Name: Easy Apple Scones Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour (plus more for dusting work surface); ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional); 1 Tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 Tablespoons (56 g) frozen unsalted butter; 2/3 to 3/4 cup (160 ml to 180 ml) cold heavy cream; 1 large egg (cold); 1 cup (120 g) peeled and shredded apple; Cinnamon sugar (1 Tablespoon sugar + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon); 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving a treat that’s just sweet enough and bursting with fresh apple flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Apple Scones Recipe. I absolutely love how these scones turn out: flaky, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and just a hint of cloves. When I first tried baking scones with shredded apple, it was a game-changer — they stay moist and subtly fruity in the best way. Stick with me here, and I’ll share all my tips so you can make your kitchen smell like fall and enjoy these warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: These scones come together in under an hour with easy pantry ingredients.
Moist and Flaky Texture: The shredded apple and cold butter create a tender crumb that’s just right.
Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon and optional cloves adds cozy warmth without overwhelming.
Versatile Serving: They’re fantastic warm with glaze or at room temp for a sweet snack anytime.

Several triangular scones are arranged on a white marbled surface, each covered in a light brown, crumbly texture with white icing drizzled in even stripes across the top. One scone sits on a simple white plate centered in the image, accompanied by two slices of red and yellow apple on the right side of the plate. Nearby, a whole apple with red and yellow skin is partly visible at the bottom right. In the upper right corner, a white cup filled with black coffee adds contrast. The scene is bright and clean, highlighting the soft texture of the scones and fresh fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Apple Scones, apple scones recipe, flaky scones with apple, homemade apple scones, fall breakfast ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy Apple Scones Recipe starts with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh, shredded apple that keeps the scones moist. I like to use cold butter and heavy cream to ensure flaky layers, and a touch of baking powder to get the perfect rise.

Flat lay of peeled shredded apple, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon powder sprinkled artistically, granulated sugar crystals, small cubes of frozen unsalted butter, whole large egg, a bowl of heavy cream with a smooth surface, and a mound of all-purpose flour, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and warm tones, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Apple Scones, apple scones recipe, flaky scones with apple, homemade apple scones, fall breakfast ideas

All-purpose flour: Essential for structure; dust your surface to prevent sticking while shaping the dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering—balances the tartness of the apple.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice here; brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Ground cloves or allspice (optional): Adds a subtle spicy note—do not skip if you love that hint of nostalgic fall flavor.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that creates those tender, fluffy crumb pockets.
Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors.
Frozen unsalted butter: Yes, frozen! The cold butter pieces are key for flaky scones.
Cold heavy cream: Moisturizes the dough and adds richness, plus helps with tenderness.
Large egg (cold): Binds and enriches, making the dough easier to handle.
Peeled and shredded apple: Fresh and juicy—gives you that lovely apple bite in every scone.
Cinnamon sugar: For sprinkling on top to create that irresistible sweet crust.
Confectioners’ sugar, milk/cream, vanilla extract: Whisked into a glaze that you’ll want to drizzle generously.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Easy Apple Scones Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Play around with the spices or add-ins to make it your own—after all, baking is about what you enjoy most!

Swapping Apples: Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp all work beautifully, but I’ve found Granny Smith gives a nice balance between tart and sweet that brightens the scones.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve replaced heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and butter with a cold vegan butter substitute for dairy-free scones that still feel indulgent.
Adding Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch; my family goes crazy for this twist come holiday season.
Different Glazes: Try a simple maple glaze or a caramel drizzle — both offer a wonderful sweetness that pairs great with apple and spice.

How to Make Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients and Grate Butter

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves (or allspice), baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Now for the trick I discovered: shred frozen butter directly into the dry mix using a box grater. Using cold butter is crucial — this little detail helps the dough create those flaky layers once baked. Gently toss the grated butter into the flour blend until coated, but don’t overmix—you want bits of butter still visible.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Add Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream and the egg until smooth. Pour this into the flour and butter mixture. Then add your peeled and shredded apple right into the mix. This is where the magic begins—the apple keeps your scones tender and juicy inside. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir everything until large crumbles of dough form. Avoid overworking the dough here; you want it loose but just holding together.

