How to Create Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Scones: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Scones are a delightful treat that pair perfectly with breakfast tea or coffee. Among all the scone varieties, buttery cinnamon sugar scones are one of the tastiest! The warm cinnamon flavor combined with a sweet sugar topping and a soft, buttery texture makes them irresistible. The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll dive into an easy recipe to create mouthwatering cinnamon sugar scones that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make Scones at Home?
Scones from the bakery are great, but nothing beats the joy of pulling fresh, golden scones out of your oven. Crafting them at home lets you control the ingredients, ensuring they’re tailored to your taste. Plus, the cinnamon sugar aroma filling your kitchen is reason enough to give this recipe a try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (milk works too, but cream makes them richer)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 large egg (optional, for richness)
– 2 Tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Pastry cutter or two knives (to cut the butter into the flour)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but makes cleanup easier)
- Rolling pin or your hands (to shape the dough)
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking helps ensure everything is evenly distributed, so you’ll have consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Cold butter is the secret to flaky scones! Take chilled butter and cut it into small cubes. Add the butter to the bowl with your dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to work the butter into the flour mixture. You should end up with a crumbly texture—think small pea-sized pieces of butter mixed throughout.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and (if using) egg. This mixture adds richness and binds the dough together. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while gently stirring with a fork. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to come together without being too sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough
Once your dough is combined, lightly flour your countertop or workspace. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently knead it a few times until it’s smooth. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut the circle into 6-8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. Alternatively, you can use a round cookie cutter for classic circular scone shapes.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make your topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your scones for that extra layer of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake the Scones
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Arrange the scones on the sheet, leaving a bit of space between them as they’ll expand slightly while baking.
Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Watch them closely toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool. Though they’re tempting to eat immediately, giving them a few minutes to rest will help the flavors settle. Serve warm for the best taste, with a dollop of butter or cream and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Butter: Cold butter is key to flaky scones. If your kitchen is warm, pop the butter cubes in the freezer for 10 minutes before using them.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Customize: Want an extra burst of flavor? Add raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough.
- Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the fresh-baked feel.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery cinnamon sugar scones at home is easier than you think! With a handful of ingredients and a little effort, you’ll have a batch of delicious treats that will make your mornings brighter. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners in baking, and it’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of sweetness to your day. Ready to impress everyone with your homemade scones? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out!
Happy baking!
