Cinnamon Scones Recipe: How to Make Cinnamon Scones

A cinnamon scone is a biscuit-like quick bread that features cinnamon as the main flavor component, similar to cinnamon rolls. The baked good’s cinnamon flavor can come from ground cinnamon in the scone dough, a glaze on top, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking.

Scones are a staple for afternoon tea in England, where it usually gets served with clotted cream, jam, or fruit curd. In the United States, scones are typical on breakfast and brunch menus. Scones are less buttery and crumbly than the baked goods known as “biscuits” in the United States.

Scones recipes are versatile and work with various mix-ins and toppings. Try any of these variations of a classic cinnamon scone recipe:

1. 1. Chocolate chip cinnamon scones: Cinnamon and chocolate is an uncommon pairing because of the drying effect of both ingredients. However, you can use sweet chocolate, like milk chocolate or white chocolate, to balance the cinnamon. Alternatively, use cinnamon chips.
2. 2. Glazed cinnamon scones: Combine powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and cinnamon to create a thick glaze. Cool the scones slightly before drizzling the glaze. You can also dunk the scones in the glaze for more coverage.
3. 3. Gluten-free cinnamon scones: To adapt cinnamon scones for your dietary needs, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of the all-purpose flour in the dry ingredients.
4. 4. Vegan cinnamon scones: Use nondairy milk and vegan butter to make dairy-free scones. Adjust other ingredients, like mix-ins and toppings, to fit any dietary restriction.

Scone dough is soft and delicate, and baked scones are tender with crispy exteriors. Follow the tips below to prevent tough and dense cinnamon scones.

1. 1. Chill the wet ingredients. Home bakers often stage every recipe component on their countertops when preparing to make a recipe. Usually, professionals recommend this process, also known as mise en place. However, when making scones, it’s essential to keep the butter, milk, and other wet ingredients cold until you are ready to mix the scone dough. Cold ingredients help the scones keep their shape while baking. As the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates air pockets in its place, giving scones an airy texture.
2. 2. Test the baking powder or soda. For scones to rise correctly, the leavening agents need to be active. To test your baking powder or soda for freshness, stir a half teaspoon into a bowl with a tablespoon of hot water. If the mixture bubbles, the baking powder or soda is still good. (Learn about the difference between baking soda and baking powder.)
3. 3. Refrigerate the shaped scones before baking. Once the scones are in their final shape for baking, put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes. The wet ingredients in the dough firm up, and the dry ingredients come up to the same temperature, ensuring the scones bake evenly and hold their shape. You can also freeze the scones at this stage and bake them at a later time.