Caramel Apple Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large apple, peeled and diced - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. Both will add different flavors and textures. For caramel sauce, you may use homemade or store-bought. Homemade sauce offers a richer taste, but store-bought saves time. When picking your apple, Granny Smith works best. Its tartness balances the sweet caramel. Each scone contains about 250 calories. The breakdown is roughly 10 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour blends. These scones are vegetarian-friendly as well. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat gives scones a nice rise. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Make sure everything is mixed well. 1. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. 2. In another bowl, mix: - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large apple, peeled and diced Gently fold this mix into the dry ingredients. 3. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your scones light and fluffy. 1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a disk about 1 inch thick. 2. Cut the disk into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. Place the wedges on the baking sheet. 3. Brush the tops with: - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) This gives them a lovely golden color. 4. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Look for a light golden brown color. 5. Once baked, drizzle caramel sauce over the warm scones. Let it soak in for extra flavor. To make great scones, start with cold butter. This keeps the butter solid while mixing. When you cut it into the flour, it creates little pockets. These pockets help make your scones flaky. To achieve that perfect scone texture, blend the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix the dough once you add the wet ingredients. Just mix until combined. This helps keep your scones light and airy. Scones are best served warm. Pair them with hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a side of apple butter. For presentation, serve your scones on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top. Add small apple slices around the scones for an autumn touch. This makes for an attractive display. If your scones turn out too dry or crumbly, try adding a splash more cream. This will help bind the dough better. Make sure you’re not overbaking them, as that can also dry them out. Different ovens may cook unevenly. If you have a hot spot, rotate your baking sheet halfway through. This helps ensure that all scones bake evenly. Adjust the time if you notice they are browning too fast. {{image_2}} You can make your caramel apple scones even more exciting! One way is by adding nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or apricots add a sweet twist. Just mix them in with the apples to blend the flavors. Another fun idea is to experiment with spices beyond cinnamon. Try nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick. Cardamom can add a unique taste too. These spices change the flavor profile and make your scones stand out. Seasonal changes inspire tasty scone twists. For fall, think about adding pumpkin or maple flavors. A bit of pumpkin puree in the dough makes for a rich treat. Maple syrup can replace some sugar for a sweet touch. In summer, use fresh berries for a light and fruity snack. Blueberries or raspberries work well with apples. This gives you a fresh burst of flavor and color in each bite. For those who want healthier scones, there are great swaps. You can use gluten-free flour to make the recipe safe for everyone. Almond flour or coconut flour are tasty options. Just remember, you might need to adjust the liquid. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using less sugar or sugar alternatives. Honey or maple syrup can sweeten your scones while adding flavor. These options keep your scones delicious and a bit lighter. To keep your caramel apple scones fresh, follow these tips: - Short-term storage: Place the scones in an airtight container. They can last up to three days at room temperature. Keep them away from sunlight and heat. - Freezing scones: For longer storage, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Let them cool completely before freezing. To enjoy your scones again, reheating them is key: - Maintain texture: Always aim to keep the scones moist. You can place a damp paper towel over them when reheating. - Oven vs. microwave: The oven is best for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat for 20-30 seconds. Watch closely to prevent drying them out. Knowing how long your scones last is important: - At room temperature: Scones stay fresh for about three days. If they begin to harden, they are past their best. - Signs of spoilage: Look for any mold or off smells. If they feel very hard or dry, it's time to toss them. Enjoying them while fresh is key to their delicious taste! How do I make scones without heavy cream? You can use milk or yogurt instead. Both keep the scone moist and tasty. If you use yogurt, choose plain and whole-fat for best results. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Use it within a day for the best flavor and texture. What’s the best way to serve scones? Serve them warm with extra caramel sauce. You can also add whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet treat. How can I ensure my scones rise properly? Use cold butter and don’t overmix the dough. Make sure your baking powder is fresh too. These steps will help your scones rise nicely. Should I use a food processor for mixing? You can, but I prefer using my hands or a pastry cutter. This way, I can control the texture better. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can use any apple you like! Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, too. Just remember, tart apples add a nice balance. Is it possible to make vegan caramel apple scones? Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For the caramel, choose a vegan recipe or store-bought option. Enjoy your delicious vegan treat! We covered how to make delicious caramel apple scones. You learned about the key ingredients, useful substitutions, and nutritional facts. I shared tips on achieving the perfect scone texture and serving ideas that impress. You also discovered how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Feel confident to experiment with flavors and variations. Baking should be fun and creative. Enjoy your scone-making journey, and remember, practice improves your skills!$

Indulge in the sweet taste of fall with these delicious caramel apple scones! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these scones are perfect for any cozy gathering or brunch treat. With simple ingredients like fresh apples and rich caramel sauce, you'll delight in every bite. Discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to bake your own batch of these delightful scones. Click through to explore and start baking today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

Add the chilled cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream with the diced apple. Gently fold this mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

On a lightly floured surface, turn the dough out and shape it into a disk about 1 inch thick. Cut the disk into 8 wedges (like a pizza) and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.

Once they are out of the oven, drizzle caramel sauce over the warm scones while they are still slightly warm, allowing it to soak in a bit.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a rustic wooden board or on a cake stand, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and garnished with small apple slices for a charming autumn touch.