Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen, especially when the crisp scent of autumn spices mingles with the sweet tang of apple and the savory depth of cheddar. These Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones are the perfect companion to a morning coffee, a leisurely brunch, or a cozy afternoon spent with a good book. Their unique blend of sweet and savory flavors makes them a versatile treat that can easily impress family, friends, or even yourself on a quiet weekend morning.

This recipe was inspired by the charm of traditional British scones and the classic pairing of apples and cheese—a combination that has delighted palates for generations. I wanted to create something that captured both warmth and a touch of indulgence, resulting in a scone that’s light, tender, and bursting with flavor. The subtle spices elevate the apples, while sharp cheddar adds a savory note that perfectly balances the sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself, these scones promise to bring comfort and joy in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. These spices are the key to giving your scones a warm, cozy flavor.

3. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Small chunks of butter should still be visible; they help create flaky layers in the baked scones.

4. Mix in Cheese and Apples
   Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced apples until evenly distributed. Make sure the apples are coated in the flour mixture to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky but cohesive.

6. Shape the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently 2–3 times to bring it together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.

7. Prepare for Baking
   Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little buttermilk for a golden, glossy finish. For extra sweetness, you can sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over each scone.

8. Bake the Scones
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

9. Cool and Serve
   Allow the scones to cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Tips for the Perfect Scones

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and chilled apples help the scones remain flaky and tender. Avoid letting the butter soften before baking.

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons or drizzle with a light glaze after baking.

• Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar is recommended, but you can experiment with mild cheddar, gouda, or even a smoked cheese for a unique twist.

• Apple Varieties: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold their shape and provide a subtle tartness that balances the cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

These scones are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• Morning Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.

• Savory Additions: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, quiche, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

• Fruit and Nut Butters: Spread with almond butter, cream cheese, or a thin layer of apple butter for an extra indulgent treat.

• Gift Idea: Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, these scones make a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.

Variations to Try

• Maple Apple & Cheddar: Drizzle scones with a light maple glaze after baking for a sweet-savory combination.

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking for extra flavor and a slight crunch.

• Herb & Cheddar: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary for a subtle herbal note that complements the cheese.

• Mini Scones: Reduce baking time and shape into smaller wedges for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or snack plates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These scones are more than just a baked good—they are a warm, comforting experience. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors, with the cheddar adding richness that complements the tender apple pieces. The scones are:

• Flaky and Tender: Thanks to cold butter and careful mixing, the texture is light and soft inside with a golden, slightly crisp exterior.

• Flavor-Packed: Warm spices, crisp apple, and sharp cheddar create a delightful combination that will surprise and satisfy your taste buds.

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need advanced baking skills to create bakery-quality scones at home.

• Perfect for Sharing: These scones make any gathering feel special—whether it’s a breakfast table with family, a holiday brunch, or a friendly coffee break.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

• Refrigeration: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a low oven to maintain freshness.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked scones as described above for convenient future breakfasts or snacks.

The Perfect Occasion for Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones

Imagine a crisp morning, sunlight streaming through your kitchen window, and a steaming cup of coffee in hand. Baking these scones fills your home with an inviting aroma that immediately lifts the spirit. They’re ideal for weekend brunches, cozy fall mornings, or a festive holiday gathering. You can even make them ahead for a breakfast spread that will impress guests without the stress.

The combination of apples and cheddar is a timeless favorite that transcends seasons. Sweet, tart apples mingle with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all lightly spiced for warmth. These scones are not just a treat—they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome flavors that bring comfort and joy to any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the shaping stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes and bake as directed.

Can I freeze these scones?
Yes. Once shaped, place the unbaked scones on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the baking time. Baked scones also freeze well—wrap individually and reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Can I substitute the cheese or apples?
Certainly! While sharp cheddar and crisp apples are recommended, feel free to experiment with other firm apples or your favorite firm cheese varieties. Keep in mind that stronger cheeses will change the flavor profile.

How do I keep scones tender?
The key is cold butter and minimal mixing. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can result in dense scones. Additionally, ensure you bake immediately after shaping for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing that turns a simple morning into a memorable experience, it’s the smell and taste of homemade baked goods. These Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones are perfect for anyone seeking a balance of sweet and savory, tender yet slightly crisp, and warmly spiced yet comforting. They are approachable for bakers of all skill levels and versatile enough for a variety of serving options.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, creating a special breakfast for loved ones, or simply indulging yourself, these scones are sure to delight. With a combination of seasonal flavors, easy-to-follow steps, and a satisfying texture, they’re destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked scone. Every bite is a little celebration of flavor, warmth, and home.

Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Spiced Apple & Cheddar Scones are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, ideal for a cozy morning, weekend brunch, or an afternoon treat. Tender, flaky, and lightly spiced, these scones feature crisp apple pieces and sharp cheddar cheese that create a comforting, flavorful bite every time. Inspired by classic scones with a modern twist, they are simple to make yet impressive enough to share with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.

• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small chunks of butter remaining.

• Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced apples until evenly distributed.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 2–3 times. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges, or shape into a rectangle and cut into squares.

• Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with buttermilk and sprinkle with a little sugar if desired.

• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter for the flakiest scones.

• Do not overmix the dough to avoid dense scones.

• Sharp cheddar is recommended, but mild cheddar or gouda can be used.

• Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.

• These scones can be made ahead, refrigerated, or frozen for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Michelle Davis