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Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh-baked scones wafting through your kitchen. These Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones combine the warm and comforting spices of fall with tender, fluffy dough that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, these scones are sure to impress your family and friends with their delightful flavors and textures.

Why Make This Recipe

Irresistibly Soft Texture: The combination of cold butter and buttermilk ensures a fluffy, tender bite.
Flavor Explosion: With the infusion of spices and real apple, these scones carry the warmth of autumn in every bite.
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality scones with this straightforward recipe.

Making Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones at Home

This recipe for Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones is not just about creating a delicious pastry; it’s also about encapsulating the essence of comfort and warmth in each bite. As you prepare these scones, you’ll find that they are easy to make and bring a sense of homeliness and coziness to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed on a quiet Sunday morning or as a special treat for guests, these scones are sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

1 medium apple
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of cardamom
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
7 tablespoons unsalted butter – cubed & cold
1 large egg
⅔ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of cardamom

Directions

Make the Apple Pie Filling: Start by peeling and dicing the medium apple into small pieces. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apple is tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool.
Make the Scones: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and gently mix until just combined. Add the cooled apple mixture and fold it in carefully, being cautious not to overmix the dough.
Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles or use a round cutter to shape into circles.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the shaped scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional buttermilk and sprinkle with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delightful scones warm or at room temperature.

Keeping Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones Fresh

To ensure your scones remain soft and delicious, it’s important to store them properly.

Room Temperature: Place the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
Freezer: For extended storage, wrap the scones in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.

How to Serve Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones

With Spreads: Serve your scones with butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of clotted cream for an indulgent touch.
Accompaniments: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite spiced cider to enhance the flavors.
Presentation Ideas: Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with some fresh apple slices and sprigs of cinnamon for an inviting display.

Tips to Make Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones

Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and buttermilk will help maintain the scone’s texture, making them ultra-soft and flaky.
Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing of the dough prevents gluten development, ensuring a tender scone.
Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and crisp apples, as they elevate the overall flavor of the scones.

Variations for Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones

Cheese & Herb Variation: Replace the apple with shredded cheese (like cheddar) and add fresh herbs (like rosemary) for a savory twist.
Dried Fruit & Nuts: Incorporate dried cranberries or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different fruits?
A: Absolutely! Pears or peaches would work wonderfully as substitutes for apple in this recipe.

Q: What if my scones come out dry?
A: Ensure you are using the correct measurements and that the butter and buttermilk are cold. Overmixing can also lead to dryness.

Q: How do I reheat leftover scones?

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes.

By following this detailed guide to making Insanely Soft Spiced Apple Scones, you can bring a slice of autumn into your home any time of year. Enjoy baking and sharing these scrumptious treats with your loved ones!