Name: Easy Apple Scones Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour, plus more for dusting; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional); 1 Tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 Tablespoons (56 g) frozen unsalted butter; 2/3 to 3/4 cup (160 ml to 180 ml) cold heavy cream; 1 large egg, cold; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for glaze); 1 cup (120 g) peeled and shredded apple; Cinnamon sugar: 1 Tablespoon sugar + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings all the warm flavors of fall in just one bite, you’ve landed in the right place. This Easy Apple Scones Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up on a lazy weekend morning or when I’m craving something a little sweet but still comforting. I love this recipe because it’s straightforward, forgiving, and honestly, the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen is pure magic. Stick around – I’ll walk you through every step so your scones come out perfect, tender, and loaded with apple goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You’ll have these scones ready in under an hour without any fuss.
Perfect Flavor Combo: The sweet tartness of apple mixed with cozy cinnamon and warm spices hits all the right notes.
Moist & Tender Texture: Thanks to heavy cream and shredded apples, these scones stay soft inside with a beautiful golden crust.
Great For Beginners: I share tips and tricks to make sure your scones turn out bakery-worthy on your first try.

Several triangular scones are arranged on a white marbled surface, each covered in a light brown, crumbly texture with white icing drizzled in even stripes across the top. One scone sits on a simple white plate centered in the image, accompanied by two slices of red and yellow apple on the right side of the plate. Nearby, a whole apple with red and yellow skin is partly visible at the bottom right. In the upper right corner, a white cup filled with black coffee adds contrast. The scene is bright and clean, highlighting the soft texture of the scones and fresh fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Scones, easy apple scones, fall breakfast recipes, cinnamon apple baked goods, quick morning scones

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Apple Scones Recipe are pretty straightforward, but each plays a crucial role to get that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Don’t rush when picking your apples – I find crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best here. Plus, frozen butter makes all the difference in achieving that flaky, tender crumb everyone loves.

Flat lay of peeled shredded apple, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon powder sprinkled artistically, granulated sugar crystals, small cubes of frozen unsalted butter, whole large egg, a bowl of heavy cream with a smooth surface, and a mound of all-purpose flour, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and warm tones, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Scones, easy apple scones, fall breakfast recipes, cinnamon apple baked goods, quick morning scones

All purpose flour: The base for your scones; I recommend measuring by weight for accuracy.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the apple.
Ground cinnamon: Brings classic warmth — don’t skip it!
Ground cloves or allspice (optional): A pinch of this deepens the spice profile brilliantly.
Baking powder: Essential for that lift and gentle rise.
Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
Frozen unsalted butter: The key to flaky layers; keep it really cold.
Cold heavy cream: Creates moisture and richness; I keep mine chilled in the fridge till ready.
Large egg (cold): Helps bind the dough and lends structure.
Peeled and shredded apple: Fresh and juicy, this is what makes these scones shine.
Cinnamon sugar: A simple sprinkle on top before baking adds a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the sweet cinnamon glaze that finishes these scones perfectly.
Vanilla extract & heavy cream or milk: For that smooth, irresistible glaze.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks to this Easy Apple Scones Recipe that add a little twist or help fit different tastes and diets. Feel free to customize it – that’s half the fun when baking at home!

Add nuts: My family goes crazy when I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different spices: Swap cloves for nutmeg or cardamom to switch up the warm spice profile.
Gluten-free version: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but reduce heavy cream slightly to get the right dough texture.
Make them vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg for a great dairy-free option.

How to Make Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prep your baking station and dry ingredients

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this little step saves so much cleanup later. Next, grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, cinnamon, optional cloves or allspice, baking powder, and salt. I love doing this early to make sure the spices are evenly distributed. Meanwhile, keep your butter frozen until just before grating it in; this helps create those flaky pockets in your scones.

Step 2: Shred in the frozen butter and mix your wet ingredients

Use a box grater to shred the frozen butter directly into your dry mix – this is a trick I discovered that saves so much time and makes the butter more evenly dispersed. Whisk the cold heavy cream and egg in a separate bowl until combined, then pour it into the flour mixture. At this point, toss in your shredded apple too. Combining cold ingredients helps keep the dough from heating up and getting sticky prematurely.

