Get ready to awaken your taste buds with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Mini Apple Cinnamon Swirl Scones! These tender, buttery treats are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible addition to your breakfast table or afternoon tea. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these scrumptious scones in no time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you impressing family and friends with your baking prowess. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of deliciousness with these Mini Apple Cinnamon Swirl Scones!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and sprinkle cinnamon over the mixture, carefully mixing to distribute evenly.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold milk. Stir with a fork until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times to bring the dough together.
- Pat the dough into a rectangle approximately 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 small triangular pieces.
- Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the top of each scone with the egg wash to create a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze before serving.
Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. This helps create flaky layers in your scones, giving them that perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 15 minutes before cutting it into triangles. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your scones.
- Experiment with Apples: Feel free to use different varieties of apples for a unique flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled scones. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract for a quick and delicious topping.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg