Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm spices of chai with a sweet glaze. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons or festive holiday gatherings, these scones are easy to make and will impress your friends and family. The unique blend of spices makes them a standout choice for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying them with tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The chai spices create a warm and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for any season.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these scones in no time, making them an ideal baking project for busy days.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain, with jam, or drizzled with the maple chai glaze for a sweet finish.
- Perfect for Sharing: These scones make an excellent addition to gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and impressed.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked dough, allowing you to bake fresh scones whenever you’re in the mood.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather all your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Bench scraper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool makes quick work of blending the butter into the flour, ensuring a light texture in your scones.
- Bench scraper: A handy tool for cutting the dough into shapes while minimizing mess on your work surface.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 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.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
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 the scones. Set this mixture in the freezer to chill as you prepare the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a food processor bowl, combine:
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon chai spice blend
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pulse a few times until mixed well.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter
Add the very cold butter to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse until it resembles fluffy parmesan cheese with some larger pieces remaining. Gradually add in your chilled cream and egg mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Shape Dough
Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Form it into a ball and press down into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Cut Out Scones
Remove from freezer and roll dough to about 1 inch thick for full-sized scones or ½ inch thick for mini scones. Cut into wedges or strips depending on your preference.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
Step 8: Bake Scones
Transfer cut scones onto prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with reserved egg wash. Bake for about 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling before glazing.
Step 9: Make Glaze
While baking, whisk together in a small bowl:
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
Mix until smooth and thick.
Step 10: Glaze Scones
Dip each cooled scone top into glaze, coating generously. Let set for about ten minutes before serving alongside coffee or tea! Enjoy!
These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are sure to become a favorite treat during any season!
How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Serving homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze is all about enhancing their flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will take your scone experience to the next level.
With a Hot Beverage
- Tea: Pair your scones with a steaming cup of chai or Earl Grey tea for a cozy combination.
- Coffee: A rich, bold coffee complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the scones perfectly.
As a Breakfast Treat
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve your scones alongside fresh berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Crumble the scones over yogurt topped with granola for a delicious breakfast parfait.
At Tea Time
- Cheese Platter: Include cream cheese or mascarpone alongside the scones for a creamy contrast.
- Sweet Spreads: Offer honey, jam, or lemon curd to spread on your freshly glazed scones.
How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Achieving perfect homemade chai scones requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your scones are light, flaky, and full of flavor.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream, and eggs are very cold. This helps create that flaky texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough scones.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground chai spices enhance flavor significantly compared to pre-ground ones.
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
- Glaze Twice: For an extra thick maple chai glaze, apply it twice after cooling slightly.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
Complementing your chai scones with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair well.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and fruit for a satisfying crunch.
- Vegetable Quiche: A light quiche pairs nicely for brunch or afternoon tea.
- Savory Muffins: Try cheese or herb muffins as a delightful contrast to sweet scones.
- Herbal Tea Selection: Offer various herbal teas for guests who prefer non-caffeinated options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade chai scones can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Using warm ingredients – Always ensure your butter and cream are very cold. Warm ingredients can lead to dense scones instead of flaky ones.
- Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can create tough scones; a gentle touch is key.
- Skipping the chill time – Allowing the dough to rest in the freezer is crucial. This step helps develop a flaky texture.
- Incorrect oven temperature – Preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked scones.
- Not measuring accurately – Use precise measurements for flour and liquid ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can affect the texture and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
- Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual scones on high for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze:
Can I make these chai scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
What spices are included in chai spice blend?
Chai spice blends typically include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, giving these scones their warm flavor.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
You can add more or less powdered sugar based on your taste preference. Start with less and adjust as needed.
Can I substitute heavy cream in this scone recipe?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but it may affect the texture slightly.
Are these chai scones suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend; however, results may vary based on brand used.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze offer a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. With their cozy flavors and sweet glaze, they are ideal for fall and winter gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruit for extra flair!
Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, an exquisite treat that seamlessly marries the aromatic spices of chai with a sweet, luscious glaze. These flaky, buttery scones are perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, making them a delightful addition to brunch or afternoon tea. Easy to prepare and adaptable for any occasion, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy them warm, fresh out of the oven, or pair them with your favorite hot beverage for an elevated experience.
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter
- ½ cup very cold heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 1 heaping cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until mixed well.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together cold cream and eggs; add to the flour mixture until just combined.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface, shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1 inch thick; cut into desired shapes.
- Brush scones with reserved egg wash before baking for about 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- For the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.
- Once scones cool slightly, dip the tops into the glaze and let set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
