Get ready to fall in love with these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones—a treat that blends tart apples, plump raisins, and the coziest hit of warming spices. Each bite is tender and buttery, bursting with sweet apple chunks and chewy raisins, all wrapped in a golden, crumbly exterior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a quiet afternoon coffee break, these scones are a delicious way to savor the comforting flavors of home baking.

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones couldn’t be simpler, and the real magic comes from the harmony of basic, quality ingredients. Each element brings something special, whether it’s the fragrance of spices or the subtle richness of cream and butter.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these scones their soft, fluffy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to accentuate the fruit and spices.
Baking powder: Ensures a lovely light rise, creating that signature scone texture.
Salt: A pinch to balance all the flavors and add depth.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a familiar warmth that teams perfectly with apples and raisins.
Ground nutmeg: Just a hint creates a cozy, spicy backdrop for the other flavors.
Cold unsalted butter, cubed: Essential for flaky layers and that irresistible, buttery taste.
Peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith): Tart apples offer bright flavor and keep the scones moist.
Raisins: Plump, sweet raisins provide chewy bursts of flavor in every bite.
Heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Makes the dough rich and tender, with an added shine on top.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Gives the tops a delightful crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This simple prep step sets you up for scone success!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining all the dry ingredients first guarantees even distribution of spices and leavening—no pockets of flour or spice here!

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to your dry mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is key for flaky, tender scones. Those little bits of butter will melt in the oven and create that irresistible texture.

Step 4: Stir in Apples and Raisins

Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and raisins. The apple brings a tart, fresh pop in every bite, and the raisins add chewy sweetness, making each Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scone delightfully flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This trio is what binds everything together and adds richness to your dough, creating a tender crumb.

Step 6: Bring the Dough Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or your hands, gently stir everything together just until combined—avoid overmixing, which can make scones tough. The dough will be a bit shaggy.

Step 7: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 even wedges. This shape makes it easy to portion and gives each scone plenty of crispy edges.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden shine and, if you like, sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle and crunch. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the scones are golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones cool slightly before serving. This brief wait lets the crumb set just enough while the scones are still warm and fragrant—the perfect treat!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones

Garnishes

A warm scone is delightful on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate it to bakery-level. For a burst of color and contrast, try a spoonful of apple butter or a pat of salted butter melting gently over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your scones with tangy Greek yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. If you’re going for a traditional English tea, serve them alongside clotted cream and preserve—Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones shine with a cup of strong black tea or creamy coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the scones on a rustic wooden platter or tiered cake stand for a café-style setup. Individually wrap cooled scones in parchment and tie with twine for a charming edible gift. For gatherings, serve mini versions as part of a brunch board with jams and spreads—the options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their golden crust and moist interior, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast.

Freezing

You can freeze these scones, baked or unbaked! If baked, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag up to three months. For unbaked scones, freeze the shaped wedges on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag—bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating

To refresh your Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This brings back the crisp exterior and soft crumb without drying them out, making them taste truly fresh-baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a classic thanks to their tartness, but feel free to swap in any firm, crisp apple you love. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn all make delicious alternatives in these scones.

How do I keep scones from turning out dry or tough?

Be careful not to overmix your dough—stop as soon as everything comes together. Also, use cold butter and don’t skip the heavy cream, both help create a rich and tender result.

Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but you’ll still get tasty, fragrant Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones!

What other add-ins work well?

Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a crunchy twist. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricot can complement the apples and raisins if you want a bit more variety.

Are these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones suitable for freezing before baking?

Definitely! Freeze the shaped, unbaked scone wedges, then bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few more minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have hot, fresh scones any time.

Final Thoughts

Baking Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones at home is a seriously rewarding (and delicious) experience you’ll want to revisit all year long. They’re the perfect excuse to slow down, savor the moment, and fill your kitchen with the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and butter. Give this recipe a try, and share the warmth with the people you love!

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of flavors. Loaded with chopped apples, sweet raisins, and warm spices, these tender scones are a cozy addition to any breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coarse sugar for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Incorporate butter: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add fruits: Stir in the chopped apple and raisins.
Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape and bake: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, pat into a circle, cut into wedges, transfer to baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the scones cool slightly before serving.