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Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, warmly spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, this Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love this because it’s a delightful twist on classic scones—packed with tender diced apples and a cinnamon-spiced glaze that’s just irresistible. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how easy it was to get bakery-quality scones right at home, and I’m excited to share all my tips with you so your batch turns out perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: The cozy fall spices and fresh diced apples create a perfectly balanced burst of warmth and sweetness in every bite.
  • Simple & Foolproof: You’ll find the steps straightforward, even if you’re new to baking scones, thanks to tips I’ve picked up along the way.
  • Lightened Up Comfort: This recipe uses ingredients like applesauce and fat-free milk for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
  • Perfectly Glazed Finish: The cinnamon-nutmeg sugar glaze elevates these scones from tasty to downright swoon-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from combining fall’s best flavors and simple pantry staples. Choosing the right apples is key—I usually go for Granny Smith because their tartness balances the sweetness nicely. Also, using both white whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives these scones a tender texture without feeling too dense.

  • Cold Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that wakes up the flavors; make sure it’s chilled for best results.
  • Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Boosts apple flavor and moisture without extra sugar; choose a smooth texture for even mixing.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses, which deepens the richness and complements the spices perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and a sweet aroma that rounds out the spices.
  • Large Egg: Acts as a binder and lends structure to the scone dough.
  • Cooking Spray: For greasing your baking sheet without excess oil; it helps the scones bake evenly.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour: Gives the scones a heartier texture and nutrition boost while keeping them light.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for that beautiful rise and fluffy crumb.
  • Cinnamon: The star spice for that comforting fall flavor we all love.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the aroma and depth without overpowering.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
  • Chilled Butter: Cold and cut into small pieces to ensure flakiness—it’s a texture game changer.
  • Diced Apples: Peeled and chopped into small pieces so they meld perfectly into the dough.
  • Powdered Sugar: For making the luscious, smooth glaze to drizzle on top.
  • Cold Fat-Free Milk: Thins out the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling or dipping.
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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

I like to encourage you to make this Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe your own. Whether you want to swap in different fruits or tailor it to dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to get creative without losing that cozy vibe.

  • Use Pears Instead of Apples: One fall, I swapped Granny Smith apples for ripe pears—it gave a softer, juicier texture that my family adored.
  • Gluten-Free By Using Almond Flour: For gluten sensitivity, replacing some of the flour with almond flour works well, just be mindful of dough texture as it gets a bit more delicate.
  • Maple Glaze: Swap out part of the milk in the glaze for pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness that pairs beautifully with fall spices.
  • Extra Crunch with Walnuts or Pecans: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts for that classic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple perfectly.

How to Make Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together cold buttermilk, unsweetened apple sauce, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the large egg in a medium bowl. This blend sets the tone for moist, flavorful scones. I always whisk until the sugar dissolves a bit, which helps it distribute evenly later when you mix the dough. Keep everything chilled here for the best texture later.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Mixture and Cut in Butter

In a larger bowl, combine the two flours, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, whisking them to blend. The spices here are what really create that cozy vibe, so don’t skip or skimp on them! Then, add chilled, small pieces of butter. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture looks like coarse meal with small pea-sized bits of butter. Those little butter nuggets melt during baking and create buttery pockets that make these scones divine.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples and Combine Dough

Gently fold in your diced apples, making sure the fruit is evenly dispersed. Then, pour in the wet buttermilk mixture and stir just until combined and moist—don’t overmix. I learned the hard way that overmixing leads to tough scones, so stop as soon as you see no more dry flour.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, lightly flour your hands, and knead it about four times. Pat it into a 9-inch circle, around ¾ inch thick. Transfer it carefully to a baking sheet lined with cooking spray. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 wedges, cutting all the way through. This step can feel a bit rustic, but it’s part of the charm—and you’ll get those classic scone shapes that bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cool

Pop the tray in a 375°F oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, until the scones have puffed and turned golden brown. I usually keep an eye around the 18-minute mark to make sure they don’t overbake—the apples inside can dry out if you go too long. Once out, let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Add the Cozy Glaze

For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of cold fat-free milk. Add a little more milk as needed to get a smooth but thick consistency—just right for drizzling or dipping. I love dipping the tops of my scones for thicker coverage; it gives them a crackly, sweet crust that’s pure perfection once it hardens.

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Pro Tips for Making Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

  • Keep Ingredients Cold: I always chill my butter and liquids to ensure the scones stay flaky and tender after baking.
  • Diced Apples Size Matters: Cutting apples into small, uniform pieces helps them bake evenly without releasing too much moisture into the dough.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined means your scones will be tender, not tough—trust me, it makes a big difference.
  • Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting: A clean, sharp knife cuts through dough cleanly, so your scones bake into nice wedges instead of ragged shapes.

How to Serve Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a triangular scone on a black wire cooling rack. The scone has a rough, brown textured surface with small pieces of what looks like nuts or fruit inside. A thick, creamy light brown glaze is spread on the top, slightly dripping down the sides. More scones with the same glaze are seen in the background. The rack is on a white marbled surface. The word

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top after glazing, but a small pat of butter melting on a warm scone is pure magic too. Sometimes, I dust a tiny pinch of powdered sugar again before serving for a snowy effect—so cozy and inviting!

Side Dishes

These scones shine alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or your favorite coffee. For breakfast or brunch, I often pair them with fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance sweet and savory. They’re seriously a crowd-pleaser any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these scones on a large wooden board with a few cinnamon sticks and apple slices tucked artfully around them—super inviting. Drizzling the glaze in a crisscross pattern adds a fancy touch, especially if you’re serving guests. You could even serve plain scones alongside a small bowl of glaze for dipping, which is fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually place leftover scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their tender crumb and keeps the glaze from getting sticky or melted. If you don’t plan to eat them quickly, refrigeration works but expect slight firmness that reheating fixes.

Freezing

Freezing scones before glazing works best. I wrap each wedge tightly in plastic wrap, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen for 5-7 extra minutes, then glaze warm scones for that fresh-baked feel anytime you want.

Reheating

To reheat, pop one or two scones in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. I prefer oven reheating as it revives the crisp edges and flaky interior nicely. After warming, add the glaze for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

    Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with other varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Just choose apples that hold up well to baking without turning mushy.

  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape it into a circle, cut it into wedges, and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Then bake fresh the next day for optimal rise and flavor.

  3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

    Don’t worry! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  4. How do I know when the scones are done baking?

    Look for golden brown tops and edges, with a slight firmness when gently pressed. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—not raw dough.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe really captures the essence of fall in each tender, flaky bite. I love how easy it is to whip up, and how much it transforms a simple snack into something special. Whether you’re sharing with family or sneaking one with your afternoon tea, these scones bring comfort and joy every time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked—so go ahead, give them a whirl and warm your kitchen with the magic of fall.

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