Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe
If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you absolutely must try these Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones. These scones perfectly blend tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with flaky, buttery dough, all elevated by a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Each bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of sweet and salty, making them an irresistible morning indulgence or an afternoon pick-me-up that you’ll want to share with your closest friends (or maybe just keep all to yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but mighty, each playing a special role in crafting the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones. From the tender diced apples to the spiced cinnamon and rich buttery dough, every component brings out a delightful layer of flavor and texture.
- Butter (1 Tablespoon + 1 Stick, cold): The key to that flaky, tender scone crumb and rich flavor.
- Diced Apple (1 ½ Cups, skin-on): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the spices.
- Cinnamon (2 ½ teaspoons total): Brings warm, cozy spice that’s essential for that classic apple flavor twist.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ Cups + extra for dusting): Forms the sturdy base for the scone dough.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the scones rise beautifully and become fluffy inside.
- Salt (Pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sugar (¼ Cup): Adds a subtle sweetness that browns nicely in the oven.
- Half & Half (½ Cup): Gives the dough richness and moisture.
- French Vanilla Creamer (½ Cup + extra for brushing and icing): Infuses a lovely vanilla note and silky texture.
- Powdered Sugar (¾ Cup): Used to create the sweet, smooth icing that tops the scones.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The crowning glory that adds luscious sweetness and a hint of saltiness, perfect for drizzling.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones
Step 1: Cook the Apples
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frypan over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples and cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften just enough to release their natural sweetness. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to warm up the flavors, then set the apples aside to cool. This warm apple-cinnamon mixture is what infuses the scones with their irresistible softness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the scones after baking. In a big mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and the remaining cinnamon (1½ teaspoons). Sifting not only combines everything evenly but also helps make the scones wonderfully light.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter and Apples
Using a grater, shred the cold stick of butter directly into the dry ingredients. This technique creates tiny butter pieces that bake into flaky layers. Stir in the grated butter and then fold in the cooled cinnamon apples, ensuring that every bite of dough is loaded with those tender, spiced apple bits.
Step 4: Form the Scone Dough
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the half & half and French vanilla creamer. Gently combine everything just until it comes together into a slightly sticky dough. Overmixing can make the scones tough, so be gentle here to keep them tender and flaky.
Step 5: Chill or Get Baking
You have two options now: pop the dough into the freezer for about 30 minutes, which firms it up and makes it easier to handle, or jump right into shaping. Either way works well and gets you closer to that warm scone perfection.
Step 6: Shape and Cut Your Scones
On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a round disk approximately 2 inches thick. You can make 12 larger scones by cutting each disk into six wedges or 24 minis by cutting further. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice your dough into triangles and place them neatly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of each scone with extra French vanilla creamer for a lovely glaze and that beautiful golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the scones have risen and turned a delightful golden brown hue.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Transfer the scones onto a cooling rack and let them cool just enough so they won’t melt your icing or salted caramel topping. Then, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of French vanilla creamer until smooth and drizzle over the scones. Finish off each one with a generous drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle to enhance the salted caramel notes. A dusting of cinnamon powder or a few thin apple slices can also add visual charm and an extra punch of flavor to your presentation.
Side Dishes
These scones shine alongside a cup of hot black coffee or chai tea, whose bold spices and warmth beautifully complement the sweet apple and salted caramel flavors. For a heartier breakfast, pair them with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to contrast the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones stacked on a rustic wooden board layered with parchment paper for a charming homemade vibe. You can also present them in individual gift boxes with a little jar of extra salted caramel on the side—perfect for surprising a friend or family member.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover scones fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, they stay soft and ready for a quick snack without losing their signature buttery, tender crumb.
Freezing
You can freeze both baked and unbaked scone dough! To freeze baked scones, cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For unbaked dough, freeze shaped scones on a tray before transferring to a bag; simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Rewarm leftover or frozen scones in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp on the outside again. Avoid microwaving when possible to retain that delicious flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for these scones?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape during cooking and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Is there a substitute for French vanilla creamer?
If you don’t have vanilla creamer, you can substitute with regular half & half or heavy cream and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain that lovely vanilla flavor.
Can these scones be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might differ slightly, but they’ll still taste amazing with those wonderful salted caramel and apple cinnamon flavors.
How do I prevent my scones from turning out dry?
The secret is to avoid overmixing the dough, use cold butter, and ensure the right moisture balance by not skimping on the half & half and creamer. Following the recipe precisely will help keep your scones tender and moist.
Can I make mini scones instead of regular size?
Definitely! Mini scones are a great option for serving at parties or when you want bite-sized treats. Just slice your dough into smaller wedges, adjust the baking time down slightly, and enjoy the same fantastic flavors in a smaller form.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones enough if you’re looking for a treat that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion snack, these scones bring such a perfect combination of warm spices, tender apples, and indulgent caramel. Go ahead and bake a batch—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort food.
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Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 regular scones or 24 mini scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Scones, a perfect blend of tender cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery scone dough, topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle and sweet vanilla icing. Ideal for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these scones combine flaky texture with rich, autumn-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ Cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ Cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Butter
- 1 Stick cold butter (½ cup)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ Cup half & half
- ½ Cup French vanilla creamer
- 1–2 Tablespoons French vanilla creamer (for brushing)
- 2–3 Tablespoons French vanilla creamer (for icing)
Toppings
- ¾ Cup powdered sugar
- Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook Apples: In a large frypan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté the diced apples until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 ¾ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, a pinch of salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Butter: Use a grater to grate the cold stick of butter directly into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Apples: Fold the cooled cinnamon apples into the butter-flour mixture to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center and pour in the half & half and ½ cup French vanilla creamer. Mix gently until a soft scone dough forms—do not overmix.
- Rest Dough (Optional): You may freeze the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up or proceed directly to shaping and baking.
- Divide Dough: Split dough in half for 12 regular scones or into four parts for 24 mini scones, depending on your preferred size.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, shape each portion into round disks approximately 2 inches thick. Cut each disk into triangular wedges using a pizza cutter or large knife.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the extra 1-2 tablespoons of French vanilla creamer for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until scones are lightly golden brown on top.
- Cool: Transfer scones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool slightly before decorating.
- Make Icing and Finish: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of French vanilla creamer with powdered sugar until desired icing thickness is achieved. Drizzle the icing over scones and finish with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Dough can be frozen before baking to make scones fresher when ready to bake.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste for more or less spice.
- Use French vanilla creamer for added depth of flavor in both dough and icing.
- Scones are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk creamer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (regular size)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: scones, salted caramel, apple cinnamon, breakfast scones, baked goods, fall dessert, cinnamon apple, vanilla creamer, sweet scones
