Warm Cinnamon Scones are a delightful treat that brings the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods into your kitchen. With their flaky texture and sweet, spicy flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea. I still hold a cherished memory of my first attempt at making these scones, the kitchen filled with that inviting cinnamon scent; it felt like a warm hug in baked form. These scones aren’t just delicious; they’re unbelievably easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe in both hectic and leisurely moments.

Why you’ll love this dish

These Warm Cinnamon Scones are not only a feast for the senses, but they’re also quick and budget-friendly. The combination of cozy spices makes them a fantastic option for a Sunday brunch, holiday gatherings, or even a weekday pick-me-up. You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something so scrumptious. Imagine pulling a tray of golden-brown scones out of the oven, the happiness of sharing and enjoying them fresh and warm.

"These are the best scones I’ve ever made! The cinnamon sugar topping adds the perfect touch!" — A satisfied home baker.

Step-by-step overview

Making Warm Cinnamon Scones is straightforward and involves just a few easy steps. Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then incorporate the butter, followed by the wet ingredients to form a dough. After kneading, shape it into a circle, cut it into wedges, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and finally, bake! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have fresh, warm scones ready to enjoy.

What you’ll need

To create these delightful scones, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional substitutions: If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, you can use a milk alternative, or for a richer flavor, try replacing some of the butter with cream cheese.

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well to distribute all the spices evenly.
Cut the diced cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a fork until the dough comes together. Note that the dough will be slightly sticky.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just until it holds together. Avoid overworking the dough.
Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and 7 inches in diameter. Use a sharp knife to slice it into 8 wedges.
Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each scone.
For the topping, mix together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle it generously over the scones.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Once out of the oven, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Best ways to enjoy it

Warm Cinnamon Scones are best served fresh out of the oven, where the flaky layers reveal a beautiful cinnamon swirl. Pair them with a dollop of clotted cream or a spread of butter for an indulgent treat. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea to create the perfect afternoon break. You could even add fresh fruit on the side for a burst of color and freshness!

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked scones. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Helpful cooking tips

Use very cold butter for the best texture. It helps create that flaky goodness we all love in scones.
Don’t overwork the dough, or your scones may become tough. Just knead until everything, is combined.
Experiment with different spices in your topping for a unique twist—think ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with this base recipe! Add raisins, cranberries, or nuts for a flavor boost. For a chocolatey treat, toss in some dark chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate citrus zest like lemon or orange for a refreshing kick. You can even change up the topping—try a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Your questions answered

1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these scones gluten-free.

2. How long does it take to prepare these scones?
From start to finish, you can have these scones ready in about 30 minutes!

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just remember to shape and cut it before refrigerating.

4. What’s the best way to enjoy leftover scones?
Reheat leftover scones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that freshly-baked taste and warmth.

Warm Cinnamon Scones

Warm Cinnamon Scones are a delightful treat with a flaky texture and sweet, spicy flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Total Time 33

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 scones

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

Scone Base Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced Use very cold butter for best texture
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%) Milk alternatives can be used
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well.
Cut diced cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until dough forms, noting the dough will be slightly sticky.
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead gently until just combined.
Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and 7 inches in diameter. Cut into 8 wedges.
Arrange wedges on the baking sheet with space between each scone.
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle it generously over the scones.

Baking

Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool scones on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.