These easy Apple Pie Scones are soft, flaky, and filled with sweet apples and cozy spices. With minimal prep time, these simple scones are perfect for breakfast or dessert!

If you’re in the mood for more tasty ideas, Apple Pie Pop Tarts, Easy Apple Pie Croissants and Apple Streusel Muffins the are a must-make!

scones on a white surface

Light, flaky, buttery scones filled with apple and cinnamon, doesn’t that sound heavenly? Apples are one of my favorite fruits to bake with, and scones are a personal favorite, so this cozy combo felt just right.

If scones intimidate you, don’t worry, these are truly easy to make.

The trickiest part is cutting in the cold butter, but I’ve got a simple trick to help with that (keep reading!). And as long as you avoid over-mixing the dough, which can lead to tough, dry scones, you’ll end up with soft, tender pillows of fall flavor.

These homemade scones are simple, fresh, and loaded with cozy apple goodness. They’re perfect for autumn (or anytime) when you’re craving that apple pie flavor.

And if you’re looking for even more apple pie inspiration, try my apple pie French toast, apple pie pop tarts, or caramel apple pie dip!

scones on a white surface

Ingredients in Apple Pie Scones:

These cozy apple pie scones come together with simple pantry staples and warm spices. Featuring fresh apple, cinnamon, and a buttery crumb, they’re the perfect treat for crisp mornings or afternoon snacks.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Light brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salted
  • Unsalted butter
  • Apple (honey crisp or granny smith work best)
  • Heavy cream
  • Egg
  • Vanilla

Topping: 

  • Granulated sugar
  • Cinnamon

How to Make Apple Scones:

Making apple scones is easier than you think! With a few simple steps, like mixing the dough, folding in fresh apples, and topping with cinnamon sugar, you’ll have warm, golden scones ready in no time. Perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon treat!

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in butter with using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse sand. Then fold in chopped apple.In a small bowl, whisk heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add to flour mixture until dough comes together.
  3. Turn dough out onto prepared pan or a lightly floured surface. Knead several times and shape into an 8-inch disk. Dough will be sticky crumbly. Cut dough into 8 wedges, but do not separate pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, stir granulated and cinnamon together. Brush scones with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until scones are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on pan completely before cutting into wedges.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

A sweeter and/or tart apple works best in this recipe for more flavor, such as honey crisp or granny smith.

scone on a white plate

What is the Best Way to Cut Butter into Flour?

Using two forks or a pastry cutter is a good way, but this is my favorite method:

  • Freeze one stick of butter for about 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and grate butter into a small bowl using the largest holes on a cheese grater. Add to flour mixture and stir to combine.

How to Store:

Scones will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

Can I Freeze Scones?

You can! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Recipe Variations:

  • I use light brown sugar in these scones, but dark brown sugar could be used instead for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Apple pie spice can be used in place of cinnamon and nutmeg for a richer apple flavor.
  • These scones would be a delicious if topped with a maple glaze from this scone recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Scones:

  • Keep the ingredients cold: the butter, egg, and heavy cream should remain cold to help the scones retain their shape when baking.
  • If you have time, you can chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking, which will prevent the butter from warming up, which will help the scones hold their shape.
  • Like I mentioned above, try not to overwork/over-handle the dough. This will result in a drier, tough scone.
  • Don’t skip the brush of heavy cream on top! This will help the tops become crisp.
scones on a white surface

Looking for More Scone Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

scones on a white surface
5 from 1 rating

Apple Pie Scones

Yield: 8 scones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
These easy Apple Pie Scones are soft, flaky, and filled with sweet apples and cozy spices. With minimal prep time, these simple scones are perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed, (see note below)
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped, (honey crisp or granny smith work well)
  • ½ cup heavy cream, (plus more for topping)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in butter with using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse sand. Then fold in chopped apple.
    **Alternatively (and a much easier method), freeze one stick of butter for about 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and grate butter using the largest holes on a cheese grater. Add to flour mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.**
  • In a small bowl, whisk heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add to flour mixture until dough comes together.
  • Turn dough out onto prepared pan or a lightly floured surface. Knead several times and shape into an 8-inch disk. Dough will be sticky crumbly. Cut dough into 8 wedges, but do not separate pieces.
  • In a small bowl, stir granulated and cinnamon together. Brush scones with additional heavy cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until scones are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on pan completely before cutting into wedges.

Notes

  • Scones will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
  • See my tips and tricks for making these Apple Pie Scones above the recipe box.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 341kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 250mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 618IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 103mg, Iron: 2mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.