Apple Scones with Maple Glaze

There’s something undeniably cozy about the combination of apples and maple syrup. As soon as the leaves start turning and crisp mornings roll in, I find myself craving baked treats that capture the warmth of fall. These Apple Scones with Maple Glaze are a beautiful nod to the season—soft, tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and filled with chunks of fresh apple that give bursts of flavor with every bite. The maple glaze drizzled on top ties everything together with a subtle sweetness that feels indulgent but not overpowering.

I remember the first time I made apple scones—it was on a chilly Saturday morning after a trip to the orchard. We came home with baskets brimming with apples, and I knew I wanted to bake something simple yet special. These scones became the highlight of the day, filling the house with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel like a little bakery, where each bite tastes like autumn comfort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined.
6. Fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix the dough.
7. Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.
8. Place wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow scones to cool slightly on a wire rack.
10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones before serving.

Apple Scones with Maple Glaze

Tender apple scones drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, perfect for cozy fall mornings or a seasonal brunch treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 scones

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
• 0.5 cup buttermilk or milk with 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups apple diced, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp

Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp milk as needed for consistency
• 1 pinch cinnamon optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Pastry cutter
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Stir into dry mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples gently without overmixing.
6. Turn dough onto floured surface, pat into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.
7. Place wedges on baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Cool scones slightly on wire rack.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones.

Notes

For extra texture, add chopped pecans or dried cranberries. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Cozy Storytelling & Tips

What makes these scones shine is the balance of textures. The crumb is tender, the apple pieces add a juicy bite, and the glaze seeps into the nooks and crannies for just the right amount of sweetness.

I love making a double batch—half for now and half to freeze. These scones freeze beautifully: simply wrap cooled scones individually, and when you need a quick treat, warm them in the oven for 10 minutes at 325°F. The glaze can be added after reheating to keep it fresh.

These pair wonderfully with a hot mug of coffee or chai latte, especially on crisp mornings when you want to start the day with something cozy. If you’re hosting brunch, arrange them on a rustic wooden board and drizzle the glaze just before serving for an impressive presentation.

Variations are fun, too. Try adding chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, or swap out maple glaze for a caramel drizzle. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in a handful of dried cranberries for a festive holiday twist.

No matter how you enjoy them, these apple scones are the kind of recipe that feels like a hug from the oven—comforting, seasonal, and perfect for sharing.