If you’re craving a cozy fall breakfast that’s easy to make yet feels extra special, these Moist Apple Scones with Maple Glaze are the perfect choice. They’re tender on the inside, golden and crisp on the edges, and bursting with juicy apple pieces and warm cinnamon flavor. To make them even more irresistible, a drizzle of sweet maple glaze ties everything together for the ultimate seasonal treat.

These scones are quick to whip up with pantry staples, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a snack with afternoon tea. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, approachable, and delivers bakery-style results at home.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Scones

• Moist and tender – Unlike dry scones, these are perfectly soft inside thanks to heavy cream and juicy apple chunks.
• Easy ingredients – Everything you need is already in your pantry and fridge.
• Quick to make – From start to finish, you’ll have warm scones on the table in under an hour.
• Maple glaze perfection – The sweet, glossy maple topping adds a warm depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
• Perfect for fall – These scones capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients for Moist Apple Scones

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring these scones together. Here’s what goes into the recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 5 tbsp butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• ½ cup apples, peeled (optional) and chopped into ¼ inch cubes
• 1 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing the tops)
• 1 recipe of Easy Maple Glaze (see below)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these bakery-worthy apple scones at home:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor (or stand mixer), combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and pulse (or mix) until the mixture looks like damp sand.
4. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in chopped apples.
5. Add heavy cream and stir with a rubber spatula until dough starts to form (it will look shaggy).
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–10 seconds until it comes together.
7. Pat dough into a ¾-inch thick circle (about 7.5 inches wide). Cut into 8 wedges.
8. Place wedges on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
9. Brush tops with cream (about 2 tbsp total).
10. Bake 13–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on pan for 10 minutes.
11. Prepare maple glaze while scones bake. Drizzle glaze over cooled scones and serve.

Easy Maple Glaze Recipe

The glaze is simple, sweet, and just the right consistency for drizzling. You’ll need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to thin as needed)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions: Whisk ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Add more sugar if too thin, or more milk if too thick. Drizzle over warm scones.

Tips for Baking Perfect Scones

Baking scones at home can feel intimidating, but with a few key tips, you’ll get perfect results every time:

• Use very cold butter – Cold butter creates steam while baking, which helps the scones rise and stay tender.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined. Overworking the dough will make scones tough.
• Chill before baking – A short refrigeration prevents spreading and helps maintain flakiness.
• Cut apples small – Uniformly chopped apples (¼ inch) bake evenly and blend perfectly with the dough.
• Serve warm – These scones are best fresh out of the oven with glaze on top.

Best Apples for Apple Scones

Not all apples bake the same. Some stay firm and tart, while others turn soft and sweet. For scones, you’ll want a variety that balances flavor and texture.

• Honeycrisp – Crisp, sweet, and slightly tart. Perfect for baking.
• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, adds brightness to the scones.
• Fuji – Very sweet and juicy, balances out the cinnamon spice.
• Pink Lady – Sweet-tart flavor with firm texture, ideal for holding shape.

Avoid Red Delicious or overly soft apples, as they break down too much while baking.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your apple scones? Try these delicious twists:

• Apple Pecan Scones – Add ½ cup chopped pecans for crunch.
• Caramel Apple Scones – Swap the glaze for a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Apple Cranberry Scones – Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Cheddar Apple Scones – Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory combo.
• Gluten-Free Apple Scones – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What to Serve with Apple Scones

These scones are delicious on their own, but they’re also a wonderful addition to a full breakfast or brunch spread. Try serving them with:

• Hot coffee or spiced chai tea
• Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs or quiche
• Maple butter or apple butter on the side

Storing and Freezing Instructions

These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later too:

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator – Keep for up to 5 days, but warm before serving.
• Freezer – Freeze baked scones (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day for fresh, warm scones.

Why are my scones dry?

This usually happens if the dough is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Be sure to measure flour correctly and stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the richest, moistest scones, but you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. The texture may be slightly less tender.

Can I make mini scones?

Yes! Simply cut the dough into smaller triangles. Reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Each scone contains approximately:

• Calories: 301
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg
• Sodium: 369 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 6 g

Final Thoughts

These Moist Apple Scones with Maple Glaze are the ultimate fall comfort bake. With tender apple chunks, fragrant spices, and a sweet drizzle of maple glaze, they’re the perfect balance of cozy and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Make a batch today, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee, and savor the flavors of autumn in every bite.