Imagine biting into a warm scone, where the rich aroma of coffee mingles with the sweetness of freshly baked pastry, creating a heavenly experience that dances on your taste buds. Each tender crumb beckons you to indulge, with hints of buttery goodness that make Coffee Cake Scones an irresistible treat for breakfast or that much-needed afternoon pick-me-up.
As I recall the first time I shared these delightful scones with friends over brunch, laughter filled the air while we savored every bite, bonding over the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for cozy mornings or casual gatherings, these scones promise to elevate any occasion with their deliciously moist interiors and a hint of caffeine magic that will keep you coming back for more.
Why Is Coffee Cake Scones So Irresistibly Good?
Moist and tender, these scones are perfectly infused with rich coffee flavor, making them an ideal choice for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. Quick to prepare, you can whip them up in just 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness without the hassle. Versatile enough to pair with your favorite jam or a dollop of cream, they cater to every palate. Plus, the comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar topping will draw everyone in, ensuring they’re a hit with family and friends!
Coffee Cake Scones Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your scones, giving them structure and a lovely crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Essential for helping the scones rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder to create a perfect lift in your scones.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making your scones more delicious.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – Cold butter creates flaky layers in your scones, ensuring they are tender and moist.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together while providing richness to the dough.
- ½ cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor of your Coffee Cake Scones.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (dissolved in buttermilk) – Infuses a delightful coffee flavor that complements the sweet elements beautifully.
For the Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) – Creates a sweet, caramel-like crust on top of your scones.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, making these scones even more inviting at breakfast or tea time.
How to Make Coffee Cake Scones
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your scones bake evenly and don’t stick!
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Combine well for a delightful flavor base.
3. Cut in the cold butter (½ cup, cubed) using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want that buttery goodness to be evenly distributed throughout for a tender texture.
4. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: 1 large egg, ½ cup of buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in the buttermilk. This step infuses your scones with rich coffee flavor.
5. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough scones!
Shape and Bake:
6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Aim for smoothness without overworking it—about 30 seconds should do!
7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges. The goal is to create even pieces that will puff up beautifully while baking.
8. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to rise and expand during baking.
9. Mix together the topping by combining ¼ cup of packed brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it generously over the scones for added sweetness and warmth.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and fragrant throughout your kitchen. You'll know they're done when they have risen nicely!
Optional: Drizzle with glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Scones
- Cold Butter: Use cold, cubed butter for a flaky texture; avoid letting it soften, which can lead to dense scones.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; over-mixing can result in tough Coffee Cake Scones.
- Floured Surface: Knead the dough gently on a floured surface; too much pressure can deflate the scones, making them less tender.
- Even Thickness: Pat the dough into an even circle about 1 inch thick to ensure uniform baking and rise of your scones.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven fully before baking; this helps achieve that golden brown crust that makes Coffee Cake Scones irresistible.
How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Scones
- Room Temperature: Enjoy your Coffee Cake Scones fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their delightful moisture.
- Fridge: For longer freshness, store the scones in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: Freeze the scones individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the scone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This revives their tender texture beautifully!
Coffee Cake Scones Your Way
Feel free to get creative with these delightful treats; the possibilities are as warm and inviting as the scones themselves!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously tender treat. You won’t miss the gluten, and everyone can enjoy these cozy scones together!
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of an egg. These scones become a delightful vegan option that everyone will adore, bursting with rich coffee flavor.
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a sweet surprise in every bite. The combination of coffee and chocolate creates an indulgent breakfast treat that’s hard to resist.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dry mix for a crunchy texture. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the coffee flavor, adding depth and heartiness to your scones.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cardamom into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor profile. This twist adds a seasonal flair that makes these scones perfect for any time of year.
- Fruit-Filled: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or blueberries before baking for a fruity burst. This addition not only enhances sweetness but also brings a splash of color to your scones.
- Extra Sweet: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the warm scones after baking for an extra touch of sweetness. This simple addition elevates your coffee cake experience, making it even more delightful!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these delightful Coffee Cake Scones is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their moist and tender texture whenever the craving strikes. You can combine the dry ingredients—2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup granulated sugar—up to three days in advance. Additionally, you can cube the ½ cup of cold unsalted butter and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. For the wet ingredients, whisk together 1 large egg, ½ cup buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in the buttermilk ahead of time; this can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow through with mixing everything together as directed, patting the dough into a circle before cutting it into wedges and sprinkling with the prepared topping of ¼ cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Bake for just 15-20 minutes until golden brown, and you'll have freshly baked Coffee Cake Scones that taste like they came straight out of your oven!
Coffee Cake Scones Recipe FAQs
What type of flour works best for these scones?
All-purpose flour is perfect for achieving the right texture in these Coffee Cake Scones. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend, but be aware it may slightly alter the final texture.
Can I substitute the buttermilk in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly; this will work wonderfully in your scone batter!
How should I store leftover scones?
To keep your Coffee Cake Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes when you're ready to enjoy!
What’s the best way to cut my scones into wedges?
After patting the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into wedges. Make sure to cut straight down without sawing back and forth; this helps create those lovely flaky layers as they bake.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to these scones?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for added flavor and texture. Just remember that adding too many extras could affect baking time, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the 15-20 minute bake time.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Your Coffee Cake Scones are ready when they turn a lovely golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they're perfect!
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