If you’re craving a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat that feels like a warm hug, these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are absolutely unbeatable! Imagine tender, buttery scones studded with juicy apples and sweet raisins, each bite kissed with the comforting aroma of cinnamon. They’re rich and flavorful, just lightly crisp on the outside, and dangerously easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking for friends or just want a little something special alongside your morning coffee, Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones will fill your kitchen with sweetness and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of humble ingredients come together to make magic! Each component plays a key role: apples add fresh, juicy pops; cinnamon makes every bite aromatic; and butter keeps things decadently tender. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a pro tip for each so your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones come out bakery-perfect.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the delicate, crumbly base we all love in a scone.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to play off the fruit and spice without being overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: For that signature lift and fluffiness—fresh baking powder makes all the difference.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Use a good-quality cinnamon for unbeatable fragrance and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes): Cold butter is the secret to those flaky, melt-in-your-mouth layers.
- 1/2 cup chopped apple (peeled and cored): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and add a lovely tart note.
- 1/3 cup raisins: Feel free to swap in dried cranberries or chopped dates for variety and a pop of chewy texture.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: This keeps your scones rich and tender; don’t skimp!
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds golden color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash rounds out the flavor profile.
- Additional cream and coarse sugar for topping (optional): Brushing the scone tops and sprinkling with sugar gives you a gorgeous, sparkly crust.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup extra easy. Getting this step out of the way guarantees a smooth, mess-free baking session later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This evenly disperses the leavening and spice, setting the stage for well-flavored, evenly risen scones. Take a moment to enjoy the lovely scent as the cinnamon hits the bowl!
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to your flour mixture. With a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—think lumpy, sandy, and pebbly is perfect. The little pockets of cold butter will melt in the oven, creating those irresistible flaky layers everyone loves in Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones.
Step 4: Add Apples and Raisins
Stir in your chopped apples and raisins, making sure they’re well-distributed. This is where the magic happens: every scone will have a generous morsel of tart apple and sweet raisin in every bite. You can use dried cranberries or dates if you want to mix things up, but the classic combo is hard to beat!
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula. The key is to mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can lead to tough scones. Your dough should be soft and a bit shaggy.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times—literally, just enough for it to hold together. Pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza, so each piece is loaded with fruit and flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. For a beautiful finish, brush the tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle and crunch. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are golden and your kitchen smells positively dreamy. Let them cool just slightly before digging in—you want them warm, but not scalding!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Garnishes
For an extra pop, try dusting your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones with a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A slice of fresh apple or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top also looks gorgeous and highlights the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These scones are a dream with cultured butter, clotted cream, or homemade apple butter on the side. Serve with a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for an extra satisfying breakfast, or pair with your favorite tea, fancy latte, or cozy cup of coffee for a truly blissful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of apple slices and a little bowl of honey for dipping. For brunch, arrange them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin—they’ll look (and taste) like they came straight from your favorite bakery.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your scones are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they start to feel a tad dry, a quick zap in the microwave will revive them beautifully.
Freezing
Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones freeze like a dream! After baking and cooling, simply wrap each one tightly in plastic and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and will be ready for whenever you need a quick treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your scones warm again, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes (straight from the freezer, give it an extra 5 minutes). The scones will re-crisp slightly on the outside and become fluffy and soft inside—just like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or firm, ripe peaches work well in place of apples. Just keep the quantity the same and chop them small for even baking and consistent moisture in your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones.
Do I need a pastry cutter to make these?
No pastry cutter? No problem! You can use two forks, a food processor, or even your hands to cut in the butter. Just work quickly to keep the butter from melting, as those little cold pieces are what make scones so tender.
Why did my scones turn out dense?
Overmixing is usually the culprit! Be sure to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until they just combine. Also, check your baking powder is fresh and measure it accurately for best lift.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the scone dough, shape and cut it, then refrigerate the wedges overnight on a baking sheet. In the morning, just brush with cream and bake straight from the fridge for piping hot Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones.
What’s the best flour to use?
Simple all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. If you want to experiment, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but your scones may be a bit denser.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking up a batch of Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones and sharing them warm from the oven. I hope you give these a whirl—whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a delicious way to bring some homemade joy to your day!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are the perfect treat for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. Packed with warm flavors and a hint of sweetness, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup chopped apple (peeled and cored)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- additional cream and coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the apple and raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Shape and Bake: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, pat into a circle, and cut into wedges. Place on the baking sheet, brush with cream, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For a softer scone, avoid overworking the dough.
- You can use dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins.
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
