Autumn Apple Butter Scones

So, it’s chilly outside, and I’m craving something warm and cozy. You know, like a little treat with a fall twist? These Autumn Apple Butter Scones hit just right.

I made them last week, and oh wow—they were soft, buttery, and full of apple spice flavor. That apple butter gives them such a cozy taste. I couldn’t stop at just one.

If you love easy fall baking, you’ll love these too. They’re simple to make and so, so good with a hot drink. Perfect for breakfast… or a little snack.

Let me show you how to make them. It’s quick, fun, and your kitchen will smell amazing. Ready? Let’s bake something cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: The apple butter and warm spices make these scones a quintessential fall treat.
• Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the apple butter, these scones are extra tender and not dry at all, unlike some traditional scone recipes.
• Easy to Make: The recipe comes together quickly, and there’s no need for any complicated techniques—just mix, cut, and bake!
• Customizable: While this recipe uses apple butter, feel free to swap it with pumpkin butter or any fruit preserves you love.
• Great for Breakfast or Dessert: Whether served as a breakfast treat or a sweet addition to your dessert spread, these scones are versatile and delicious.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make your Autumn Apple Butter Scones, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet will help distribute heat evenly.
• Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to ensure the scones don’t stick.
• Large Mixing Bowl: A good-sized bowl to combine your dry ingredients.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To work the butter into the dry ingredients without melting it.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough for cutting scones.
• Round Cutter or Knife: For cutting the scones into circles or wedges, depending on your preferred shape.
• Medium Saucepan: For simmering and preparing the spiced apple butter mixture.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these warm, fragrant scones:

For the Scone Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the scones; it provides structure.
• 2 tbsp baking powder: Helps the scones rise and stay light and fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor.
• ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The key to a flaky, tender scone.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• ¾ cup whole milk: Provides moisture and binds the dough together.
• 1 large egg: Gives structure and helps the dough come together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: For a rich, warm flavor that complements the spices.

For the Autumn Spiced Apple Butter:

• 2 cups applesauce: The base of the apple butter; opt for a smooth, unsweetened variety.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that enhances the applesauce.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice that brings warmth and sweetness.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of earthy, spicy complexity.
• ¼ tsp ground cloves: Provides a subtle, aromatic warmth.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Autumn Spiced Apple Butter

Before starting the scones, let’s prepare the apple butter. The spiced apple butter adds so much flavor to the scones, so it’s important to make it first:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups applesauce, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground cloves, and ¼ tsp salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. The apple butter should thicken up and become fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. You can store any leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or use it as a topping for pancakes, toast, or muffins.

2. Make the Scone Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 2 tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. This is your dry base for the scone dough.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed, to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This step ensures that the scones will be light and flaky.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture, and gently stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones tough.
4. Fold in the Apple Butter: Take about ½ cup of the prepared spiced apple butter and fold it into the dough. Make sure it’s evenly distributed, but don’t worry if some streaks remain—it will create pockets of flavor in the scones.

3. Shape the Dough

1. Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat it into a round shape, about 1 inch thick. You can also roll it out using a rolling pin if you prefer a more even thickness.
3. Cut the Scones: Use a round cutter (or a knife for wedges) to cut out the scones. You should be able to get about 8-10 scones, depending on the size of your cutter.

4. Bake the Scones

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Place the Scones on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. For a slightly golden finish, brush the tops with a little extra milk or an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water).
3. Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool: Once done, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.

How to Serve Autumn Apple Butter Scones

These warm, spiced scones are absolutely perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few ways to serve them:

• With Extra Apple Butter: Serve with an additional dollop of the homemade autumn spiced apple butter for an extra burst of flavor.
• With Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: The rich, smooth cream complements the spiced scones beautifully.
• With Hot Tea or Coffee: These scones are the perfect companion to your favorite autumn drink, whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a cinnamon-spiced latte, or a warm chai tea.
• As a Holiday Brunch Treat: Serve these scones alongside a fruit salad, savory breakfast casserole, or a platter of cheeses for a festive holiday spread.

Variations for Autumn Apple Butter Scones

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch.
• Make Them Mini: Use a smaller cutter to make mini scones that are perfect for brunch or gatherings.
• Swap the Apple Butter for Pumpkin Butter: If you’re craving a pumpkin-flavored treat, swap out the apple butter for pumpkin butter and adjust the spices accordingly.
• Make Them Vegan: Use a non-dairy butter substitute and swap the egg for a flax egg or another egg replacement to make these scones vegan-friendly.

Storing Autumn Apple Butter Scones

• Store the Scones: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: To freeze scones, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210 kcal
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	3g
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	150mg

Please note that the nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and products used.

Conclusion

These Autumn Apple Butter Scones are a perfect way to welcome the fall season with a burst of warmth and flavor. With a light and fluffy texture, a sweet apple butter filling, and a dash of autumn spices, these scones will quickly become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy breakfast or sharing them with loved ones during the holidays, these scones are sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe!