Irish Apple Cream Scones Recipe

Introduction

Irish Apple Cream Scones are a delightful treat combining tender, buttery dough with crisp, juicy apples. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones offer a subtle sweetness and a soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 egg
• 5-6 ounces apples (Pippin, Granny Smith, or Gala; about 1 1/2 cups), peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease an 8 or 9-inch pie plate or cake pan.
2. Step 2: Prepare the butter by cutting 6 tablespoons into small cubes and chilling them until ready to use.
3. Step 3: Peel and cut the apples into small cubes and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
5. Step 5: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Toss with a fork, then use two knives or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the cream and egg together. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture and lightly combine. Add the diced apples and mix gently until a soft dough forms.
7. Step 7: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and pat it down evenly. Chill the dough in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Bake the scones for 25-30 minutes. If the top begins to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
9. Step 9: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. When the scones are done baking, brush the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
10. Step 10: Allow the scones to cool slightly, then cut into 8 wedges. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet dough.
• For extra richness, replace half the heavy cream with sour cream or yogurt.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy note.
• If you don’t have turbinado sugar, coarse sanding sugar works well as a topping.

Storage

Store leftover scones wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a low oven or microwave until heated through, then brush with a little melted butter for a fresh-baked taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best to maintain texture, but if using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, chill it wrapped for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when ready. This helps the flavors develop and saves time on baking day.

Irish Apple Cream Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Irish Apple Cream Scones are tender, buttery, and full of fresh apple flavor. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, cream, and diced apples, these scones feature a lightly sweetened dough and a crunchy turbinado sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they bake quickly at high heat to a golden finish and are best enjoyed warm.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg
• 5–6 ounces apples (Pippin, Granny Smith, or Gala), about 1 1/2 cups, peeled and diced small
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease an 8 or 9-inch pie plate or cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Butter: Cut the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter into small cubes and chill until ready to use to ensure the scones are flaky.
3. Prepare Apples: Peel (if desired) and cut the apples into wedges, then strips, and finally into small cubes. Set aside.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Toss the cubes with a fork and then cut the butter into the flour using two knives or a pastry cutter, criss-crossing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture and lightly mix to combine.
7. Add Apples and Form Dough: Stir in the diced apples until the flour is fully incorporated and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Transfer and Chill: Turn the dough into the prepared baking pan and pat down evenly. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help it set.
9. Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until done. The scones should be golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. Add Finishing Touches: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the warm baked scones. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar to add a sweet crunch.
11. Serve: Let the scones cool slightly, then cut into 8 wedges. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
12. Storage: Store any leftovers covered with plastic wrap; the scones will keep well for several days.

Notes

• Use cold butter to ensure flaky, tender scones.
• Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for brightness or sweeter varieties like Gala for a milder flavor.
• Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
• If scones brown too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning.
• Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a traditional Irish experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Irish scones, apple scones, cream scones, breakfast pastries, baked scones, fall recipe