There is something truly magical about homemade scones, and this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe brings that cozy, comforting feeling right to your kitchen. Imagine tender, flaky bites filled with juicy diced apples, sweet raisins, and a perfect hint of cinnamon spice—all wrapped up in buttery dough that bakes to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or a simple snack to delight your taste buds, these scones are wonderfully easy to make and utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward scone bliss. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, from creating tender crumb to offering just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to our scones.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the cinnamon and fruit.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the scones rise and stay fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice that complements apple and raisin beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cubed and mixed into the flour, it ensures a tender, flaky texture.
- Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout.
- Finely diced apple: Fresh apples lend moisture and a fresh fruity flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the dough and helps create that tender crumb.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, sweet aroma that ties everything wonderfully together.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your scones bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup easier and preserving their golden bottoms.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This mixes the leavening evenly throughout the flour and guarantees that every bite is perfectly balanced with sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Cutting in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in those flaky layers we all love in scones.
Step 4: Adding Fruit
Stir the raisins and diced apples into the flour and butter mixture until they are evenly distributed. The diced apple adds lovely moisture and fresh flavor, while the raisins bring natural sweetness and texture contrast.
Step 5: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, the egg, and vanilla extract. This luscious liquid mix will enrich the dough, helping it come together easily without overworking.
Step 6: Bringing the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender and avoid tough scones.
Step 7: Shaping the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Then pat it into a 1-inch thick circle—this shape makes it easy to cut perfect wedge-shaped scones.
Step 8: Cutting and Preparing for Bake
Cut the dough circle into 8 wedges with a sharp knife and place them on your lined baking sheet. For a golden, shiny top, brush the scones with a bit of extra heavy cream.
Step 9: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The scent of cinnamon, apple, and butter filling your kitchen is a guaranteed sign that something wonderful is happening in your oven.
Step 10: Cooling and Serving
Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before enjoying warm or at room temperature. This resting period helps the crumb set, ensuring every bite remains tender and delicious.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
Garnishes
While these scones are sensational on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add an elegant finishing touch and a touch of extra sweetness that complements the cinnamon and fruit perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your scones alongside a spread of butter, clotted cream, or your favorite preserves for a classic experience. Pairing them with a hot cup of tea or coffee enhances the warm, comforting flavors of the Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, arrange these scones on a tiered dessert stand decorated with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You could also serve them with a side of whipped mascarpone mixed with a touch of maple syrup for an indulgent treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their texture and moisture, so they remain just as delightful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe later, freeze unbaked scone dough wedges on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Alternatively, fully baked scones freeze well when wrapped tightly, perfect for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat scones gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked crust and warm center. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough or soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries work wonderfully and add exciting flavors that pair well with apple and cinnamon.
What type of apple works best in this recipe?
Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji, which hold their shape during baking and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet raisins and cinnamon.
Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the wedges, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking for even results.
How do I prevent the scones from being dry?
Be sure not to overmix the dough and use cold butter pieces for flakiness. Also, avoid overbaking—take them out as soon as they are golden and just cooked through.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. The blend of fragrant cinnamon, juicy apples, and sweet raisins wrapped in tender, flaky dough delivers a comforting treat that brightens any day. I hope you’ll dive into this recipe and create moments of joy and deliciousness with every batch you bake.
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Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are a delightful breakfast treat featuring tender, flaky pastry loaded with sweet raisins and fresh diced apples, all spiced with warm cinnamon. Perfectly golden and lightly brushed with cream for a beautiful finish, they make a comforting and delicious start to any day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Fruit: Stir in the raisins and finely diced apples, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract to combine the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined, careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring the dough together neatly.
- Shape Dough: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle, then cut it into 8 equal wedges, forming the classic scone shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops lightly with extra heavy cream to promote a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown and are cooked through, resulting in a soft, flaky texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Notes
- For best results, use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure flaky scones.
- You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for variety.
- Serve the scones with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam for added indulgence.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
