There’s something truly enchanting about the smell of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? As the golden-brown Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones bake, the warm fragrance of spices mingled with toasty walnuts fills the air, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before they even cool. These gems are not just beautifully flaky and tender, but they also embody the perfect balance of crunchy and sweet flavors—thanks to the earthy walnuts, aromatic cinnamon, and rich maple syrup.
Ideal for a cozy brunch or as a soothing afternoon pick-me-up, these scones require no special equipment or skills, making them accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re longing for a break from fast-food routines or simply wish to indulge in homemade goodness, these scones are here to elevate your snack time. Trust me; one bite of these delightful treats and you’ll understand the magic of home-baked pastries!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones
Easy to Make: With just a few common ingredients and no fancy equipment required, you can whip these scones up in no time.
Irresistible Aroma: Imagine the sweet scent of cinnamon and toasted walnuts filling your kitchen—a warmth that invites everyone to gather around the table.
Perfectly Flaky Texture: The blend of cold butter and careful mixing results in scones that are wonderfully light and flaky—like a hug in pastry form.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy these scones warm with butter, clotted cream, or even jam. They pair seamlessly with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: From family brunches to cozy get-togethers, everyone will love the balance of sweetness and crunch in each bite. They’re bound to become a new favorite and a must-try for homemade bakery lovers!
Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scone Ingredients
For the Scones
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the scones; substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the scones rise to perfection.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – Offers a warm, aromatic spice flavor that pairs beautifully with walnuts.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the scones, balancing sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (cold) – Key for a flaky texture; keeping it cold is essential for that light crumb.
- Walnuts (lightly toasted and coarsely chopped) – Adds delightful crunch and a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness.
- Eggs – Binds the dough and enriches the scone’s texture.
- Buttermilk – Contributes moisture and a slight tang; substitute with milk mixed with vinegar for a quick alternative.
- Maple syrup – Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the scones; honey can be a great substitute.
For the Egg Wash
- Egg – Ensures the scones achieve a shiny, appealing finish.
For the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Delivers the sweet consistency needed for the glaze.
- Maple syrup – Maintains flavor harmony with the scones while sweetening the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon – Enhances the glaze with its warming flavor profile.
- Cream – Smoothens the glaze; milk or half-and-half can work as substitutes.
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure even baking and an easy cleanup.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This blend will form the flavorful base of your scones.
-
Cut in Butter: Cut cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbles. This cold method is crucial for achieving a light, flaky texture.
-
Add Walnuts: Gently fold the toasted and chopped walnuts into the buttery flour mixture. Their crunch will beautifully contrast with the soft scone texture.
-
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and maple syrup until fully combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the dough.
-
Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make your scones tough.
-
Shape Scones: Form the dough into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges or desired shapes with a knife, ensuring they remain tender.
-
Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with the egg wash for a golden finish.
-
Bake Scones: Bake the large scones for 30-35 minutes, or 20-25 minutes for smaller ones, until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
-
Make the Glaze: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and cream until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled scones.
Optional: Serve your scones warm with clotted cream or a dollop of butter for an extra-special treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones?
Let’s create the perfect brunch spread that complements the warm, comforting flavors of your scones!
-
Clotted Cream: This rich and creamy spread is the classic scone companion that enhances the buttery notes of your scones with every dreamy dollop.
-
Fresh Berries: A bowl of juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweet maple and cinnamon.
-
Cinnamon Spiced Coffee: Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee infused with cinnamon; its warmth will perfectly harmonize with the flavors of your scones.
-
Honey Butter: Whip together softened butter and honey for a sweet spread that adds a wonderful twist to your scones, making every bite a heavenly experience.
-
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A little extra maple syrup drizzled on top connects beautifully to the flavor of the scones, enhancing that sweet, comforting essence.
-
Herbal Tea: Pair your scones with a fragrant cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to create a soothing atmosphere as you indulge in these delightful pastries.
Elevate your scone experience with these pairings, and watch as they become the star of your morning table!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones
-
Cold Butter: Use very cold butter for the flakiest results; cutting it in until it resembles small crumbs is key to texture.
-
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep your scones light and tender; mix until just combined for the best outcome.
-
Toast Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch—don’t skip this step to elevate your scones!
-
Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill your dough for about 15 minutes before baking; this will help the scones maintain their shape.
-
Egg Wash Application: Apply the egg wash lightly for a shiny finish without greasiness; a little goes a long way!
Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones Variations
Feel free to get creative with your scone-making adventure! These delightful twists will add a personal touch to your baking experience.
-
Chocolate Chip: Replace walnuts with semisweet chocolate chips for a decadent, sweet treat that’s irresistible.
Imagine biting into a warm scone and finding melted chocolate—pure bliss! -
Dried Fruit: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity burst of flavor that complements the earthy walnuts.
This fruity twist not only brightens the scones but also adds a lovely chewiness. -
Spice It Up: Swap out the ground cinnamon for pumpkin spice to infuse a cozy autumnal flavor throughout your scones.
This adds a festive twist that’s sure to delight any spice lover. -
Nutty Crunch: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture that still delivers the same satisfying crunch.
Each nut offers its unique character, making every batch an exciting surprise. -
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy your baking.
Just make sure to add a bit of xanthan gum to help the scones rise beautifully. -
Maple Vanilla: Enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients along with the maple syrup, creating a fragrant vanilla-maple aroma.
This delicious pairing elevates the scone experience to a whole new level. -
Citrus Zing: Grate the zest of 1 orange or lemon into the batter for an invigorating citrus note that brightens the scone’s flavor.
The subtle brightness of citrus will wake up your taste buds with every bite! -
Savory Twist: For a unique savory version, skip the maple syrup and add crumbled bacon or cheese for a delightful contrast to the traditional sweet scone.
This is a captivating option for a brunch gathering that will leave your guests curious and wanting more!
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones
Room Temperature: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Fridge: If you’re concerned about freshness, you can store the scones in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but they may lose some of their flakiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the scones in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply reheat frozen scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, bringing back their delicious freshly baked taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can toast and chop the walnuts ahead of time for quick assembly. When ready to bake, simply whisk together your wet ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, and maple syrup) and combine them with the prepared dry mix. Remember to keep butter cold until you’re ready to cut it in; this preserves that flaky texture everyone loves. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy fresh, warm scones with minimal effort on busy mornings!
Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones Recipe FAQs
What type of walnuts should I use for the scones?
I recommend using lightly toasted walnuts for the best flavor and crunch! Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a lovely depth to your scones. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.
How should I store Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember, refrigeration can slightly diminish their flakiness, so enjoy them fresh if possible!
Can I freeze these scones? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your scones, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This will prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
What if my scone dough is too wet?
If your dough feels overly wet, don’t fret! You can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Remember, the dough should be moist but not sticky, so use flour wisely. It’s all about gently mixing until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?
Definitely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Just mix one cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give your scones that needed moisture and tang.
Are these scones suitable for people with nut allergies?
For those with nut allergies, I encourage you to substitute walnuts with something similarly textured, like sunflower seeds or even chocolate chips for sweetness! However, always make sure that the other ingredients are also safe for anyone who may have allergies.
Cinnamon Maple Walnut Scones for Cozy Mornings at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbles.
- Gently fold toasted and chopped walnuts into the buttery flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and maple syrup until combined.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Form the dough into a round disk about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or 20-25 minutes for smaller scones, until golden brown.
- Make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and cream until smooth, then drizzle over cooled scones.