30-Minute Spiced Cinnamon Chip Scones

Prep: 15 minCook: 12 min6 sconesmediumAmerican
Spiced Cinnamon Chip Scones with Molasses and Warm Spices

Tender, buttery scones loaded with cinnamon chips and a warming blend of cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. The addition of molasses adds depth and richness to these bakery-style treats. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones strike the ideal balance between spiced and sweet. The key to their flaky texture lies in keeping the butter cold and handling the dough minimally.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 scones
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    chocolate chips1:1flavor-change

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, diced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
    honey1:1flavor-change

    sweeter, less complex flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup heavy cream, plus 1 tablespoon
    whole milk1:1dairy-light

    slightly less rich texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup cinnamon chips
    chocolate chips1:1flavor-change

    different flavor profile

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat

  2. 2

    Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl

  3. 3

    Add cold diced butter and cut in using pastry blender or two butter knives until mixture forms small crumbs

  4. 4

    Make a well in center of mixture and add vanilla, egg, molasses and heavy cream

  5. 5

    Stir gently with a fork until just incorporated, then add cinnamon chips

  6. 6

    Finish bringing dough together with hands

  7. 7

    Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and form into 8-inch diameter round

  8. 8

    Cut round into 8 triangles and place on prepared baking sheet

  9. 9

    Brush each triangle with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar

  10. 10

    Bake for about 12 minutes until just golden

Tips

Tip 1

Grate frozen butter with a box grater instead of dicing for easier incorporation into flour mixture.

Tip 2

Push any cinnamon chips touching the baking sheet into the scone dough to prevent burning during baking.

Tip 3

Handle the dough minimally after adding liquid ingredients to ensure tender, flaky scones.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Make Ahead

Dough can be shaped and refrigerated overnight before baking

Serve With

Best served warm from the oven or at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Keep butter very cold to avoid dense, heavy scones

Watch

Don't overmix the dough to prevent tough scones

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

heavy cream
whole milk1:1dairy-light

slightly less rich texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cinnamon chips
chocolate chips1:1flavor-change

different flavor profile

Full guide →
molasses
honey1:1flavor-change

sweeter, less complex flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these scones without cinnamon chips?

Yes, substitute with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or simply omit for plain spiced scones.

How long do these scones keep fresh?

Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in a 300F oven to restore freshness.

Can I freeze the unbaked scones?

Yes, freeze shaped scones on a tray, then store in bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.