Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones are soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy apple pieces and warm cinnamon flavor. They are perfect for spreading with butter, jam, and clotted cream, or eating plain as they are.
In this article, I will show you how to make these scones in a few simple steps, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I will also share some tips and tricks to make your scones even better, and some variations you can try to suit your taste. Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Apple and Cinnamon Scones Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Apple and Cinnamon Scones recipe is a delightful twist on traditional British scones. Infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, these scones offer a soft, fluffy texture filled with juicy apple pieces. Ideal for pairing with your favorite spreads, they embody a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making them a favorite for tea time or as a cozy treat.
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Why are Mary Berry’s scones so good?
Why You Love this Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of apple and cinnamon provides a delightful taste that’s both comforting and delicious.
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves straightforward steps using common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: These scones can be enjoyed with various spreads like butter, jam, and clotted cream or savored just as they are.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a special gathering, these scones are suitable for any event.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones
To make Mary Berry’s apple and cinnamon scones, you will need the following ingredients:
- 450 g (1 lb) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 level tsp baking powder
- 50 g (1 3/4 oz) caster sugar
- 100 g (3 1/2 oz) butter, slightly softened, cut into pieces
- 2 free-range eggs
- A little milk
- A handful of sultanas (optional)
- 1 apple, peeled, cored and shredded
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon, plus extra for sprinkling
- Strawberry jam and clotted cream, to serve
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large bowl
- A measuring jug
- A fork or a round-tipped knife
- A floured work surface
- A fluted 5 cm (2 inch) cutter
- A greased baking sheet
- A pastry brush
- A wire rack
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones
Here are the steps to make the scones:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, and stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
- Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Crack the eggs into a measuring jug, then add enough milk to make the total liquid 300 ml (10 fl oz). Beat lightly with a fork to combine.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg and milk mixture. Add the sultanas and apple and stir with a fork or a round-tipped knife until a soft and sticky dough forms. You may not need all the liquid, so add it gradually and stop when the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead it lightly and briefly until it is smooth. Don’t overwork it, as this will make the scones tough.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick. Cut out as many rounds as possible with the fluted cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more rounds until all the dough is used up.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk, or any egg and milk left in the jug, and sprinkle with some sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake the scones for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are well-risen and a pale golden-brown color. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly, or eat them warm.
- To serve, split the scones and spread them with strawberry jam and clotted cream, or enjoy them plain. Enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones
- Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream: A traditional and luxurious pairing that enhances the scones’ flavors.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture, perfect for those who prefer a simpler taste.
- Your Favorite Tea: A steaming cup of tea, be it Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or herbal, complements the scones beautifully.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the scones.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced apples to add a refreshing element.
- Cheese Spread: A soft cheese spread, like cream cheese or mascarpone, can offer a savory contrast to the scones’ sweetness.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apple and Cinnamon Scones
- Chill the Ingredients: Keep all your ingredients, especially the butter, cold until you’re ready to use them. This helps in creating those desired flaky layers.
- Handle Gently: Be gentle with the dough to prevent activating the gluten, which can make the scones tough.
- Grate the Apple: For even distribution and a moist texture, consider grating the apple instead of chopping.
- Let Them Rest: After shaping, let the scones rest for a few minutes before baking. This helps them rise better.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: For a golden-brown finish, brush the tops of the scones with an egg wash before baking.
Variations of Mary Berry Apple and Cinnamon Scones
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest for a zingy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice alongside cinnamon for a deeper flavor profile.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier version, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or soy milk in place of regular milk. Use a flax or chia egg as a binder.
How do I Store Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap scones individually and freeze for up to three months.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones Leftovers?
- Oven: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Toaster Oven: A few minutes in a toaster oven can restore its crisp exterior.
FAQs
How can I prevent the apple pieces from browning in the dough?
To prevent the apple pieces from browning in the dough, you can toss them with some lemon juice or vinegar before adding them to the flour mixture. This will help to preserve their color and flavor. Alternatively, you can prepare the apple pieces just before adding them to the dough, and not let them sit out for too long.
How can I make the scones more moist and tender?
To make the scones more moist and tender, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk, as it will add more acidity and fat to the dough. You can also use a pastry blender or a food processor to cut the butter into the flour, as this will create smaller and more even pieces of butter that will create more layers and pockets of air in the scones. Additionally, you can avoid overmixing or over-kneading the dough, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and make the scones tough and dense.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s apple and cinnamon scones are a delicious and easy treat to make and enjoy with your afternoon tea. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy apple pieces and a warm cinnamon flavor. They are perfect for spreading with butter, jam, and clotted cream, or eating plain as they are. You can make them in a few simple steps, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You can also customize them to suit your taste, by adding or omitting the sultanas, or using different fruits and spices. They are best eaten fresh, warm, and split in half, but you can also freeze them for later use. Try them today and see for yourself why they are so popular!