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By Joanie Zisk
on Oct 03, 2018, Updated Oct 28, 2023
4.78 from 22 votes
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Meet your new favorite breakfast treat: Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Scones! Imagine a scone that’s buttery and crumbly on the edges but soft and tender in the middle. Filled with sweet apple bits, toasted pecans, and topped with a mouth-watering maple glaze, these scones bake in just 20 minutes. Perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, and they’re ideal for single households, yielding just 4 scrumptious scones.
this Recipe
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients
- How To Make Apple Scones
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What To Serve With Apple Scones
- More Small Batch Scone Recipes You’ll Love
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Scones Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Mix everything in one bowl, no electric mixer required.
- Quick to Make: These apple scones bake in just 20 minutes.
- Perfect Serving Size: Yields 4 scones, ideal for single households.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack.
RELATED: The Best Cookie Recipes For One
Ingredients
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch apple scones recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- All-Purpose Flour: One cup forms the foundation of your scone dough, with a bit extra for dusting your workspace and hands. For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents give your scones the perfect rise, making them light and fluffy. Ensure they’re fresh for optimal results.
- Salt & Cinnamon: Added for a flavor kick, these seasonings elevate the scones from bland to grand.
- Granulated Sugar: Two tablespoons sweeten the dough just right.
- Cold, Salted Butter: Use 1/4 cup and keep it in the fridge until the last moment. Cold butter is key to achieving scones with flaky layers and crispy edges.
- Milk: Flexible on the milk front; whole, skim, 1%, or 2% all work. For dairy-free, try almond milk, oat milk, or even half & half for a richer texture.
- Egg Yolk: One yolk adds both structure and richness to the scones. Don’t toss that egg white; use it for an omelet or as an egg wash for other baked goods.
- Pecans: Optional but recommended for crunch. Walnuts are a suitable alternative, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Apples: A small apple of your choice adds natural sweetness and moisture. Popular options are Gala, Honey Crisp, and Granny Smith for a tart kick.
Related: Egg White Recipes
How To Make Apple Scones
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of apple cinnamon scones. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Start by mixing together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and sugar together.
- Cut in pieces of cold butter and add 1 egg yolk and milk.
- Add in toasted pecans and chopped apples. I use one small apple.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly flouredwork surface. Knead very lightly and form a circle. (Add a little more flour to the dough if the dough becomes too sticky to handle). Cut the dough into 4 wedges.
- Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet for a minute, then transfer onto wire rack.
- Make a glaze by whisking together powdered 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Spread over cooled scones.
RELATED: Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe
Expert Tips
- Prioritize Cold Ingredients: For those mouthwatering, flaky layers, make sure your butter, milk, and egg yolk are straight from the fridge. Cold fat ensures that when the scones bake, the fat releases steam, creating those irresistible pockets of flakiness.
- Minimal Dough Handling is Key: When it comes to mixing, less is more. After adding your liquids, stir only until combined. Overworking the dough will develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser, chewier scone rather than a light and flaky one.
- Versatile Anytime Treat: While scones shine in a traditional afternoon tea setting, don’t overlook them for breakfast or brunch. Apple scones are also a delightful dessert option.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Utilize The Remaining Egg White?
For this small batch apple cinnamon scone recipe, you’ll use just one egg yolk. Don’t let that leftover egg white go to waste! Incorporate it into your next breakfast scramble or consider using it in these single serving recipes:
Meringues
Flourless Chocolate Pecan Cookies
Coconut Macaroons
Two Vanilla Cupcakes
Two Chocolate Cupcakes
Mini Texas Sheet Cake
Pavlova
White Cake
Is Toasting The Pecans Necessary?
While toasting the pecans is optional, it’s a step I highly recommend. Toasting enhances the nut’s texture, helping it stay crisp in your baked goods. For this recipe, you’ll only need 1/4 cup, so stovetop toasting is the quickest route. On medium-high heat, stir the pecans occasionally for about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent scorching.
What’s The Best Way To Store These Scones?
The scones are best when consumed within a day or two of baking. However, they can be stored in the fridge to extend their freshness.
Can These Scones Be Frozen?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and shape it into scones. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer the frozen scones to a zip-top bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Should I Peel The Apple?
It’s a matter of personal preference. I usually peel my apple, but leaving the skin on works just as well if you enjoy the added texture.
What To Serve With Apple Scones
These scones are not just for breakfast! You can serve them at teatime, as a snack, or even as dessert.
