Apple Chai Scones
Apple Chai Scones are one of those easy scone recipes that feel special but come together with simple ingredients. With cozy chai spices, tender apple chunks, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, this recipe brings bakery-style goodness right into your kitchen.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break, these scones are both comforting and versatile. They bake up golden and fragrant, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and apples. These apple spiced scones are ideal for cool mornings or fall gatherings.
I’ve made my apple chai scones three times already because they are just that good, proving that baking this kind of pastry isn’t as hard as I thought. This fall baking creation has quickly earned a spot alongside two of my other favorite autumn treats: my Maple Oat Pecan Scones Recipe and Pumpkin Spice Glazed Scones. Homemade scones fit perfectly into my seasonal routine, embracing the cozy flavors.
Apple Chai Scones
These scones highlight the natural sweetness of apples paired with the warm, spiced blend of chai. The process to make them is simple and comes together quickly. Using grated frozen butter gets worked into flour and spices, then combined with a creamy mixture before folding in apple chunks. Once shaped, baked, and drizzled with glaze, the result is a tender scone with layers of cozy flavor and a sweet finish.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
Making scones at home is easier than you think. A few simple swaps can save time without losing flavor. With these tricks, you’ll have warm scones in no time.
- Freeze the stick of butter and grate it. It’s a great trick so that the butter stays cold.
- Use pre-chopped apples to cut down prep time
- Swap pears for apples for a different fruit flavor
- Freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from frozen
- Try maple glaze instead of cinnamon glaze
These tips let you bake with what you have. Small shortcuts still give you big flavor. Fresh scones are possible even on busy mornings.
What to Serve with Apple Chai Scones
Scones go well with both sweet and savory dishes. They work for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. The apple chai flavor pairs beautifully with fall favorites.
- Homemade Vanilla Chai Latte
- Iced Vanilla Coffee
- Fresh Fruit Yogurt Parfait
- Cheesy Scrambled Egg Stuffed Popovers
- Easy Breakfast Charcuterie Board
Adding a side makes them feel more like a meal. These pairings highlight the warm spices. Together, they create a cozy seasonal spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake them the next morning for fresh scones without extra prep. Allow a few extra minutes to bake. They also freeze well, either baked or unbaked.
Firm apples, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady, hold up best when baking. They bring a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Softer apples may turn mushy in the dough.
Be careful not to overmix the dough, as that can make scones tough. Also, watch the bake time closely so they don’t overbake. A touch more cream can be added if the dough feels too dry.
Yes, the glaze is optional. The scones are still full of flavor without it. For a lighter finish, dust with powdered sugar instead.
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Baking Tools You’ll Need
A few basic tools make scone baking simple. They help with mixing, shaping, and baking. Having them ready makes the process smoother.
Pyrex Essentials (3-Piece) Glass Mixing Bowls Set For Prepping, Baking and Cooking, Preheated Oven, Dishwasher, Freezer, and Microwave Safe
GoodCook Everyday Non-Stick Carbon Steel 9” x 13” Baking Sheet – Carbon Steel Cooking Pans, Bakeware Cookie Sheet for Baking, Oven Pan for Baked Goods & Sheet Pan DinnersAmazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, Non-Stick Reusable Oven Bakeware, 16.5Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking – 2 PCS 10
You don’t need fancy equipment to succeed. These essentials are often used in baking. Keeping them handy means you’re always prepared.
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Scones
These simple ingredients combine the warm, spiced flavors of chai with the fresh sweetness of apples. Most are pantry staples, and some of the spices can be found in the baking aisle at the grocery store.
- Butter and dairy: Frozen butter (grated), heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract for richness and binding.
- Flour and leavening: All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to form the base and give structure.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and allspice for a warm chai flavor.
- Sugar: Brown sugar for depth of sweetness, plus powdered sugar for the glaze.
- Fruit: Apples, peeled and chopped for fresh bursts of flavor.
- Glaze: Heavy cream and powdered sugar with cinnamon (for the cinnamon glaze).
These ingredients combine to create scones that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced for any breakfast or brunch table.
How to Bake Apple Chai Scones
Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the scones bake evenly. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to make the process smoother.
Prepare ingredients and grate butter: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all of the spices. In another bowl, whisk the cream, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Grate the frozen butter and keep it chilled until ready to use. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in with a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture looks sandy with small crumbs.
Mix the wet ingredients and combine: Drizzle this mixture over the flour and butter, gently folding until just combined. Then fold in the chopped apples carefully, leaving some pockets of dry flour, which helps maintain a tender texture.
Shape the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and bring it together into a loose ball. Adjust with a little flour if it’s sticky, or a tablespoon or two of cream if it’s too dry. Flatten the dough into an 8-inch disc, then cut into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, brush with cream, and sprinkle sugar on top if using. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Bake and glaze: Bake the scones for 18–24 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While baking, prepare the cinnamon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cream, and cinnamon until smooth. Allow the scones to cool completely before drizzling the glaze over the top, adding a finishing touch of sweetness and spice.
If you love baking seasonal goodies, don’t miss my Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls. Their pumpkin spice flavor pairs wonderfully with these chai-spiced scones.
Apple Chai Scones
Equipment
- spatula
- knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, FROZEN
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled), I used Honeycrisp
For the glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 – 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in one bowl. In another, whisk cream, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla. Grate frozen butter, cut it into the dry mix until crumbly, then stir in the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in chopped apples, keeping the dough slightly shaggy. On a floured surface, shape into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges. Place on the baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle coarse sugar if desired, and chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Bake 18–24 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then drizzle with a cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and cinnamon.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Fall Flavors Week
I’m excited to be part of another fun blogger collaboration, where we’re sharing recipes that celebrate the best of the season. A big thank you goes to Jolene from Jolene’s Recipe Journal for bringing us all together and organizing this event to spark fresh inspiration in the kitchen.
Today’s lineup is filled with dishes that are simple to make and bursting with flavor. From appetizers to main courses, you’ll find plenty of new favorites to add to your table. Get ready to enjoy cozy meals that highlight the wonderful tastes of fall!
- Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Casserole by The Spiffy Cookie
- Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting by Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- Ginger Spiced Pear Compote with Cranberriesl by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Sicilian Eggplant Parmigiana by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Spiced Maple Toffee Apple Smoothie Bowl by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
- Pumpkin Bagels by Art of Natural Living
- Crispy Molasses Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Easy Peach Ginger Skillet Crisp by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Apple Gorgonzola Salad by Easy Recipes For One
- Kale and Kabocha Paratha by Magical Ingredients
Enjoy!
Love the drizzle over the scones!
Thank you!
I have got to try that grated butter trick, thank you! I love scones and do not make them often enough.
I use the frozen butter trick for pie crusts and biscuits, too. I keep butter in the freezer just for this reason.
I would love one of these scones with my coffee right now. They look perfect.
So good with coffee and tea!
The look wonderfi=ul! The chai spices and apples pair well making this a delicious breakfast or teatime snack. I am loving these scones.
Thank you, Radha!
Three of my favorite things. Must make these soon!
Mine,too!
I make scones a lot and apple is a favorite. I’ve never made a chai spiced one though and it sounds perfect for fall!
It’s so good that I almost thought fall was here despite the 90 degrees lol