Cooking with Karl: Cider-Glazed Apple Scones

Fresh, easy and full of fall flavor, these tender apple scones are finished with a sweet apple cider glaze. With crisp apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and a sweet cider finish, they’re the perfect treat to welcome the cozy flavors of autumn.

Yeild: 8 scones

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour, including cooling

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients — For the Scones

2 C all-purpose flour

1 T baking powder

1 t salt

2 T sugar

1 t cinnamon

¼ t nutmeg

4 T butter, melted

1½ C Granny Smith apples, diced ¼-inch

⅔ C buttermilk, plus more for brushing

⅓ C apple cider reduction

1 T apple butter

Ingredients — For the Cider Glaze

¼ C apple cider

2 C powdered sugar

A pinch of cinnamon

2 T unsalted butter

Directions

Prepare the Cider Reduction

Simmer 1 cup apple cider in a saucepan over medium-low heat until reduced to ⅓ cup. Cool completely before using.

Make the Scones

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
2. Coat the apples: In a separate bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Add diced apples and toss until evenly coated.
3. Make the dough: Whisk the cooled cider reduction, melted butter, apple butter, and buttermilk together. Add to the flour mixture and gently combine with a wooden spoon. The dough will be wet and sticky.
4. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly flour the top. Form into a log, then gently press into a rectangle approximately 4 by 12 inches and 1 inch thick.
5. Cut the scones: Using a dough scraper or knife, cut the rectangle at 3, 6 and 9 inches to create four sections. Cut each section diagonally to form 8 triangle-shaped scones.
6. Bake: Place the scones on a baking sheet and brush the tops with buttermilk. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the scones and your oven.

Make the Glaze

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Whisk in 2 tablespoons apple cider and a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Add the powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
4. Add additional apple cider, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy to drizzle.

Finish & Serve

Drizzle the warm cider glaze generously over the scones. Let cool for about 30 minutes before serving.

TIP 1: Don’t skimp on the cider glaze—it’s where the magic happens! 

TIP 2: Store cooled scones in an airtight container. They will keep well for several days.