**Warm Autumn Delight: Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze Recipe**
As the foliage shifts to brilliant hues of red and gold and the air turns brisk, there’s no finer way to welcome the fall season than with a soothing, heartwarming delicacy. Apple scones with a spiced glaze are the quintessential autumn treat, merging the sweet and tangy notes of fresh apples with the comforting essence of seasonal spices. This charming recipe will envelop your kitchen with the captivating scent of fall and offer a snug indulgence for any time of the day.
**Ingredients:**
*For the Apple Scones:*
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup peeled and chopped apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
*For the Spiced Glaze:*
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
In a spacious bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger together.
3. **Cut in Butter:**
Introduce the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:**
In a different bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. **Form the Dough:**
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped apples.
6. **Shape and Cut:**
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a couple of times to unify it. Flatten the dough into a circle approximately 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. **Bake:**
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the scones cool on a wire rack.
8. **Prepare the Spiced Glaze:**
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sufficient milk to create a smooth, pourable mixture.
9. **Glaze the Scones:**
Once the scones have cooled a bit, drizzle the spiced glaze over them. Let the glaze set before serving.
**Savoring Your Apple Scones:**
These apple scones with spiced glaze are most enjoyable fresh from the oven, complemented by a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The soft, flaky quality of the scones paired with the sweet, spiced glaze creates a delightful delicacy that embodies the spirit of fall. Whether you’re hosting a snug brunch or simply relishing a tranquil moment at home, these scones are bound to bring warmth and happiness to your autumn days.