Step 3: Bring the dough together gently

Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir until the dough just starts to form large crumbles. Here’s the key: don’t overmix. Overworking dough can lead to tough scones, and that’s the last thing we want. Use your hands to gather the dough into a loose ball. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 4: Shape and chill

Transfer your dough ball onto a well-floured surface and gently press it into an 8-inch round disc. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into 8 triangles—like a pizza! Place the scones onto your parchment-lined sheet, then sprinkle the tops with that cinnamon sugar mix. Pop the tray into the fridge while you preheat your oven to 400°F. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, which means better texture and puff while baking.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Bake the scones for 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges turn beautifully golden brown. I always wait a few extra minutes after the oven beeps to ensure it’s really hot—this sets your scones up for a nice rise. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.

Step 6: Whisk up the cinnamon glaze and drizzle

While your scones cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm scones – personal favorite is to serve them while the glaze is still tacky and soft, but you can also wait until it hardens for that classic crunchy finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Keep Butter Frozen: I found that grating frozen butter rather than cutting cubes gives much flakier scones with less effort.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing until just combined keeps your scones tender, so resist the urge to overwork it.
Chill Before Baking: I always chill the shaped scones; it helps them hold their shape and bake up nice and golden.
Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, juicy apples add moisture and flavor—you’ll want that natural burst in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Two light brown scones with a rough, crumbly texture sit on a white plate. One scone is whole and covered with thin white icing stripes evenly spaced across the top, while the other is broken in half, showing a soft, moist inside with small bits of apple visible. Next to the scones, there are two slices of red and yellow apple placed on the plate. In the background, more scones with similar white icing stripes and a glass of milk can be seen, all placed on a white marbled surface. Two cinnamon sticks lie near the glass, adding a warm brown color contrast to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Scones, easy apple scones, fall breakfast recipes, cinnamon apple baked goods, quick morning scones

Garnishes

I honestly adore these scones just as they are, but a little extra cinnamon sugar sprinkle on top before baking brings a delightful crunch that everyone asks for. For a special touch, try dusting with a pinch of powdered sugar or even a tiny drizzle of honey right before serving. Some mornings, I’ve even added a smear of softened butter or cream cheese – it’s simple, but feels so indulgent.

Side Dishes

Pair these apple scones with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for the perfect breakfast. If you want a more filling spread, a side of Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit complements the scones beautifully. For brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these scones on a tiered cake stand dusted lightly with powdered sugar and surrounded by apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a rustic look. Another fun idea is to glaze the scones in different colors or shapes for holidays—think pumpkin spice glaze for fall, or pink-tinted glaze for Valentine’s Day. Little touches like that turn a simple treat into a charming centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I like to place a paper towel underneath to soak up any moisture. They’re still delicious the next day, but you want to avoid a loss of that fresh-baked texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these scones before baking. I shape and cut them, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid, transferring into a freezer bag. When ready, just bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This trick lets you enjoy fresh scones anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

If you need to reheat, pop the scones in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to warm through and revive that crusty exterior. I avoid microwaving because it can make them chewy or gummy. Freshly reheated, they almost taste like they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Easy Apple Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor, you can use softer or sweeter varieties if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that softer apples release more moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for a quality plant-based vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream. To replace the egg, use a flax egg or a chia egg. The texture might differ slightly, but the scones will still be tasty and moist.
What’s the best way to keep scones tender?

The key is to keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter and liquid, and to mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make scones tough. Also, chilling the shaped dough before baking helps them hold their shape and stay tender inside.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?

You can prepare and shape the scones ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap. Alternatively, freeze unbaked scones and bake them from frozen when you’re ready.
Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for this recipe because it ensures the shredded apple blends smoothly into the dough without tough bits of skin. However, if you like the added texture and don’t mind a rustic feel, you can leave some peel on after thoroughly washing the apples.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Easy Apple Scones Recipe a try because it’s become a staple in my kitchen during apple season and beyond. The balance of flavors, that tender crumb, and the easy, approachable method make it one of those recipes I turn to again and again. Plus, it’s just plain fun to bake – you don’t need to be a pro to make these look and taste amazing. So grab some apples, get your butter and cream chilled, and let your kitchen fill with the warm smells of autumn. I promise, you (and everyone you share with) will love every bite!