Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are the perfect treat for any occasion. With warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, these scones bring a festive flavor to your fall and winter baking. They are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The sweet maple chai glaze adds a delightful finish that makes these scones truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet maple creates a unique taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip these up.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones fit right in.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm with coffee or tea, or enjoy them as part of a festive brunch spread.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and frozen for later use.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your scones, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Simplifies mixing the dough, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
• Bench scraper: Helpful for cutting the dough and transferring it without mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking.

Ingredients

For the Scone Dough

• 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

Start by pulling the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Measure the heavy cream into a 2-cup liquid measure.
2. Whisk in 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk (reserve the remaining egg white).
3. Set this mixture in the freezer to chill while preparing dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor:
Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and kosher salt.
Pulse several times to mix.

Step 4: Add Butter

1. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture in the food processor.
2. Pulse until some butter pieces are small and coated with flour while others remain larger (about 25–30 pulses).

Step 5: Form Dough

1. Remove the cream mixture from the freezer and gradually pulse it into the flour mixture until dough forms.
2. It should be slightly wet with visible pieces of butter.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface:
1. Form it into a ball then press down into a disc.
2. Wrap in plastic and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Shape Scones

After chilling:
1. Roll out dough on a floured surface (for full-sized scones) into a circle about 1 inch thick or shape mini scones as desired.
2. Cut into wedges or strips according to preference.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat mat.
2. Transfer shaped scones onto prepared sheet and brush generously with egg wash.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for about 20–22 minutes until golden brown:
1. Allow cooling before glazing.

Step 10: Make Glaze

While scones bake:
1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, chai spice, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt.
2. Whisk until smooth and thick.

Step 11: Glaze Scones

Once cooled:
1. Submerge each scone’s top in glaze for an even coating.
2. Let set briefly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze! Perfectly paired with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Serving your Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze can elevate your tea time or brunch gathering. These scones are not only delicious but also versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries – Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
• Sliced Pears – The sweetness of pears complements the warm spices in the scones.

Alongside Beverages

• Tea – Pair your scones with a cup of chai or herbal tea to enhance the chai flavors.
• Coffee – A rich coffee balances the sweetness and spices in the scone.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Cheese Board – Include a selection of soft cheeses that pair well with the sweet glaze.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a creamy contrast to the scone’s texture.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

To achieve the best results when making these scones, follow these helpful tips. Perfecting your technique can make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Chill Your Ingredients – Ensuring that butter and cream are very cold helps create flaky layers in the scones.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overworking the dough can lead to tough scones.
• Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices will provide a more robust flavor than pre-ground options.
• Brush with Egg Wash Generously – This gives your scones a beautiful golden color and shiny finish after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

These scones can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Clotted Cream – This rich and creamy spread is perfect for slathering on warm scones.
2. Honey Butter – A sweet and buttery blend adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
3. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices offer a crunchy contrast.
4. Fruit Compote – A homemade compote made from seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with sweet scones.
5. Savory Quiche – A light quiche can balance the sweetness of the scone for a hearty meal option.
6. Herbal Infused Water – Refreshing water infused with herbs like mint or basil cleanses the palate perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not Using Cold Ingredients: Failing to keep butter, cream, and eggs cold can lead to less flaky scones. Always chill these ingredients before starting.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough scones. Mix just until combined, leaving visible pieces of butter for flakiness.
• Incorrect Baking Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Skipping the Freezing Step: Not allowing the dough to rest in the freezer can affect texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps create tender scones.
• Inconsistent Scone Size: Cutting scones into uneven sizes can lead to uneven baking. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for precise cuts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Baked scones can also be frozen; store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the scones for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds on medium power, but this may make them less crisp.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheating method, place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze.

Can I make these scones vegan?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and flax eggs.

How do I customize my chai spice blend?

Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste. Adding more ginger or cardamom can enhance flavor!

What is the best way to serve these scones?

Serve warm with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with clotted cream or jam!

How do I know when my scones are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color and firm edges; they should also spring back when lightly pressed.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are perfect for any season. Their versatility means you can easily customize them by adding nuts, fruits, or even different spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy a cozy treat that will impress friends and family alike!