Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

I absolutely love how these Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe turn out every time I make them. The tender apples folded into the flaky dough, combined with a simple cinnamon-nutmeg glaze, make for a morning treat that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp autumn morning or hosting a weekend brunch, these scones add that perfect touch of seasonal comfort.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was to get bakery-quality scones right in my home kitchen. You’ll find that the mix of white whole wheat and all-purpose flour keeps things light but sturdy enough to hold lots of apple chunks. Plus, the glaze on top gives just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering those cozy fall spices.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work together to create that ideal scone texture with bursts of apple and warm spices. If you pick the right apples and keep your butter cold, you’re halfway to success before you even start mixing!

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the scone’s flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the scones tender while adding natural apple flavor without extra sugar.
• Dark brown sugar: Brings warmth and depth with its molasses notes.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet aroma that complements the spices beautifully.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Cooking spray: Keeps your baking sheet greased without adding greasiness to the scones.
• White whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and a slight nuttiness without heaviness.
• All-purpose flour: Ensures tenderness and structure for perfect scones.
• Baking powder: Gives you that lovely lift, so your scones aren’t dense.
• Cinnamon: The star spice for that cozy fall vibe.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle depth to the spice mix.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Chilled butter: Key for flaky layers—always cold and cubed before mixing.
• Diced apples: I love using Granny Smith for the tartness that cuts through sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: For the smooth glaze that finishes the scones with a sweet touch.
• Cold fat-free milk: Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency.

Variations

I love to tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. These scones are a great base to make your own, so feel free to experiment with different spices or mix-ins to match your taste.

• Spice swap: I’ve tried adding a pinch of ground ginger or clove in place of nutmeg for a slightly different fall flavor that my family really enjoys.
• Fruit mix-ins: Sometimes I mix in chopped dried cranberries or raisins along with the apples for a sweet-tart surprise in every bite.
• Gluten-free version: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well too—just be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free.
• Less sweet glaze: If you prefer, skip the glaze or drizzle just a tiny bit of honey over warm scones instead.

How to Make Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the cold buttermilk, unsweetened applesauce, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg in a medium bowl. I find this combo gives the scones a lovely moist base with just a touch of sweetness and that apple flavor starting to shine upfront.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Then, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-sized pieces of butter. The cold butter is crucial here—it creates those flaky layers you want in every scone.

Step 3: Add Apples and Combine the Dough

Fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed. Pour in your wet buttermilk mixture and gently stir just until the dough comes together and is moist. Resist the urge to overmix here—that’s how you keep your scones tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Scones

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and lightly knead it four times with floured hands to bring it all together. Press the dough into a 9-inch circle about 3/4 inch thick, then use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 wedges. Transfer the entire circle onto a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray to avoid sticking and preserve that delicate texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your scones at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, until they’re a beautiful golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye toward the end because ovens vary, and you don’t want to dry them out. When done, transfer them to a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Glaze

While the scones cool, stir together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add the cold fat-free milk 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until smooth and thick but pourable—adding a little more milk if needed. For glazing, I like dipping the top of each scone into the glaze and laying them on wax paper to harden, but you can also drizzle the glaze if you prefer a lighter touch.

How to Serve Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle the glaze with a little extra cinnamon or even some chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch and extra warmth. A light dusting of powdered sugar after glazing also adds a pretty touch for guests.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or your favorite freshly brewed coffee. Sometimes I serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a simple cheese platter for a heartier brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I arrange the scones on a wooden board lined with parchment and surround them with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. It’s simple but instantly festive — perfect for fall holiday mornings or a cozy weekend with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and fresh, but if you want to keep them longer, the freezer is your friend.

Freezing

I like to freeze unglazed scones in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag. That way, I can take out as many as I need later without them sticking together. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm scones covered in foil in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. If frozen, you can thaw overnight in the fridge first or bake directly but add a few extra minutes. Reheat before applying glaze or drizzle fresh glaze after warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Apple Scones with Cozy Fall Spices Recipe is one of my go-to fall baking treats when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all day. It’s perfect for sharing with friends over coffee or savoring with a good book wrapped in a warm blanket. I truly hope you enjoy making these as much as my family and I do — I promise they’ll become one of your favorite seasonal recipes too!

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