Description
This easy cinnamon scones recipe creates flaky, tender scones with a warm, spicy aroma, perfect for a weekend treat or family brunch.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1.5 cm cubes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup full-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and orange zest.
- Cut In Butter: Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use fingertips or a pastry blender to cut butter until coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces remain.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, full-fat milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just combined; the dough will be shaggy. (If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk until it barely comes together).
- Form Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick round disk. Cut into 8 wedges or rounds. (Chill cut scones for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold shape better).
- Bake Scones: Arrange scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Brush the tops with milk for a golden color. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze: Transfer baked scones to a wire rack to cool. Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk for a smooth, simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled scones for extra sweetness.
Notes
For dietary needs, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, or plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free treat. You can also reduce sugar or add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for extra warmth. Chilling cut scones for 10 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (about 80 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg