If you’ve ever wanted to fill your kitchen with the sweet, comforting aromas of cinnamon and apples, then these Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are exactly what you need in your life. Flaky, buttery, and perfectly spiced, these scones are the ultimate cozy treat, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with coffee or sharing a batch with friends and family.

These scones have all the comforting warmth of autumn baking, but they’re perfect for any time of year. I first made these on a chilly morning when I was craving something homemade to go with my coffee, and they were so good that they’ve since become a regular in my baking rotation. The combination of tender scone dough, sweet apples, raisins, and cinnamon feels like a big warm hug in every bite. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect texture: These scones are light and flaky on the outside with a soft, buttery inside.
Packed with flavor: The apples and raisins add natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warm, spicy kick.
Quick and easy: You can have these scones fresh out of the oven in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
Make-ahead friendly: You can freeze the scones before baking, and then bake them whenever you’re craving a fresh batch.
Versatile: These scones can be customized to suit your tastes—add nuts, swap the raisins for dried cranberries, or even throw in a handful of chocolate chips.
Great for sharing: These scones are perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunch with friends, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour – This is the base for the scone dough and gives it structure.
Baking powder – Helps the scones rise and gives them that light, fluffy texture.
Cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the apples and raisins.
Salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Cold unsalted butter – For a flaky, tender texture. Make sure it’s cold to get that perfect scone crumb.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds richness to the scones.
Heavy cream – The rich creaminess of the heavy cream helps create that soft, buttery texture.
Apple – Fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices) provide a juicy, tart contrast to the sweetness of the raisins.
Raisins – For a little chewiness and added sweetness.
Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Cinnamon sugar – For sprinkling on top of the scones before baking for a sweet, crispy finish.

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep your baking sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This will help ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to a well-textured scone.

Step 3: Cut in the cold butter

Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small bits of butter—this will create those beautiful flaky layers in the scones.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the scones tender.

Step 5: Fold in the apples and raisins

Gently fold the diced apples and raisins into the dough. You can also add a few extra tablespoons of flour if the dough feels too wet—scone dough should be a little sticky but still manageable.

Step 6: Shape the dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a disk about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). You can also use a round cutter to make circular scones, but I find the wedge shape is quicker and just as delicious.

Step 7: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar

Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Mix together some cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each scone. This will give the scones a nice sweet, crispy finish.

Step 8: Bake to golden perfection

Bake the scones for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they smell incredible and look perfectly golden around the edges.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy

Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply enjoy them as is. They’re delicious on their own, but a little butter or jam never hurts!

Helpful Tips

Cold butter is key: Make sure your butter is cold—this is crucial for getting that flaky texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can even pop the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using.
Add-ins: If you like a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. You can also swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fun twist.
Make ahead: You can freeze the scones before baking. Just shape the dough, freeze the scones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving suggestions: These scones are great on their own, but they’re also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of jam. They’re also perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast with a hot drink.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the scones a little denser. If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend, the texture might be slightly different, but it should still work.

Can I make these scones without raisins?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can omit them or substitute them with another dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or even chopped dried apricots.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! If you want to make the dough ahead of time, shape it into wedges and freeze them. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time and bake them straight from frozen.

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, blueberries, or even mashed bananas could work in place of apples. Just make sure the fruit you choose isn’t too juicy to avoid making the dough too wet.

These Apple Cinnamon Raisin Scones are so delicious, I find myself making them over and over again—especially on chilly mornings when I’m craving something warm and comforting. They’re quick, easy, and the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out! I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!