As the leaves begin to don their vibrant hues of amber and crimson, there’s an undeniable whisper in the air, beckoning us towards the warmth of our kitchens. It is here, amidst the cool, crisp mornings of autumn, that I find myself yearning for a pastry that embodies the essence of the season – the Apple Spice Scones. This delectable treat, a harmonious blend of tender apple chunks and a symphony of spices, has become a cherished ritual in my home, much like the annual appearance of cozy sweaters and the soft crunch of fallen leaves underfoot.
Join me in celebrating the flavors of fall with this heartwarming recipe that promises to be as much a feast for the soul as it is for the palate. Whether you’re an avid baker or someone who finds solace in the simple pleasure of creating, this recipe is a beautiful way to welcome the changing seasons and create memories that will linger long after the last crumb has been savored.
Apple Spice Scones
Equipment
- 1 small dice
- 1 spatula
- 1 mixer
Ingredients
- 9 oz apples peeled and chopped
- 12 oz all-purpose flour
- 7.5 oz cake flour
- 0.5 oz kosher salt
- 0.75 oz baking powder
- 2.25 oz sugar
- Zest 2 lemons
- 9.5 oz butter cubed & very cold
- 1.5 egg whole
- 1.5 oz egg yolk
- 11.25 oz heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1-1/2 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel and chop apples to a small dice. Weigh and cut butter into small cubes and place in the refrigerator until needed. Sift dry ingredients to ensure there will be no lumps in your product.
- Whisk together the whole egg, egg yolk, heavy cream, spices, and prepared apples.
- “Cut” butter into dry ingredients until butter has broken into smaller pieces and is incorporated throughout—ingredients should resemble a mealy dry dough.
- Slowly add 1/3 of wet ingredients to dough until incorporated, scraping down bowl with a spatula. Continue this process until all ingredients are combined.
- Flour a work surface to roll and cut the dough. Remove dough from the bowl of the mixer and place on surface. Cut the dough in and roll until ½ inch thick. Place your preferred sized cutter on the dough and quarter.
- Continue this process until all of dough has been cut. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Apple spice scones offer a delightful blend of sweet and aromatic flavors that are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon treat. When preparing these scones, the comforting fragrance of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice fills the kitchen, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
One tip to elevate the texture of your scones is to ensure that your butter is very cold; this helps create those flaky layers that are so characteristic of a great scone. Grating frozen butter directly into your dry ingredients can make it easier to achieve an even distribution without overworking the dough.
Another important point is not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much and lead to a tougher scone rather than a tender crumb. Mix just until the ingredients come together; it’s perfectly fine if the dough looks a bit shaggy before turning it out onto your work surface.
Incorporating fresh apple pieces into the dough brings both moisture and flavor. However, be mindful of the size of the apple chunks. If they are too large, they may prevent the scone from baking evenly. Dicing the apple into small, bite-sized pieces allows for a more uniform distribution throughout the dough, ensuring each bite has a lovely burst of apple flavor.
Adding a simple glaze or topping can enhance the overall experience. A light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking will add a sweet finish that complements the spices beautifully.
Finally, personal opinion plays a significant role when it comes to the level of spices used. Some may prefer a subtler hint of spice, while others may enjoy a more robust flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to suit your palate, but always start with a measured approach – you can add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.
The Best Way to Serve Apple Spice Scones
- Beverages: Apple Spice Scones can be quite rich, so they might be best enjoyed with a light beverage to balance the palate. Consider serving them with:
- Soy Milk: Offers a smooth and subtle sweetness that would not overpower the flavor of the scones.
- Oat Milk: Similar to soy milk, oat milk provides a mild, creamy taste, creating a delightful contrast with the spices.
- Irish Coffee: The combination of coffee and whiskey, along with a touch of cream, complements the warm spices in the scones and adds a pleasant warmth.
- Hemp Milk: For a nuttier flavor that can enhance the scones’ spices, hemp milk is an excellent choice.
- Almond milk: Adds a hint of nuttiness that can highlight the baked scone’s buttery notes.
- Easy Frappuccino: A cold, creamy Frappuccino would be an indulgent complement to the scones, specifically in warmer weather.
- Soups and Broths: A lighter soup can accompany a scone as part of a more substantial brunch or lunch.
- Miso Soup: The savory flavors of miso soup can serve as a counterbalance to the sweet and spiced scones.
- Butajiru (pork miso soup): With its heartier feel, butajiru can contrast the sweetness of the scones while adding umami complexity to the meal.
- Light Salads: A fresh salad might cleanse the palate between bites of a scone.
- Daikon Salad: Its crispness and lightness make it a refreshing side, helping to balance the overall richness of the scones.
- Scallion Salad: The sharpness of the scallions can cut through the sweetness and complement the flavors of the scones.
- Savory Dishes: While not traditional, savory foods can round out a meal that includes apple spice scones.
- Oyakodon: A Japanese chicken and egg bowl can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet scones.
- Quinoa Milk: Though not a dish, pairing the scones with quinoa milk can provide a nutritious balance.
- Desserts: If the scones are part of a larger spread for a special occasion like afternoon tea, consider these dessert options.
- Pumpkin Pie: For a fall feast, the spices in both the scones and pumpkin pie would complement each other well.
- Sweet Mochi: The chewy texture and lighter sweetness of mochi will be a delightful contrast to the scones.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about Apple Spice Scones Recipe
- How do I ensure my scones are light and fluffy? To ensure your scones are light and fluffy, it’s important not to overwork the dough. Mix the ingredients until just combined. Also, make sure your butter is very cold; this helps create little pockets of steam while baking, which leads to a fluffier texture.
- Can I make these scones vegan? Yes, you can make vegan apple spice scones by substituting the butter with a vegan alternative, using a plant-based milk, and omitting any egg wash. Some recipes may also call for an egg, which can be replaced with a flax egg or commercial egg replacement.
- How should I store apple spice scones, and how long will they last? Apple spice scones should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What type of apples are best for scones? Firm apples that hold their shape during baking are best for scones. Varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and won’t become too mushy when baked.
- How do you properly cut butter into flour for scone dough? To cut butter into flour, use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The pieces of butter should be pea-sized. If the butter gets too warm, refrigerate the mixture for a bit before continuing.
In conclusion, the Apple Spice Scones recipe offers a delightful fusion of sweet apple flavors with the warm, aromatic spices that herald the cozy seasons. These scones are perfect for those who appreciate the quintessential autumn, capturing the essence of the region’s famed apple harvests in every bite. For an even deeper dive into regional recipes and culinary explorations, consider visiting Foodies of New England, where the passion for local cuisine is celebrated with every dish. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply someone who cherishes the flavors of New England, this recipe, along with the resources found on the website, will surely enrich your baking repertoire and delight your palate.