Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat for any occasion. These scones are infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, making them perfect for cozy fall afternoons or festive gatherings. The sweet maple chai glaze adds a unique twist that elevates these scones to a whole new level of deliciousness. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or coffee!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these scones in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of chai spices brings a warm and aromatic flavor that’s irresistible.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack – these scones fit any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for fresh scones whenever you desire.
• Glazed Goodness: The maple chai glaze adds sweetness and makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect scones.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool quickly mixes ingredients, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your scones.
• Bench scraper: Perfect for cutting dough into wedges or transferring scone pieces without mess.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, gather the following 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. Measure the heavy cream into a 2-cup liquid measure, then 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 while you measure out the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor, 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 handful of times to mix everything together quickly.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Remove the butter from the freezer and add it to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse until the butter begins to mix into the flour, about 25-30 pulses. Look for a mix where some pieces are small and coated with flour while others remain larger.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Take out your chilled cream and egg mixture. Slowly pulse it into your flour-butter mixture until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the food processor. The dough should feel slightly wet with visible pieces of butter; you may not need all of the cream mixture.

Step 5: Shape Dough

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Quickly form it into a ball and press it down into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cut Out Scones

Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about an inch thick for full-sized scones or half an inch thick for mini ones. Cut into wedges or smaller triangles using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Transfer your shaped scones onto this sheet and brush them generously with reserved egg wash.

Step 8: Cool Before Glazing

Bake for about 20-22 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool before glazing.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While cooling, mix together:
* 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

Whisk until smooth and thick.

Step 10: Glaze Scones

Submerge each cooled scone top into your glaze for generous coating. For extra thickness, glaze once, allow setting briefly, then glaze again. Let set for about 10 minutes before serving alongside coffee or tea! Enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

These delightful homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Coffee

• Pair these scones with a rich cup of coffee. The bold flavors of coffee complement the warm chai spices beautifully.

With Tea

• Enjoy your scones alongside a steaming cup of chai or herbal tea. This combination enhances the aromatic spices and creates a cozy atmosphere.

As a Dessert

• Serve these scones as a delicious dessert option. Drizzle extra maple glaze on top and add a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

At a Brunch Buffet

• Include these scones in your brunch spread. They’re an impressive addition that pairs well with fruits, cheeses, and pastries.

With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany the scones with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the spiced flavor of the scones.

With Jam or Cream Cheese

• Spread some fruit jam or flavored cream cheese on your scone for added flavor and richness. Consider options like raspberry jam or honey cream cheese.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Making perfect homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out flaky and flavorful every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold helps create that fluffy texture by preventing the butter from melting too quickly during baking.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.

• Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the freezer allows it to firm up, which helps maintain its shape while baking.

• Cut evenly: When cutting your scones, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to make clean cuts. This helps them rise evenly in the oven.

• Brush with egg wash: Adding an egg wash before baking gives your scones a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.

• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your scones as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness when they begin to brown at the edges.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze pair wonderfully with various side dishes. These options enhance their flavor and provide a well-rounded meal.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the spices in the scones.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast to the soft scone.

3. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creamy textures complement the flaky scone well.

4. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides a hearty option alongside sweet scones, perfect for brunch gatherings.

5. Nut Butter Spread: Provide almond butter or cashew butter for spreading; this adds richness and depth to each bite.

6. Herbal Tea Infusion: Brew herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint; these calming flavors pair nicely after enjoying spicy chai treats.

7. Granola Bars: Serve homemade granola bars as a healthy snack option that complements the sweetness of your scones.

8. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: For a touch of decadence, offer chocolate-covered strawberries that will delight anyone’s taste buds next to spiced flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making homemade chai scones, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using room temperature butter or cream can result in dense scones. Always use very cold ingredients for that flaky texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the dough holds together and no dry flour remains.
• Not using enough flour when rolling: If you skip the flour on your work surface, the dough will stick and tear. Always sprinkle flour generously before rolling out.
• Cutting uneven pieces: Unevenly sized scones bake at different rates, leading to some being overcooked while others are undercooked. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can prevent your scones from rising properly. Always let the dough rest in the freezer as instructed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Freeze unbaked scone dough wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 2 months.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm scones for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual scones on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade chai scones.

How can I customize my Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze?

You can add nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends too!

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it, then bake them fresh whenever you want delicious chai scones.

What can I serve with homemade chai scones?

These scones pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with fruit preserves or additional maple syrup for extra sweetness.

How do I know when my chai scones are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and firm edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

Homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are not only delightful but also versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy afternoon tea or serving them at holiday gatherings, these scones will impress everyone. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding your favorite flavors!