Apple Cinnamon Scones
Happy Fiesta Friday #16 all you lovely people who came out the party! I’m pleased to bring this humble offering to share: Apple Cinnamon Scones!
I think just about everyone has had a certain interest, like hobby or skill that in a perfect dream world, they would like to use that hobby or skill as a job that they could do for the rest of their lives. I admittedly, have had quite a few of these in my short 24 years on this Earth.
When I was in elementary school, I loved everything that had to do with babies, thus making me believe that I wanted to be an obstetrician- this was after I consulted with my mom and found that there WAS such a thing as a doctor that only handled labor and delivery of babies. Then I found out that I wasn’t the best at science or math- both of which you kinda have to have decent skills into become a doctor. So that was out.
When I was between the ages of 11-13 I was sure I was gonna be an Egyptologist when I grew up- pretty much an expert on everything that had to do with ancient Egypt. You know those mysterious (and let’s face it, creepy) curators of Egyptian artifact museums you see in the movies? Yeah, I totally used to fantasize about that being me.
When I was in high school, I did some acting in a few plays and musicals and really enjoyed it. I also saw the film adaptation of Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” (which made me develop a mild obsession with all things PoTO related that lasted far longer than I’m willing to admit to you guys) Thus, I got the idea in my head that maybe my true calling was to become an actress on Broadway, where I would be able to become the first African American Christine Daae to a Phantom that happened to look like Gerard Butler’s twin brother. (Side note, I’ve given up on that one completely).
My main goal during my undergraduate years at Michigan State University was to go on to graduate school and become a scholar in academia of African American studies. To be honest, this is something that I’m still kinda considering for my future. I love all things that have to do with African American history, and although the prospect of grad school intimidates me, I’d still feel honored and pleased if given the opportunity to pursue the life of an academic.
Nowadays, my dreams and aspirations for the ideal job mainly revolve around two things: writing and food. I think I’ve mentioned before that writing fiction and cooking food are the only two things in the world that I could do for free without needing any pay or compensation. I’m totally serious about that too. As a voracious reader as a girl, I finally came to the conclusion one day that instead of just envying the stories of my favorite authors, maybe I should just try creating some of my own stories and characters- so I did. My writing has really become one of the main stress relievers that I have in my life. I can’t imagine life without it. The best part is that it’s become an ongoing journey that never has to end- the more and longer that I write, the more that I think I have and will continue to improve my skills…which leads to my ‘ideal world’ dream of becoming a bestselling author that just writes books for a living. It’s definitely a long shot, but a girl can still dream, can’t she?
And of course, there’s my cooking. You guys ought to know by now that my cooking is my refuge. When I cook, all is well with my world. There’s just me, the kitchen, my ingredients, and the music in the background. Blogging has really just served to elevate my love and respect for cooking- I not only get to share it with my family and friends, I also get to share with you all…the pictures, that is 🙂 My friend Prudy at Butter, Basil & Breadcrumbs told me in one of my past posts that I should open a bakery. I found this to be rather coincidental, as running a small bakery is something I can half see myself doing in an ideal, care-less world. Running a restaurant- definitely not. But a bakery, I think I could do.
So, some of you may remember a few months ago when I first made these Banana Bread Scones. (If you don’t or weren’t following my blog at the time, I highly recommend you go and check them out cause they’re friggin awesome) They were a smashing hit, and I was so impressed with them that I almost immediately decided that I would be making scones- any kind of scones- again as soon as possible. I finally settled on these- and I can’t tell you how happy I was that I did.
I didn’t think it was possible to top the Banana Bread Scones, but honestly I kinda think that these do. What else can I say? They’re thick, flaky, tender and bursting with apples and cinnamon chips. You may notice that mine are iced- technically the recipe didn’t call for it but I went ahead and decided to throw together a quick icing using confectioner’s sugar, a few teaspoons of milk, vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon. My family always whines about how much I use icing for every baked good that I make, but I don’t care. I love icing. Icing is everything. Everything in life.
These scones make me think that maybe I should start taking my little dream world aspiration of opening a bakery a reality someday- after I’ve sold my hundreds of thousands of books on the New York Times Bestseller’s List, that is.
Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?
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Apple Cinnamon Scones
Recipe Courtesy of King Arthur Flour
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice or ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) cold butter
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh apple, in 1/2″ pieces leave the skin on, if you like
- 3/4 cup cinnamon chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and spice.
2. Work in the butter just until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; it’s OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.
3. Stir in the chopped apple and cinnamon chips.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce.
5. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment; if you don’t have parchment, just use it without greasing it. Sprinkle a bit of flour atop the parchment or pan.
7. Scrape the dough onto the floured parchment or pan, and divide it in half. Gently pat and round each half into a 5″ to 5 1/2″ circle about 3/4″ thick.
8. Using a knife or bench knife that you’ve run under cold water, slice each circle into 6 wedges.
9. Carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them just a bit; there should be about 1/2″ space between them, at their outer edges.
10. For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425°F.
11. Bake the scones for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. When you pull one away from the others, it should look baked all the say through; the edge shouldn’t look wet or unbaked.
