Flaky, buttery homemade chai scones with a sweet maple chai glaze are the perfect treat for any occasion. These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze offer a delightful blend of warm spices and sweetness that will elevate your fall and winter gatherings. They’re not only festive but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress guests or enjoy a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom creates a warm and inviting taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings, these scones fit right in.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain or generously glazed; they pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh scones when needed.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to prepare your chai scones perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Bench scraper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly mixes ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flour and butter for flaky scones.
- Bench scraper: Perfect for cutting dough without tearing and helps transfer scones to the baking sheet easily.
Ingredients
Flaky, buttery homemade scones laced with warm chai spices – cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg – and finished with a sweet maple chai glaze. These Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall, winter, and holiday baking!
For the Scone Dough
- 12 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, diced into cubes
- ½ cup very cold heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out scones
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Maple Chai Glaze
- 1 heaping cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- pinch of kosher salt
How to Make Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Pull the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator. Measure the heavy cream into a 2-cup liquid measure. Whisk in 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk (reserve the remaining egg white for brushing). Set this mixture in the freezer to chill while measuring dry ingredients.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of a food processor:
* Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, chai spices, and kosher salt.
* Pulse several times to mix quickly.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Remove butter from the freezer:
* Add it to the flour mixture in the food processor.
* Pulse about 25-30 times until butter is mixed in but still chunky.
Step 4: Form Dough
Gradually add chilled cream mixture:
* Pulse until dough forms a ball that pulls away from sides.
* It should feel slightly wet with visible pieces of butter.
Step 5: Chill Dough
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface:
* Form it into a ball then press into a disc.
* Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Shape Scones
After chilling:
* Roll dough on a floured surface into a circle about 1 inch thick (for full-sized scones).
* Cut into wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Alternatively, roll into a rectangle for mini scones.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Transfer shaped scones onto prepared sheet and brush generously with egg wash.
Step 8: Bake Scones
Bake for 20-22 minutes:
Scones should be golden brown. Allow them to cool before glazing. Mini scones may bake similarly; check periodically.
Step 9: Prepare Glaze
While scones bake:
In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze Scones
Once cooled:
Submerge tops of each scone into glaze ensuring even coverage. Let glaze set before serving—great alongside coffee or tea! Enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
These delightful Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at brunch, an afternoon tea, or as a sweet snack, there are plenty of ways to serve them.
Pair with a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the scones beautifully.
- Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances the scone experience.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, serve with creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a fresh and tangy contrast.
- Citrus slices: Oranges or grapefruit can brighten up the flavors of the scones.
- Apple slices: Fresh or spiced apple slices pair well with the warm chai spices.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Selection: Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese spread on scones create a delightful combination.
- Nuts: Almonds and walnuts offer crunch and pair well with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Dried Fruits: Raisins or figs add another layer of flavor and texture to your dessert spread.
How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Perfecting your Homemade Chai Scones requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out flaky and delicious every time.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Start with very cold butter and cream for a flakier texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your scones tender.
- Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting: A sharp knife helps maintain clean edges when cutting scone shapes.
- Brush with Egg Wash Generously: This creates a beautiful golden-brown finish on your scones.
- Experiment with Spices: Adjust the chai spice blend according to your taste for unique flavors.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chai Scones can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that go well together.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the richness of the scones.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy balance alongside your scones.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of vegetable quiche adds depth to your brunch spread.
- Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses for a savory contrast to the sweet scone glaze.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor that pairs well with chai spices.
- Herbal Infused Water: Lightly flavored water keeps things refreshing without overpowering the dish.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus create a colorful and healthy addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chai scones is a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.
- Overworking the dough: Mixing the dough too much will lead to tough scones. Handle the dough gently and stop mixing as soon as it comes together.
- Using warm ingredients: Warm butter or cream can affect the texture of your scones. Always use very cold butter and cream, as this helps create flaky layers.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in flat scones. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, leading to better rise and texture.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Cutting scones too small: If you cut the scones too small, they may dry out during baking. Aim for a size that allows them to retain moisture while still rising nicely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
- Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Baked scones can also be frozen for up to 1 month; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual scones on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze.
How do I achieve flaky homemade chai scones?
To achieve flaky homemade chai scones, ensure your butter is very cold and handle the dough minimally. This helps keep pockets of butter intact, creating layers when baked.
Can I make these chai scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it unbaked. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready for delicious warm scones!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Both options will work well in this recipe.
How do I store leftover chai scones?
Store leftover chai scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Can I customize the spices in my chai scone recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences or experiment with additional flavors like vanilla or nutmeg.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether paired with tea or coffee, their warm spices evoke comfort and joy. Feel free to customize the glaze or spices based on what you love most!
Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze. These scones bring together flaky, buttery layers with a fragrant blend of chai spices—cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—topped with a sweet maple glaze that adds an irresistible finish. Perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, these treats are easy to make, allowing both novice bakers and seasoned pros to impress their guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying these aromatic pastries alongside your favorite beverage in no time.
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, diced into cubes
- ½ cup very cold heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out scones
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 heaping cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and kosher salt. Pulse to mix.
- Add cold butter; pulse until chunky.
- Whisk together chilled cream and eggs; gradually add to dry mixture until dough forms.
- Shape into a disc; chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and cut into wedges or shapes.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling, mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over scones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chill your mixing bowl and utensils for an extra flaky texture. Customize your chai spice blend by adding nutmeg or cloves for additional depth.
