There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. And when it’s coming from a freshly baked batch of scones? Pure bliss.
This Cinnamon Scone Recipe brings together buttery richness and the bold aroma of cinnamon in every tender bite. It’s a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Whether you're planning a weekend brunch, need a satisfying breakfast on the fly, or just want something cozy with your coffee, this Cinnamon Scone Recipe never disappoints. The texture is soft, the flavor is balanced, and the result feels like it came straight from a professional pastry kitchen.
Even better? This Cinnamon Scone Recipe takes just 30 minutes from mixing bowl to table. Perfect for last-minute guests or spontaneous cravings.
Want to impress without the stress? This foolproof Cinnamon Scone Recipe is your new go-to for warmth, flavor, and bakery-style results in the comfort of your own home.
Why This Cinnamon Scone Recipe Stands Out
Cinnamon scones have been a beloved teatime treat since their Scottish origins, later becoming a staple in British afternoon tea. But this Cinnamon Scone Recipe is anything but ordinary.
With a foolproof technique, it delivers flaky, tender layers—no special tools or complicated steps required. Unlike dry, dense versions, this method ensures moist, bakery-style scones every time.
Enjoy this Cinnamon Scone Recipe with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a cozy dessert. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
The warm cinnamon flavor shines in fall and winter but tastes just as good all year round. For a simple, satisfying treat, this Cinnamon Scone Recipe is your go-to.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- Cold unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Mix and Combine
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl
- Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs
- In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently stir until dough just comes together
Shape the Dough
- Turn dough onto lightly floured surface
- Gently pat into a ¾-inch thick circle
- Cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with 2 inches between each scone
Top and Bake
- Mix topping sugar and cinnamon
- Sprinkle mixture over scones
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs
- Mix and Combine: Combine dry ingredients, cut in butter, and stir in wet ingredients just until dough forms
- Shape the Dough: Gently form dough into a circle and cut into 8 wedges
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake until golden brown
Equipment For Cinnamon Scone Recipe
- Sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts
- Pastry cutter (or use fingertips/two knives)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk for dry ingredients
- Quality baking sheet
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Measuring cups and spoons
Professional Baking Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep ingredients cold, especially butter and cream
- Avoid overmixing - dough should look rough and shaggy
- Use cold butter for flaky layers
- Press straight down when cutting, don't twist
- Let dough rest 10 minutes after mixing for extra fluffiness
- Brush tops with cream before baking for golden color
Creative Variations
- Cinnamon Raisin Scones: Add ⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Cinnamon Chip Scones: Fold in ⅓ cup cinnamon chips for Panera-style taste
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Scones: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar
- Cinnamon Apple Scones: Add ½ cup diced tart apples
- Glazed Cinnamon Scones: Top with powdered sugar glaze
- Cinnamon Pecan Scones: Add ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and coconut cream
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by half
- Buttermilk Version: Replace cream with buttermilk for tang
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, cream, and egg substitute
Storage
Fresh Storage
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days
- Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months
Freezing Unbaked Scones
- Freeze shaped scones on baking sheet until solid
- Transfer to freezer bags
- Bake directly from frozen, add 2-3 extra minutes
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave with damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds
- Warm in 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes
Meal Prep Strategy
- Mix dry ingredients up to a week ahead
- Store in airtight container
- Add wet ingredients when ready to bake
The 10-Minute Trick That Changed My Cinnamon Scone Recipe Forever
For years, my cinnamon scones came out a little too dense. Tasty? Sure. But never quite bakery-level fluffy.
Then one day, a retired pastry chef shared a simple secret that changed everything.
After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, let the dough rest for 10 minutes before shaping. That’s it.
During this short rest, the flour fully hydrates, the gluten relaxes, and the baking powder starts to work its magic.
When I baked them, the difference was unreal—light, tender, flaky cinnamon scones that rose beautifully.
Now, I never skip this step. It’s my not-so-secret weapon for perfect results, every single time.
This one trick elevated my Cinnamon Scone Recipe from good to unforgettable.
FAQ
What is the secret to making good scones?
The secret to perfect scones is keeping ingredients cold and minimal mixing. Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator and work it into flour until you see pea-sized pieces. Don't overmix the dough - it should look rough and shaggy. Cold butter creates steam during baking, forming those coveted flaky layers that make scones irresistible.
What is the 15 minute rule for scones?
The 15-minute rule for scones refers to the optimal baking time at 400°F. Bake scones for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. Overbaking makes them dry and tough, while underbaking leaves them doughy inside. Check doneness with a toothpick - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly tender scones.
Can I add cinnamon to my scones?
Absolutely! Cinnamon is a fantastic addition to scones. Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to your dry ingredients for warm, aromatic flavor. You can also create cinnamon sugar scones by mixing cinnamon with sugar for the topping. Cinnamon pairs beautifully with vanilla, nutmeg, and even chocolate chips for delicious variations.
What is the secret to fluffy scones?
The secret to fluffy scones is fresh baking powder and proper technique. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh baking powder per 2 cups flour for maximum lift. Don't overwork the dough - mix just until ingredients come together. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow gluten to relax, creating tender, fluffy scones every time.
Bake, Share, and Savor Every Crumb
This Cinnamon Scone Recipe truly has it all—flaky layers, a soft, tender crumb, and that nostalgic cinnamon aroma that transforms your kitchen into a cozy bakery. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these no-fail techniques make success simple and satisfying.
There’s something magical about turning humble pantry staples into golden, cinnamon-kissed scones. They're not just delicious—they’re made to be shared. Serve them at a lazy weekend brunch, as a warm welcome on holiday mornings, or anytime you want to add a little comfort and sweetness to your day.
Loved this recipe? You might also enjoy the rich swirls of our Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread Recipe or the airy texture of our Sourdough Ciabatta Bread Recipe—perfect companions for your next baking adventure.
So go ahead, give this Cinnamon Scone Recipe a try! When you do, be sure to leave a rating and drop your favorite variations in the comments below. We love hearing from fellow bakers and sharing new ideas.
Let’s keep the oven warm and the cinnamon flowing.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cinnamon Scone Recipe
Cinnamon Scones
Equipment
- 1 Sharp knife or scraper For cutting clean wedges
- 1 Pastry cutter Or use fingertips or two knives
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk To combine dry ingredients
- 1 Baking sheet Line with parchment paper
- 1 Parchment paper For easy cleanup
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ½ cup Cold unsalted butter Cut into cubes
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar For topping
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon For topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Whisk together the dry ingredients
- Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly
- In another bowl, mix wet ingredients
- Stir wet into dry until dough forms
- Let dough rest for 10 minutes
- Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges
- Top with cinnamon sugar mixture
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden
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