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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.

An image showing a close-up of three glazed apple chai scones on a wooden cutting board, with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. The top of the image has text that reads "Apple Chai Scones" with watercolor illustrations of apples and spices.

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.

A close-up, low-angle shot of a single baked apple chai scone drizzled with glaze, with two other scones and apple slices blurred in the background on a wooden board.

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.

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

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

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.

What apples work best for this recipe?

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.

How do I keep my scones from turning out dry?

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.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The scones are still full of flavor without it. For a lighter finish, dust with powdered sugar instead.

A close-up, eye-level shot of three baked apple chai scones drizzled with glaze, arranged on a wooden board.

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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 SafePyrex Essentials (3-Piece) Glass Mixing Bowls Set For Prepping, Baking and Cooking, Preheated Oven, Dishwasher, Freezer, and Microwave SafePyrex Essentials (3-Piece) Glass Mixing Bowls Set For Prepping, Baking and Cooking, Preheated Oven, Dishwasher, Freezer, and Microwave SafeGoodCook 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 DinnersGoodCook 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 DinnersGoodCook 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, 16.5Amazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, Non-Stick Reusable Oven Bakeware, 16.5Amazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, Non-Stick Reusable Oven Bakeware, 16.5Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking - 2 PCS 10Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking – 2 PCS 10Cooling 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.

A clear glass bowl filled with freshly diced apples on a white surface, with a green plaid towel and two whole red apples in the background.

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.

A four-panel image showing the initial steps of mixing the scone dough. The top left shows a bowl of dry ingredients like flour and spices being whisked. The top right shows a bowl with wet ingredients, including milk and an egg, being whisked. The bottom left shows a plate with grated frozen butter. The bottom right shows the grated butter being mixed into the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

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.

A four-panel image showing the steps for forming the scone dough. The top left shows the wet ingredients being poured into the dry ingredients. The top right shows the dough being mixed into a shaggy ball. The bottom left shows the dough shaped into an eight-inch circle on a cutting board, with a tape measure next to it for scale. The bottom right shows the dough cut into eight triangular wedges.

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.

A four-panel image showing the baking process for apple chai scones. The top left shows unbaked scones with an egg wash on a silicone baking mat. The top right shows the scones baked and golden brown. The bottom left shows baked scones cooling on a wire rack. The bottom right shows the cooled scones being drizzled with a chai-spiced glaze.

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.

An overhead shot of three apple chai scones with a glaze drizzle on a round wooden board. The scones are surrounded by apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and two fresh apples.
A close-up shot of three glazed apple chai scones on a wooden cutting board, with apple slices and cinnamon sticks scattered around them.

Apple Chai Scones

Apple Chai Scones are soft, spiced with chai flavors, filled with apples, and finished with a sweet glaze.
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Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple chai scones, apple scones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Author: Lisa Kerhin

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 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.

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.

Tried this recipe?I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this one! I hope you try it, enjoy it, comment and rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

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!

Enjoy!

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One Comment

  1. I have got to try that grated butter trick, thank you! I love scones and do not make them often enough.