Irresistible Caramel Apple Scones: Your Ultimate Guide to Flaky, Flavorful Perfection
Imagine a scone that perfectly embodies the cozy essence of autumn: delicate, flaky, and tender, generously studded with sweet-tart apple chunks, and crowned with a luscious, buttery homemade caramel glaze. That, my friends, is the magic of these Caramel Apple Scones. If you find yourself falling head over heels for them, rest assured, you’re in good company. I’ve been utterly smitten with this recipe for a long, long time, and I guarantee you will be too.
My Delicious Obsession: The Scone That Started It All
I confess, it hasn’t been long since I last shared an apple recipe, and I blame it entirely on my “good intention apples.” You see, I buy them with the best of plans—to eat fresh, for a healthy snack. But then, almost inevitably, my mind wanders to all the delectable baked goods they could become. Apples are truly my gateway drug to the wonderful world of baking, leading me down paths of pie, crisps, and, of course, these glorious scones.
Before I even started blogging, I harbored a slightly embarrassing secret: a running list on my phone of things I absolutely had to bake and eat. As a habitual list-maker, this particular collection quickly became a testament to my burgeoning scone obsession. If my “Let’s Get Sconed” Pinterest board hasn’t already given it away, let me confirm – my love for scones knows no bounds!
Looking back, that scone list was a clear premonition of my culinary future. Most people don’t meticulously catalog scone flavor combinations on their phones, do they? Nevertheless, at the very pinnacle of that cherished list sat Caramel Apple Scones. Since their inception on my “scone crush list,” I’ve made them countless times, and each batch reaffirms my profound affection for them. They are, quite simply, pure edible joy.
Why These Caramel Apple Scones Will Steal Your Heart
What’s not to adore about soft, fluffy, and tender scones bursting with sweet-tart apple goodness, all generously drizzled with a rich, buttery homemade caramel glaze? The combination of textures—the flaky exterior giving way to a soft interior, punctuated by tender apple pieces—is absolutely divine. And that glaze? Oh, that glaze! It’s so incredibly good, I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful (or two) directly from the saucepan. It’s truly a highlight of this recipe.
While most scones are a perfect companion for a cup of tea, a Caramel Apple Scone with a warm brew is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a timeless pairing that feels both indulgent and comforting, a classic combination that will never disappoint. These scones elevate any morning, afternoon, or dessert occasion into something truly special.
Choosing the Perfect Apples for Your Scones
When it comes to apple-centric recipes like my mini apple tarts, apple upside-down gingerbread, or even the apple bacon cheese muffins I recently shared, I often wholeheartedly recommend Gala apples. However, for these particular Caramel Apple Scones, I’m going to steer you in a different direction.
For the characteristic sweet-yet-tart “caramel apple” flavor we’re aiming for, a more tart apple works wonders to enhance that delightful contrast. This is why I specifically recommend a Jonathan or a Granny Smith apple for this recipe. Their inherent tartness cuts through the sweetness of the caramel glaze beautifully, creating a more balanced and complex flavor profile that truly sings. Gala apples, while delicious, might result in a scone that is simply too sweet without that tangy counterpoint.
Of course, if you’re simply using up apples you already have on hand, feel free to use whatever baking apples you have available. The scones will still be delicious! But if you’re making a special trip to the grocery store with these Caramel Apple Scones in mind, trust me on this one: reach for the Jonathan or Granny Smith for that truly authentic sweet-tart caramel apple experience.
Secrets to Flaky Scone Perfection
Achieving that coveted flaky and tender scone texture isn’t as daunting as it might seem. It primarily comes down to a few key techniques. First, always use cold butter, cut into small pieces. This cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts during baking, which in turn leads to those beautiful flaky layers. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with no butter pieces larger than a pea.
Secondly, don’t overmix the dough. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and the dough barely comes together. A few light kneads on a floured surface are all it needs to form a cohesive ball before shaping and cutting.
Finally, the addition of buttermilk is crucial. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, contributing to a lighter, more tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Crafting the Irresistible Homemade Caramel Glaze
While the apple-studded scones are certainly the star, the homemade caramel glaze is the dazzling crown that makes them truly shine. Don’t be tempted by store-bought caramel; this simple homemade version is incredibly easy to make and tastes infinitely better. It’s buttery, rich, and coats the scones perfectly, adding that signature caramel apple indulgence.
The key to a successful caramel glaze lies in patience and attention. Combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble for just one minute. This brief boiling period helps to create the right consistency and flavor. Immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The sea salt is optional, but it adds a wonderful depth and balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall caramel flavor.
Allow the glaze to cool for a few minutes before drizzling. It will thicken as it cools, making it easier to drizzle and preventing it from simply running off the scones. You want it to be warm enough to be pourable, but cool enough that it won’t be too thin. This homemade caramel truly takes these apple scones to the next level.
Baking and Cooling for Optimal Results
Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is important to ensure a quick rise and a beautifully golden exterior. A nonstick silicone baking mat or parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. When arranging your scone wedges, separate them slightly on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and a crispier edge.
Bake until the tops are golden brown. This usually takes around 18-22 minutes. Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy. And don’t forget the clever trick of placing the lined baking tray directly under the cooling rack – it’s perfect for catching any delicious caramel drips once you apply the glaze, saving you from a sticky countertop!
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These Caramel Apple Scones are truly best enjoyed on the day they are made. The delicate flaky texture and the warm, slightly soft glaze are at their peak. They are exceptional with your morning coffee, as a delightful afternoon treat with tea, or even as a simple, comforting dessert. For an extra touch of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would be a phenomenal addition, especially if serving them warm.
While fresh is best, these scones will keep for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be aware that the caramel glaze will firm up and lose some of its initial shine over time. To revive them slightly, you can gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or a low oven (250°F/120°C) for a few minutes, though the glaze won’t become as liquid as when first made.
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Caramel Apple Scones
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Ingredients
For the scones
- 2 cups flour (all purpose unbleached)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 6 Tablespoons butter (cold)
- 1 cup apple (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel glaze
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with a nonstick silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add the to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture is coarse and crumbly with no pieces of butter left larger than pea sized.
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Add to this mixture the chopped apple, buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Stir until the liquids are completely incorporated and the mixture begins to come together into a dough.
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Lightly sprinkle flour onto the counter and turn the dough out, kneading it lightly a couple times. Shape the dough into a 9 inch round and place on the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Separate the scones slightly.
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Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top. Remove to a wire rack to cool and place the lined baking tray under the cooling rack. (This will catch the caramel drips later.)
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To prepare the caramel glaze, heat the sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for one minute and then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the glaze to sit for a few minutes to cool and thicken up.
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Once the scones have cooled and the glaze is cool enough that it won’t burn you, drizzle the glaze over the tops of the scones.
Notes
Nutrition