Step 3: Form the Dough and Chill

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press it gently into an 8-inch round disc—think pizza shape. This part is fun because you can see the apple bits peeking out! Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the disc into 8 triangles. Transfer these to a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if you like extra crunch and sweetness. Then pop the tray into the fridge for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven. Chilling keeps the butter cold so your scones bake up flaky and tall.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 400°F (that’s about 205°C). When it beeps, I like to wait a few minutes longer just to be sure it’s truly hot—this helps your scones rise beautifully. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the scones have a golden brown edge and feel firm to the touch. Let them cool on the baking pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, milk (or cream), and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm scones and watch it set into a lovely sweet crust. Serve right away or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Keep Butter Ice-Cold: I discovered that grating frozen butter rather than cubing it helps achieve flaky layers faster and more evenly.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworking develops gluten and makes scones tough—I like big crumbly bits that hold together loosely.
Use Shredded Apples: Helps distribute moisture evenly so every bite feels fresh instead of dry clumps.
Chill Before Baking: Always refrigerate your scones before popping them in the oven; it helps with rise and texture.

How to Serve Easy Apple Scones Recipe

Two light brown scones with a rough, crumbly texture sit on a white plate. One scone is whole and covered with thin white icing stripes evenly spaced across the top, while the other is broken in half, showing a soft, moist inside with small bits of apple visible. Next to the scones, there are two slices of red and yellow apple placed on the plate. In the background, more scones with similar white icing stripes and a glass of milk can be seen, all placed on a white marbled surface. Two cinnamon sticks lie near the glass, adding a warm brown color contrast to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Apple Scones, apple scones recipe, flaky scones with apple, homemade apple scones, fall breakfast ideas

Garnishes

I usually stick with the cinnamon sugar on top for that warm crunch, but when I’m feeling fancy, I drizzle the cinnamon glaze and sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or even chopped toasted pecans. It’s those simple extras that make it feel special, especially if you’re serving company or just treating yourself.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai or strong coffee. For breakfast, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness. They’re also great at a brunch spread with cream cheese or butter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a seasonal twist, I’ve arranged the scones on a wooden platter with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a bowl of whipped cream or honey close by. During holidays, adding a sprinkle of edible gold dust or a dusting of powdered sugar can make them festive. Presentation really helps make these feel like a cozy kitchen tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I place leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist without losing their tender crumb. If your kitchen is humid, I suggest refrigerating but bring them to room temp before serving to bring back that soft texture.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked scone dough triangles individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them from frozen onto a baking sheet and add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time. This trick keeps the scones fresh and ready for a quick morning treat anytime.

Reheating

To revive leftover scones, I warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, sometimes wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out. You can also microwave briefly (15-20 seconds), but the oven method gives that just-baked texture back, which I love.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh in this Easy Apple Scones Recipe?

You can, but I recommend thawing and squeezing out excess moisture before adding frozen apples. Too much water can make the dough soggy and affect how well it holds together. Fresh shredded apples really help maintain the ideal moisture and texture.
Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream with milk?

Absolutely! While heavy cream adds richness and tenderness, whole milk or 2% milk can work in a pinch. The scones might be slightly less rich and tender, but still delicious. Consider adding a little extra butter if you want to boost richness.
How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly firm top when you lightly press. The scent is a giveaway too — your kitchen will smell wonderfully cinnamon-y! If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet dough.
Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter substitutes and full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer instead of heavy cream and egg replacer for the egg. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delightful, apple-studded scones.

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle with finding an apple scone recipe that didn’t turn out dry or overly dense, but this Easy Apple Scones Recipe changed the game for me. It’s simple, reliable, and truly delicious — perfect whether you’re baking for weekday breakfasts, weekend brunch, or feeding a crowd. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy that cozy, sweet aroma filling your home as much as I do. Once you make these, I bet they’ll become a favorite in your recipe box too!