Cinnamon Sugar Scones

Cinnamon sugar scones are my secret to a cozy morning when I want something homemade without spending half the day in the kitchen. These tender, buttery triangles come swirled with warm cinnamon sugar for the perfect balance of sweet comfort and buttery richness. They are a treat I always make when friends stop by for coffee or when my family requests something special for breakfast.

I remember my kids gathering around the oven, peeking in to see the scones puff up and turn golden. Nothing beats the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house on a weekend morning.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives the scones structure and a tender crumb so opt for unbleached if you can
• Granulated sugar: brings sweetness both in the dough and the cinnamon swirl look for fine crystals for best blending
• Baking powder: helps the scones become fluffy and tall always check that yours is fresh for maximum lift
• Salt: enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness try to use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and depth Ceylon cinnamon gives a subtle floral note if you can find it
• Unsalted butter: cold and cubed is crucial for flakiness Kerrygold is my favorite for richness
• Heavy cream: binds everything together and keeps the crumb soft always choose full-fat for best texture
• Large egg: ensures richness and structure free-range eggs tend to produce a more golden crumb
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor with cozy undertones use real extract if available
• Cinnamon sugar filling: delivers that signature swirl mix the cinnamon with sugar just before using to keep it fragrant
• Cinnamon sugar topping: creates a delightful sparkle and crunch over the golden crust test your cinnamon for freshness with a quick sniff

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Equipment:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour sugar baking powder salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until everything is thoroughly blended and the spices are evenly distributed

Cut in the Butter:

Scatter the cold cubed butter over your dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to quickly work it in until you have a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs this step ensures pockets of butter will melt and puff up in the oven

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Whisk the heavy cream egg and vanilla extract in a separate bowl then pour this mixture over your crumbly flour mixture and gently stir until the dough just comes together overmixing makes scones tough so stop as soon as there are no dry flour patches

Shape the Dough and Add the Filling:

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a nine inch round keep it about three quarters of an inch thick sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the top so every bite has flavor

Fold and Pat Again:

Carefully fold the dough in half trapping the cinnamon sugar inside then pat gently into a seven inch circle this creates delicious layers of cinnamon throughout

Portion and Arrange:

With a sharp knife slice the dough into eight wedges then space them apart on your prepared baking sheet this prevents the scones from sticking and gives them room to rise

Finishing Touches:

Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops with more heavy cream for extra color stir your remaining sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle this mixture generously over the scones

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Transfer to the oven and bake for sixteen to eighteen minutes until the scones are golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen let them cool for a few minutes so they set up before serving

Pin it

The best part for me is the cinnamon sugar layer that melts a bit as it bakes so every bite has a gooey surprise. My youngest once called them breakfast cookies and now that is what we call them every weekend.

Storage Tips

Let scones cool completely before storing Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you have extras after that pop them in the freezer double wrapped for freshness Thaw and reheat in the oven to restore the crisp edges

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of heavy cream use full fat buttermilk for a different flavor You can use light brown sugar in the filling for a caramel kick Gluten free flour blends work well just choose one with xanthan gum for binding

Serving Suggestions

Serve these scones warm split with salted butter or a drizzle of glaze A pot of strong coffee or tea makes them even more indulgent If you are making brunch add a fruit salad or yogurt alongside for balance

Cultural Context

Scones have a proud place in British tea traditions but this cinnamon sugar version is pure comfort with an American twist Cinnamon makes these much more like something you would find in a cozy coffee shop on a chilly morning

Seasonal Adaptations

In the fall try adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to the filling During the holidays swap the cinnamon for cardamom for a festive vibe Fresh apples diced finely can be added for a touch of brightness

Helpful Notes

Pat the dough gently to keep it tender Use the coldest butter possible for flakiest texture Taste your cinnamon before using since older spices lose flavor

Success Stories

When I brought a batch of these to a holiday brunch last year they disappeared in minutes My neighbor begged for the recipe and now she makes them for her book club It is the one scone recipe I get asked for again and again

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze unbaked scone wedges on a tray then move to a zip top bag Bake straight from frozen with an extra two or three minutes added to bake time They still brown beautifully and turn out fresh

Pin it

These scones are a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness to any morning or afternoon. Enjoy them with your favorite beverage for a truly comforting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make scones tender and flaky?

Use cold, cubed butter cut into the flour mixture and avoid overworking the dough to keep scones light and flaky.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use buttermilk for a tangy flavor or even half-and-half for a lighter texture.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a layered cinnamon swirl?

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, fold gently, and pat into shape before cutting to maximize visible layers.

→ How should I store leftover scones?

Place cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain freshness.

→ Are there topping suggestions beyond cinnamon sugar?

A drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.