Apple Cinnamon Scones (Easy Fall Breakfast Treat)

When the mornings start crisp and the leaves crunch under your boots, there’s nothing cozier than a warm apple cinnamon scone. These little beauties are flaky on the outside, tender in the middle, and bursting with juicy apple bites and sweet cinnamon swirls. You can have them in the oven in 10 minutes and they taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Scones

They’re buttery, golden, and smell like an autumn candle but better. You don’t need any fancy mixer or equipment, just a bowl and a fork. The fresh apple chunks add a juicy pop in every bite, while the cinnamon wraps everything in warmth. These scones also freeze like a dream, so you can stash some for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

They go perfectly with a warm mug of cider or coffee. Or if you’re like me, with a spoonful of healthy apple butter slathered on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup heavy cream (plus a little more for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled if you’d like)
• Optional: Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Ingredient swaps
No cream? Use full-fat milk or coconut milk.
Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of maple glaze or cinnamon icing on top.
Out of brown sugar? White sugar works, just add a pinch more cinnamon.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Scones (Step-by-Step)

Get Prepped

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dice your apple and cube the cold butter.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add in the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mix looks crumbly. Stir in the chopped apple.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, and vanilla. Pour into the flour mix and stir just until combined. It’ll be a shaggy dough don’t overwork it.

Shape and Cut

Dump the dough onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a round disc, about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into 8 triangles.

Bake

Place the scones on your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Brush the tops with extra cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for sparkle. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden at the edges.

Glaze (Totally Optional)

If you want an extra sweet finish, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk. Drizzle it over the cooled scones or go wild and dunk the whole top in glaze.

Ely’s Cozy Baking Notes

• Cold butter is key! Keep it in the fridge until the last minute.
• Don’t overmix. You want visible bits of butter and a tender crumb.
• Chill the scones for 10 minutes on the pan before baking if you want that tall bakery rise.
• No parchment paper? A greased baking sheet works fine.
• If skipping glaze, add coarse sugar before baking for a golden crunch.

Craving more easy apple bakes? These mini apple pies are the perfect two-bite treat for lunchboxes or late-night snacks.

Storing and Freezing Scones

Scones are best the day they’re baked, warm and fresh. But they hold up beautifully:

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps for 4–5 days. Warm briefly in the oven before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked scones. To bake from frozen, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.

Want something extra cozy on the side? Serve with a scoop of this simple apple crumble for the ultimate fall brunch table.

Variations & Swaps

• Swap apples for diced pears
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
• Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon for extra warm flavor
• Stir in a few dried cranberries for tart bursts
• Make mini scones by cutting into 12 small wedges instead of 8

FAQs About Apple Cinnamon Scones

Try It!

There’s just something magical about the scent of cinnamon and apples baking away in the oven. These apple cinnamon scones are fall comfort wrapped up in buttery goodness. If you bake them, I’d love to hear how they turn out leave a comment or tag us on Instagram!

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