Fluffy Cinnamon Butter Scones

This cinnamon scone recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want a comforting treat that feels effortlessly special. The warm aroma of cinnamon paired with tender, flaky scones always makes my kitchen feel like a little bakery.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I needed something cozy for Sunday brunch and it quickly became a crowd favorite for both family and friends.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Two cups form the perfect tender but sturdy base for the scones pick fresh flour for best texture
• Light brown sugar: Quarter cup adds subtle caramel notes that complement cinnamon nicely
• Baking powder: Two teaspoons for that light rise and soft crumb
• Ground cinnamon: A teaspoon brings warmth choose fragrant cinnamon for best flavor
• Baking soda: Half teaspoon helps balance acidity and promotes browning
• Sea salt: Half teaspoon enhances all the flavors without making it salty
• Frozen unsalted butter: Half cup is key frozen butter creates flaky layers when worked into flour
• Cinnamon chips: One cup give bursts of melty cinnamon sweetness you can find these in baking aisles or specialty stores
• Buttermilk: Three quarters cup adds tanginess and moisture fresh buttermilk is ideal but you can substitute with milk and a splash of vinegar if needed
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon enriches the flavor profile a quality vanilla makes a difference
• Raw cane sugar: For topping creates a delightful crunchy texture on the scone tops

Instructions

Build The Dry Mix:

Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures your rising agents and spices are evenly dispersed.

Incorporate The Butter:

Grate the frozen butter using a cheese grater this is a neat hack to get small pieces that blend easily without warming. If you don’t have a grater just cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to blend the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with some clumps. This chunky texture is what will make the scones flaky.

Add Cinnamon Chips:

Stir the cinnamon chips evenly into the crumbly mixture so they are spread throughout the dough.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a small measuring cup whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour into the flour mixture and stir gently just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over mix or the scones will become dense.

Shape The Dough:

Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out and knead very briefly just to bring it together into a smooth ball. Then pat or roll it into a circle about 1 and a half inches thick.

Cut The Scones:

Cut the circle first in half then each half into 4 or 5 wedges depending on your preferred size.

Prepare For Baking:

Place the wedges spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with buttermilk and sprinkle with raw cane sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Bake To Golden:

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

My favorite ingredient here is the frozen butter. I learned the hard way that warm butter makes the dough greasy and dense but using frozen butter grated right in keeps the scones wonderfully flaky. These scones remind me of cozy holiday mornings baking with my mom and sharing them fresh from the oven with a hot cup of tea.

Storage Tips

Store your scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness wrap them tightly in foil and freeze. To enjoy frozen scones, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a toaster oven or regular oven to revive the crisp top.

Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have cinnamon chips you can substitute with white or dark chocolate chips or raisins for different flavor turns. Greek yogurt can replace buttermilk but reduce any yogurt liquids slightly to keep the dough firm. Vegan butter and plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice also work for a dairy-free version.

Serving Ideas

These scones shine perfectly with clotted cream or a slather of butter and honey. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or jam for a full breakfast or afternoon treat. A steaming cup of chai or coffee pairs beautifully to complement the cinnamon flavors.

Cultural Context

Scones have a rich British heritage, often enjoyed with tea. The addition of cinnamon and cinnamon chips here gives a warm autumnal twist to a classic recipe, perfect for bringing a little comfort and nostalgia to your home kitchen.

These cinnamon scones bring warmth and simplicity together with a flaky texture that is absolutely irresistible.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What is the purpose of grating frozen butter?

Grating frozen butter helps distribute small, cold pieces throughout the flour mixture, creating a crumbly texture that leads to tender, flaky baked scones.

→ Why is it important not to overmix the dough?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the scones tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.

→ Can I substitute cinnamon chips with something else?

Yes, you can use chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts instead, depending on your flavor preference.

→ What does brushing with buttermilk before baking do?

Brushing with buttermilk helps create a lightly golden and slightly crisp surface while helping toppings like raw sugar adhere well.

→ How can I tell when the scones are done baking?

Scones are done when the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

→ Is it necessary to use raw cane sugar on top?

Raw cane sugar adds a subtle crunch and sweetness, but you can skip it or substitute with coarse sugar if desired.