Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze

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Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven on a crisp fall morning. These Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze are the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Lightly sweetened, perfectly tender, and warmly spiced, they bring all the cozy flavors of autumn into your kitchen.

Unlike traditional scones that are heavy on butter and cream, this recipe uses applesauce and buttermilk to keep them moist and tender with far less fat. Each bite is filled with soft apple pieces and a delicate crumb, topped with a drizzle of cinnamon-spiced glaze that makes them simply irresistible.

Whether served as a special weekend breakfast, part of a brunch table, or a comforting afternoon snack, these scones capture the heart of the season beautifully.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Scones

  • Lighter but Delicious: Applesauce replaces most of the butter, making these scones healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  • Perfect Fall Treat: Sweet baked apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these scones taste like autumn in every bite.
  • Tender and Moist: The combination of buttermilk and apples keeps the texture soft yet satisfying.
  • Beautifully Glazed: The simple spiced glaze adds the perfect finishing touch of sweetness and warmth.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

  • ½ cup cold buttermilk
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or any firm baking apple)
  • Cooking spray or parchment paper, for the baking sheet

For the Spiced Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons cold milk (plus ½ tablespoon more, if needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, applesauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and combined. Set aside.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Cut in the Butter

Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Add the Apples

Fold in the diced apples so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

6. Bring the Dough Together

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing — the dough should be slightly sticky.

7. Shape the Scones

Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Transfer the dough and knead it gently about four times, just enough to bring it together.
Form the dough into a 9-inch circle about ¾ inch thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal wedges, leaving the pieces in place.

8. Bake

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the scones are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

Make the Spiced Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.

You can either drizzle the glaze over the scones using a spoon or dip the tops of the scones into the glaze for full coverage. Place them on parchment paper and let the glaze set before serving.

Variations

  • Skip the Glaze: For a lighter version, sprinkle the scones with raw or Demerara sugar before baking.
  • Spice It Up: Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with apple pie spice, pumpkin spice, or even a touch of cardamom.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flours with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Add Nuts or Raisins: Chopped walnuts or golden raisins make a lovely addition to the dough.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

Nutrition (Per Scone)

Calories: 184
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 23 mg
Sodium: 250 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 19 g

Note

These Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze are everything I love about fall baking — comforting, fragrant, and simple to make. They pair perfectly with a warm mug of tea or a cozy afternoon by the window. Once you try them, they might just become your favorite way to welcome the season.

 

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