- Serve Warm: Fresh out of the oven or briefly reheated for best flavor.
- With Clotted Cream: Make it traditional with a dollop of clotted cream.
- With Jam or Marmalade: A fruity jam can balance out the apple and spice.
More Small Batch Scone Recipes You’ll Love
Looking to expand your scone repertoire? You’re in the right place! From the classic to the creative, we’ve got an array of small batch scone recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast on-the-go or a cozy afternoon treat, these scone recipes are tailored for smaller households and deliver on flavor without overwhelming you with leftovers. Find your new favorite and bring bakery-level goodness right to your kitchen!
- Strawberry White Chocolate Scones
- Ham and Cheese Scones
- Triple Chocolate Scones
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones
- Peach Scones
- Cream Scones
RELATED: Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
Small Batch Apple Granola
Mini Apple Pie
Grilled Pound Cake
Small Batch Cowboy Cookies
Other single serving apple recipes:
- Apple Pie
- Apple Muffin
- Apple Crisp
- Apple Pie Granola
- Apple Galette
- Mini Dutch Apple Pie
- Small Batch Apple Cider Donuts
- Apple Dutch Baby For One
Other recipes using pecans:
- Pecan Pie
- Butter Pecan Granola
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream
- Pineapple Lime Jello Salad
- Mini Hummingbird Cake
- Small Batch Pralines
- Breakfast Bread Pudding
If you would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.
If you’ve tried these apple cinnamon scones or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
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Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Scones
4.78 from 22 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Cool: 10 minutes mins
Total: 40 minutes mins
Servings: 4 scones
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Buttery Apple Cinnamon Scones filled with bits of sweet apples and toasted pecans and topped with a delightful maple glaze. This wonderful small batch recipe will yield 4 tender scones.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup salted butter , cold – cut into small pieces, 1/2 stick
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup pecans , chopped and toasted
- ½ cup peeled and chopped apples (Appx. 1 small apple)
GLAZE
- ½ cup powdered sugar , sifted
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C)
Line a baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda and sugar.
Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and the milk. Pour into flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Gently stir in the toasted pecans and the diced apples.
Turn the dough out onto a large lightly floured cutting board or work surface. Knead very lightly and form a circle. (Add a little more flour to the dough if the dough becomes too sticky to handle).
Cut the dough into 4 wedges.
Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool on baking sheet for a minute, then transfer onto wire rack.
TO PREPARE THE GLAZE
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream and maple syrup until smooth. Spread over the tops of the cooled scones. Top with additional chopped pecans, if desired.
Notes
- Expert Tips:
- Prioritize Cold Ingredients: For those mouthwatering, flaky layers, make sure your butter, milk, and egg yolk are straight from the fridge. Cold fat ensures that when the scones bake, the fat releases steam, creating those irresistible pockets of flakiness.
- Minimal Dough Handling is Key: When it comes to mixing, less is more. After adding your liquids, stir only until combined. Overworking the dough will develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser, chewier scone rather than a light and flaky one.
- Versatile Anytime Treat: While scones shine in a traditional afternoon tea setting, don’t overlook them for breakfast or brunch. Apple scones are also a delightful dessert option.
How To Toast Pecans: While toasting the pecans is optional, it’s a step I highly recommend. Toasting enhances the nut’s texture, helping it stay crisp in your baked goods. For this recipe, you’ll only need 1/4 cup, so stovetop toasting is the quickest route. On medium-high heat, stir the pecans occasionally for about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent scorching.
Nutrition
Serving: 1scone, Calories: 344kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 84mg, Sodium: 263mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 505IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 1.8mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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49 Comments
Wonderful scones! I could mirror Marilyn’s comments below… except I used the original ingredients! Could hardly wait for the timer to buzz!
Reply
I rated this recipe a 5 star.. But that doesn’t mean the final product of mine is a 5.. First time ever making them.. I really wanted to try this recipe but didn’t have an apple.. So I substituted with blueberries.. I was worried about kneading too much so they didn’t look as smooth as yours.. Although I only changed the fruit in this recipe.. My scones were just as good as store bought.. Thank you, This Weill be a weekly recipe with trying all your other scone recipes..
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quick question what is the best type apple to use? there are so many different kind…thank you – Lisa
Reply
I’ve made these scones so many times and I’ve used so many different varieties of apples with success. I like using Golden Delicious, Gala, and Granny Smith because those are the types I usually have on hand.
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