Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones: A Cozy Morning Hug in Every Bite

Let’s talk about something that’s going to make your mornings even better. Picture this: You wake up, the air is crisp, and there’s a warm, comforting scent of cinnamon, apples, and raisins filling the house. Sounds like the perfect start to the day, right? These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are here to make that dream a reality. They’re flaky, buttery, and packed with all the cozy fall flavors you crave. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or as an afternoon treat with your favorite tea, these scones are going to become your new go-to recipe. You’re going to love these, no question about it.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones

These scones aren’t just delicious—they’re a game-changer. Here’s why they’ve become my new favorite way to start the day (and possibly my new favorite snack, too):

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea. They’re equally delightful served warm or at room temperature, making them a great addition to any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, which is always a win. No need to spend extra money on fancy items when you’ve got everything you need to make something this tasty.
• Quick and Easy: Making scones might sound intimidating, but this recipe is anything but. The steps are simple, and the result is absolutely irresistible. Even if you’re a beginner, I’ve got your back with a foolproof process.
• Customizable: Not a fan of raisins? Swap them out for dried cranberries or even chocolate chips. Want a little extra crunch? Add some chopped pecans or walnuts. The flavor possibilities are endless, so feel free to make these scones your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s not just me who loves these—everyone does. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing them to a gathering, or just sharing them with family, these scones are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients in Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Now let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to create something magical:

• Apples: Fresh apples bring a burst of sweetness and a juicy texture that balances out the cinnamon and raisins perfectly.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation for a light and flaky scone that still has enough structure to hold all the delicious mix-ins.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar helps the scones rise and adds that touch of sweetness you crave.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two help the scones rise beautifully and give them that signature fluffy texture inside.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg make these scones warm and aromatic, creating that comforting, bakery-fresh flavor.
• Butter: You can’t go wrong with cold butter. It’s the key to getting those delicious flaky layers that melt in your mouth.
• Eggs: Eggs provide the structure and richness to your scones, helping everything come together just right.
• Milk or Buttermilk: A splash of milk adds moisture to the dough, and if you use buttermilk, you’ll get an even richer flavor and texture.
• Raisins: Sweet, chewy raisins are the perfect complement to the apples and cinnamon, adding a lovely pop of flavor in every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these comforting scones:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want your oven nice and hot so the scones bake evenly and get that beautiful golden brown color on top.

Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is your dry mixture, which is the base for everything else.

Cut in the Butter

Now, grab your cold butter (the colder, the better!) and cut it into small cubes. Add it to your dry mixture, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if the butter bits are still a bit chunky—that’s what gives the scones their flaky texture.

Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk (or buttermilk) together. Pour this into your dry mixture and stir gently until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing will lead to dense scones, and we want them light and airy!

Fold in the Apples and Raisins

Now, gently fold in the diced apples and raisins. These will add sweetness, texture, and a bit of chew to every bite. Keep folding until they’re evenly distributed, but again, don’t overwork the dough.

Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife to cut it into wedges or use a round cutter for perfectly shaped scones.

Bake to Perfection

Place your scones on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now—I’m telling you, it’s pure magic.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. While they’re still warm is the best time to enjoy them, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature, too.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones

These scones are great on their own, but if you want to elevate them just a little more, here are a few ideas:

• With Butter or Jam: Spread a little butter on your scone (or clotted cream if you’re feeling fancy!), or top it with your favorite jam. Strawberry or apricot jam works beautifully.
• With Tea or Coffee: These scones pair so well with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It’s the perfect afternoon treat or a lovely way to start your day.
• With Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or citrus, can add a refreshing balance to the rich and warm flavors of the scones.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape the dough and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy mornings!
• Make Them Your Own: Want to switch things up? Add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch. Or try dried cranberries instead of raisins for a tart twist.
• Storage Tips: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Buttermilk adds a slightly tangy richness and helps the scones rise beautifully. But if you don’t have any, regular milk will work just fine.

Q2: Can I make these scones without raisins?
A2: Of course! You can skip the raisins altogether or substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! If you want to make them later, you can freeze the unbaked scones. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re expecting a crowd, go ahead and double the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough baking sheet to fit all those scones.

Conclusion

There you have it—Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones that will make your kitchen smell like heaven and your taste buds dance with joy. These scones are cozy, comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). So, grab your ingredients and bake up a batch—you’re in for something truly special.

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