12. Remove the scones from the oven, and cool briefly on the pan. Serve warm. When they’re completely cool, wrap in plastic and store at room temperature for up to several days. (Yield: 12 scones)
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You go girl! Get out there and open a bakery… it’s my dream!
Thanks Melissa- I think that’s awesome, I wish people in general felt more confident about following their dream jobs. The world would probably be a much happier place 🙂
delicious recipe!! congratulations! greetings from italy Simi
Thanks Simi- Greeetings from Michigan, USA as well 😉
Jess, These look amazing! I love all of those flavors and have never seen them in a scone. I made scones last week and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to try your recipe. I am totally with you about the glaze – put glaze on anything and everything, and not just a thin coat either!:) I had to chuckle at the different jobs you have wanted to do. It reminded me of my first dream – to be a magician!:) I just really wanted to know how they do their tricks. I enjoyed your post and am so glad you brought these scones to the fiesta. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Shari, I’m pretty sure any scone lover (or sweets lover, period) is going to like these. A magician, that’s so cool! I’ve always been fascinated by how they pull of their tricks- especially the ‘mind reading’ ones, I’m in awe of those guys lol You have a good weekend too!
These look fabulous, Jess! I quite agree with you on the icing too. 🙂 I just made the strawberry shortcake cookies you posted…and now you tempt me with this, LOL. Just when I check one thing off my list, here you offering another delectable treat! Love these…
Thanks Nancy, I’m thrilled you made the shortcake cookies- and should you be so tempted that you couldn’t help making these…well, I can’t say I’d be all that sorry lol
These look yummy, I’m instantly drawn to anything with cinnamon! I’m always very intrigued by American scones, they look so different to our british ones! I will have to try these to test the differences, and the eat them all… for science!
Yes- ANYTHING for “Science” right? lol Thanks Michelle, I have noticed the difference between English and American scones too. I have a couple recipes for the English variety and I’d be interested to see how different/similar they are to each other too. Maybe it’s time for my own ‘science experiment’ lol Thanks 🙂
You know what they say, “Go big or go home”. I once wanted to pursue a law degree and my father (an attorney) told me he saw a more creative one in me. Go with the gut and if the gut says to play with your food, then play hard.
Salute
You know, you’re so right. I have MAD respect for people who decide to reject the ‘conventional’ approach to life and follow their one passion with everything they have. I’m really reaching that decision point in my life, and I’m leaning towards just deciding to go all in to pursuing what I really want to do, and not what I think is the ‘practical’ or ‘responsible’ thing to do. Thanks Stacey 🙂
A well thought plan and a passion to follow is better than an unhappy, mediocre life. Best of luck in all!
Scones with glaze are totally the way to go 🙂 yummy 🙂
I mean to me, scones without glaze is like a puzzle with a missing piece- it’s just not complete lol. Thank you 🙂
Apples and cinnamon??? I’m totally in, even just for the flavour they can “produce” from the oven!
Yes, these have such wonderful flavor. Apples and cinnamon together is one of my favorite combinations, and they really work well ogether in these scones. Thanks, have a good rest of your weekend 🙂
These scones look great, I think you’ve read my mind I’ve been developing something similar with English scones.
Thanks Julie- I think that great minds just think alike 😉
I can almost smell these scones wafting in from your oven, Jess! YUM. I think it is wonderful you have hobbies and passions you can pursue and take solace in. Go write that bestseller, girl!
Thanks Ngan- I’m actually working on getting towards that goal. Hopefully you’ll hear about it sometime (soon) lol
I am in scone heaven right now! And I know without a doubt that you can do anything you put your mind to!!
Oh, I’m positive that there are scones in Heaven- there’s just gotta be. It wouldn’t be Heaven if there weren’t. lol Thanks Julianna!
Oh Jess, don’t ever stop aspiring and dreaming – I have so enjoyed this post, and learning a little more about you. Prudy is right – you would be in your milieu with a bakery. I know a few local bakers here who have regular stalls in local week-end farmers markets, selling their baked goods and also taking orders – makes it much more manageable if you are also studying…thanks for bringing these gorgeous looking iced scones to FF16 – they will not last long!
Thanks Selma- I love the bakers and other food vendors at our farmer’s markets. That’s actually a really good idea! Have a good day 🙂
I agree with you with icing. 😀 These look so good, Jess. Better bring a jar full of icing. 😀
When I was little, I liked to just eat icing/frosting/glaze all by itself on a spoon. True story. Thankfully, I’ve toned down on that extreme (…mostly lol) Thanks Jhuls 😀
Your scones are mouth watering. Give me a second helping . Droooool 😋
Thank you so much- I definitely had a second helping…and a third….and maybe a fourth lol
:p
This looks delicious, Jessica! I love the combination of apple and cinnamon in baking 🙂
Thank you Ahila- apples and cinnamon together are some of my favorite combinations 🙂
These look so yum! My absolute favourite flavour combination 🙂
Thank you- my favorite too!
Wow, Jessica!!! Since cooking is your sport. I must say that this one is a Home Run!!!
Thank you so much, I appreciate that 😀
Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.
These scones look wonderful! I love the name of your blog!!!