Cinnamon Scones – A Sweet and Spiced Bakery-Style Treat You Can Make at Home

There’s something comforting about the scent of warm cinnamon filling your kitchen. It instantly reminds me of cozy mornings, hot mugs of coffee, and the sound of rain tapping on the windows. Cinnamon scones bring that nostalgia to life in the most delicious way. Buttery, golden, and spiced just right, these baked treats are the perfect balance of tender crumb and sugary crunch. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to upgrade your brunch table, making cinnamon scones at home is easier than you might think.

Let’s walk through everything you need to create bakery-quality cinnamon scones from scratch—right in your kitchen.

What Are Cinnamon Scones?

Cinnamon scones are a classic pastry that combines the rich, flaky texture of traditional scones with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon. Originating from the British Isles, scones gained widespread popularity in American baking, particularly in coffee shops and on brunch menus. While traditional scones are often plain or studded with dried fruit, cinnamon scones add a sweet twist with cinnamon-sugar layers, glaze toppings, and even streusel for an extra flair.

Their appeal lies in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples can turn into something truly special. Think of them as the cozy cousin to cinnamon rolls, with a crumblier texture and quicker bake time.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Scone Recipe

Here’s why these cinnamon scones will become your new go-to bake:

• Quick to make – Ready in under 40 minutes, start to finish
• Customizable – Add glaze, nuts, or raisins if you like
• Pantry-friendly – No fancy ingredients required
• Perfect for freezing – Great for make-ahead breakfasts
• Coffee’s best friend – Pairs beautifully with your morning brew

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a weekday treat, these scones consistently deliver mouthwatering results.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Scones

Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients. You likely have most of them on hand.

You can find high-quality ground cinnamon at most stores or purchase it online from trusted brands like McCormick or Simply Organic on Amazon.

How to Make Cinnamon Scones (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add ½ cup cold, cubed, unsalted butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pour the wet mixture into the dry one and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch-thick circle. Cut into eight wedges using a bench scraper or sharp knife.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer wedges to the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Brush tops with cream or milk for a golden color. Bake 18–22 minutes, until edges are golden.

Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Cinnamon Scones Every Time

• Use very cold butter – Freeze it for 10 minutes before grating or cubing.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined; overworking will toughen the scones.
• Use a pastry cutter or two forks instead of a food processor to keep the butter in chunks.
• Chill the scones in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking to help them rise taller.
• Rotate the baking tray halfway through for even browning.

Cinnamon Scones with Glaze: Optional Toppings & Mix-Ins

Want to dress them up? Try these add-ons:

Optional Glaze

Mix:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla

Drizzle over cooled scones.

Streusel Topping

Combine:

• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cold butter
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Sprinkle on scones before baking.

Mix-In Ideas

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Cinnamon chips

Gluten-Free and Vegan Cinnamon Scone Variations

Need dietary flexibility? Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

Gluten-Free

• Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill)

Vegan

• Swap butter for cold vegan butter
• Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
• Substitute plant-based milk (oat or almond works well)

These alternatives maintain flavor and texture while fitting your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well with Cinnamon Scones?

Cinnamon scones are versatile and pair beautifully with:

• A hot cup of black coffee or espresso
• Masala chai or cinnamon tea for extra spice
• Whipped butter or cinnamon honey butter
• Yogurt and fresh fruit for a lighter breakfast

You can even serve mini versions on a brunch board with other pastries, cheeses, and spreads.

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Scones

To keep your cinnamon scones fresh:

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each scone individually in plastic and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To freeze before baking, cut the raw scones into pieces and freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Reheating Instructions Without Drying Them Out

For warm, just-baked texture:

• Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds
• Oven: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F for 3–5 minutes

Avoid overheating—especially in the microwave—to keep them soft inside and crisp outside.

Troubleshooting: Common Scone Problems and Fixes

If you’re craving a baked good that’s simple, cozy, and satisfying, cinnamon scones are the answer. With their flaky layers and warm spices, they offer everything you love about bakery treats—without the trip. Try making a batch this weekend—you might never go back to store-bought again.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Cinnamon Scones – A Sweet and Spiced Bakery-Style Treat You Can Make at Home

---

• Author: Maha Al-Sayed
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm, flaky cinnamon scones made from scratch with pantry staples. Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch tables, or sweet treats paired with coffee.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: ¼ cup brown sugar (for deeper flavor)

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Streusel Topping:

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp cold butter

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.

• Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream or milk, and vanilla.

• Combine wet and dry mixtures until just combined.

• Turn out dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.

• Cut the cake into eight wedges and place them on a baking sheet.

• Brush with cream or milk, bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.

• Optional: Add glaze or streusel after baking.

Notes

Use very cold butter for the best texture.

Don’t overmix—this keeps the scones fluffy.

Freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Customize with raisins, nuts, or cinnamon chips.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon scones, homemade scones, breakfast pastry, easy scone recipe, baked goods, freezer-friendly, brunch recipe