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 work surface); 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); 1 cup (120 g) peeled and shredded apple; Cinnamon sugar (1 Tablespoon sugar + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon); 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make, I’ve got you covered with this Easy Apple Scones Recipe. These scones are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh shredded apple and just the right hint of cinnamon spice. I absolutely love how this recipe comes together quickly, and I promise, once you try them fresh from the oven with that sweet cinnamon glaze, you’ll be hooked too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already, making it an easy bake anytime.
Quick Prep: You can whip these up in under an hour, perfect for a weekend breakfast or cozy snack.
Perfect Texture: The scones come out tender and fluffy with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Flavor: The balance of apple with cinnamon spice and a sweet glaze makes them irresistible to all ages.

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, Homemade Apple Scones, Cinnamon Apple Scones, Fluffy Apple Scones

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Apple Scones Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward and complement each other perfectly to create that classic scone feel with an apple twist. When shopping, I always pick a crisp apple like Granny Smith or Fuji for fresh flavor and texture.

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, Homemade Apple Scones, Cinnamon Apple Scones, Fluffy Apple Scones

All Purpose Flour: The base of our dough; gives structure without weighing down the scones.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart apple.
Ground Cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spice classic to apple desserts.
Ground Cloves or Allspice (optional): Just a pinch adds depth and complexity to the spice mix.
Baking Powder: This is your leavening agent to make those scones light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Frozen Unsalted Butter: Key to flaky scones — keep it frozen so it creates buttery layers as it bakes.
Cold Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture; I recommend keeping it cold for tender crumb.
Large Egg (cold): Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
Peeled and Shredded Apple: Fresh and juicy, it adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Cinnamon Sugar: A simple sprinkle on top adds a lovely crunch and sparkle.
Confectioners’ Sugar (sifted): For the easy cinnamon glaze that finishes the scones just right.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweet warmth to the glaze.

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 love how flexible this Easy Apple Scones Recipe is because you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing the core comforting flavor. Sometimes I add a little twist depending on the season or what I have on hand.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a gluten-free flour blend once, and the texture was surprisingly close to the original.
Different Fruit Add-Ins: I once mixed in some dried cranberries or chopped pears for a seasonal feel—both were delightful.
Spice Variation: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom instead of cloves gives a slightly different but equally cozy twist.
Vegan Adaptation: You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and the egg with a flax egg—I tried this and still got delicious results.

How to Make Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Grate the Butter

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves (if using), baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Now here’s the trick I discovered: use a box grater to shred your cold, frozen butter directly into the dry ingredients. This helps distribute those buttery flakes evenly for a flaky texture. I like keeping the butter frozen until the last second to keep the scones nice and tender.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Fold Apple In

Whisk together the cold heavy cream and egg in a separate bowl. Pour this into your dry mixture and add the freshly shredded apple. Be gentle now—use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to combine everything until you get big crumbles of dough. Avoid over mixing here, or you risk tough scones. If the dough feels dry, add a little more cream, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a touch more flour.

Step 3: Shape, Slice, and Chill

Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface and gently press it into an 8-inch round disc. If your hands get sticky, dust them with flour. Then, cut the dough into eight triangles with a bench scraper or sharp knife. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that extra touch of magic. Here’s an insider tip: pop the baking sheet in the fridge while your oven preheats — this keeps everything cold and helps the scones maintain their rise and flakiness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F, then let it settle for 5 minutes once it beeps (this little pause ensures steady heat). Bake your scones for 20 to 22 minutes until they’re golden brown around the edges. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. The smell alone will have you reaching before they cool!

Step 5: Whip Up the Cinnamon Glaze and Drizzle

While the scones cool a bit, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle over the scones while they’re still slightly warm for a lovely melting effect, or wait for them to cool for a firmer finish. Both ways taste incredible—I tend to do whichever feels right in the moment!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Keep the Butter Cold: I learned that handling the butter as cold and frozen as possible gives the flakiest texture, so avoid warming it up with your hands.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Mixing just until big clumps form keeps these scones tender; overmixing develops gluten and makes them tough.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the shaped scones before baking helps them hold their shape and rise beautifully in the oven.
Finish With Hot Oven: I always wait a few minutes after preheating to ensure the oven is fully heated to 400°F for the best rise and golden crust.

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, Homemade Apple Scones, Cinnamon Apple Scones, Fluffy Apple Scones

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or the classic cinnamon-spiked glaze. Occasionally, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of apple butter on top — it elevates these scones into an extra special breakfast or afternoon treat.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced morning meal. For a cozy brunch, I add roasted nuts or a sharp cheddar cheese—because why not mix sweet and savory?

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I arrange these scones on a rustic wooden board with small jars of honey, preserves, and clotted cream. A sprinkle of edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar creates a charming, inviting display. I’ve also wrapped individual scones in parchment paper tied with twine as cute, edible favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them tender, I recommend placing a slice of bread in the container — it keeps the scones from drying out, which is a neat little trick I learned!

Freezing

One time, I doubled the batch and froze half the scones. To do it right, I wrapped each scone individually in plastic wrap and placed them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making this a great make-ahead option.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop the scones in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, which brings back that fresh-baked warmth and crispiness. If you prefer microwave reheating, use short bursts (15-20 seconds) to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use apples other than the one suggested in this Easy Apple Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer firmer apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture, you can use almost any apple you love. Just keep in mind that softer apples will add more moisture, so you might need to tweak the flour or cream amounts slightly.
Can I make these scones dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, these scones can easily be adapted! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a thick plant-based milk, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. The texture may vary slightly, but the scones will still be delicious.
Why is it important to keep the butter frozen when making the dough?

Keeping butter frozen ensures it stays in small chunks in the dough, which creates flaky layers as the scones bake. If the butter melts too soon, the dough becomes dense and loses that tender, flaky quality.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them—up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to cover them well and bring the oven temperature back to 400°F before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Use the bread slice trick in the container to maintain moisture if storing at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Scones Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those reliably delicious treats that feels both homemade and a little bit fancy. Whether you’re sharing these with your family on a chilly weekend morning or bringing them to a friend’s brunch, they always bring a smile. So go ahead, give this recipe a go — I can’t wait for you to experience that warm, spiced apple goodness fresh from your oven!