Perfect Coffee Cinnamon Scones

This rich Coffee Cinnamon Scone recipe will transform your breakfast experience with its perfect blend of aromatic coffee and warm cinnamon. Far from the dry, crumbly scones you might be familiar with, these buttery treats deliver the perfect texture and flavor combination to kickstart your mornings.

I started making these scones after experiencing the disappointing coffee shop versions that always left me wanting more flavor and moisture. After perfecting this recipe, my Saturday mornings now revolve around the aroma of these baking while the coffee brews.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect structure for our scones
• Baking powder: gives the ideal rise without making them too cakey
• Granulated sugar: provides just enough sweetness without overwhelming
• Ground cinnamon: adds warm spice notes that complement the coffee
• Ground coffee: infuses the dough with rich coffee flavor; use freshly ground for best results
• Unsalted butter: chilled and cut into small pieces is crucial for creating those flaky layers
• Cinnamon chips: add pockets of concentrated cinnamon flavor throughout
• Heavy cream: adds richness and creates a tender crumb
• Large eggs: provide structure and richness
• Confectioners sugar: creates a smooth glaze that sets beautifully
• Strongly brewed coffee: intensifies the coffee flavor in the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to exactly 400 degrees for the perfect rise and golden exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. The parchment also makes cleanup much easier.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, ground coffee, and salt until thoroughly combined. This distributes the leavening and spices evenly throughout the dough, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.

Incorporate the Butter:

Cut in cold butter until you have pea sized pieces with some larger chunks remaining. This step is crucial for creating those flaky layers. The cold butter creates steam pockets during baking that result in the perfect texture.

Add Mix-Ins:

Stir in cinnamon chips gently to distribute them evenly without overworking the dough. These little morsels create pockets of intense cinnamon flavor throughout your scones.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Whisk together cream and eggs until completely blended. The protein in the eggs provides structure while the fat in the cream adds richness and tenderness to the final product.

Form the Dough:

Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined. Overworking will develop gluten and result in tough scones. On a lightly floured surface, knead gently just a few times to bring the dough together.

Shape and Cut:

Form the dough into a circle about three quarters inch thick. The thickness is important for properly cooked through yet tender scones. Cut into eight triangles for classic scone shape and brush with heavy cream to promote browning.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for thirteen to fifteen minutes until the edges turn golden. Watch carefully as overbaking will dry out your scones. The scones will continue to set slightly as they cool.

Glaze and Finish:

Allow scones to cool slightly before drizzling with coffee glaze. The warm scones will allow some glaze absorption while still setting beautifully on top. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon chips for extra flavor and visual appeal.

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The cinnamon chips are truly what makes these scones special. I discovered them years ago and have been hoarding bags in my pantry ever since. My husband now knows that weekend mornings with the distinctive aroma of coffee and cinnamon means these scones are coming out of the oven soon.

Perfect Coffee Pairing

These scones naturally complement coffee drinks of all kinds. For the ultimate pairing, try serving with a light roast pour-over that has caramel notes to enhance the cinnamon flavor. If you prefer espresso drinks, a cappuccino provides the perfect creamy counterpoint to the scones' spiced richness.

Make-Ahead Options

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can prepare the dough the night before, shape it, and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap. In the morning, simply brush with cream and bake, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze shaped unbaked scones for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.

Seasonal Variations

While perfect year-round, these scones can be adapted to seasonal preferences. In fall, add a tablespoon of pumpkin spice along with the cinnamon. For winter holidays, mix in dried cranberries and orange zest. Summer mornings call for a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries worked gently into the dough.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these scones unique?

These scones are uniquely flavored with coffee and cinnamon, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, complemented by cinnamon chips and a coffee glaze.

→ Can I use a substitute for cinnamon chips?

Yes, you can replace cinnamon chips with chocolate chips or nuts, or omit them altogether for a simpler version.

→ How do I ensure the scones are not dry?

Make sure not to overwork the dough, and use chilled butter along with the right amount of heavy cream and eggs for a tender texture.

→ Can I make the glaze thinner or thicker?

You can adjust the consistency of the coffee glaze by adding more strongly brewed coffee to thin it or more confectioners' sugar to thicken it.

→ How do I store these scones?

Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat before serving.