you want in your baking lineup. Give it a try—I’m betting it’ll become one of your favorite fall treats, too!

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