Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of chai spices with a sweet finish. Perfect for cozy fall and winter days, these scones pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions. The unique blend of spices and the luscious maple glaze will elevate your baking game and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom creates a comforting flavor profile.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy light and flaky scones that melt in your mouth, thanks to the cold butter technique.
• Versatile Occasion: These scones are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert during holidays and gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these scones in no time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze the dough or baked scones for quick treats whenever you need them.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Liquid measuring cup
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool simplifies mixing by quickly cutting the butter into the flour for a flaky texture.
• Bench scraper: It helps in transferring dough without damaging its shape and is great for portioning out scones.

Ingredients

Flaky, buttery homemade scones laced with warm chai spices – cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg – and finished with a sweet maple chai glaze. These Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall, winter, and holiday baking!

• 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
• 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. 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 your 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 bring the mixture together.

Step 3: Add Butter

Take out the butter from the freezer and add it to your flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse until some pieces of butter are very small while others remain larger – about 25-30 pulses.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Slowly pulse in the chilled cream and egg mixture until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides. The dough should feel slightly wet but still contain visible pieces of butter.

Step 5: Chill Dough

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

Step 6: Shape Scones

After chilling, roll out your dough on a floured surface:
For full-sized scones:
* Roll into a circle about 1 inch thick.
* Cut into 8 wedges.

For mini scones:
* Roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
* Cut into strips about 2 inches wide; slice each strip into smaller triangles (2 inches wide by 3 inches long).

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Transfer your shaped scones onto this prepared sheet.

Step 8: Bake

Brush generously with reserved egg wash. Bake for about 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before glazing.

Step 9: Make Maple Chai Glaze

While baking, whisk 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 until combined into a thick glaze.

Step 10: Glaze Scones

Submerge each cooled scone top into the glaze for generous coating. Allow to set briefly before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats alongside coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These scones can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing their flavors and making them even more enjoyable.

With Tea

• Pair with your favorite tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The spices in the scones complement classic black or green teas beautifully.

With Coffee

• Enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The sweet maple glaze pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of coffee, creating a comforting experience.

As a Breakfast Option

• Serve warm scones as part of a hearty breakfast spread. Add fresh fruits or yogurt on the side for a balanced meal.

At a Brunch Gathering

• Include these scones on your brunch table alongside fruit platters and savory dishes. Their unique flavor will impress your guests.

With Whipped Cream

• Top with lightly whipped cream to add an airy, sweet touch. This makes for an indulgent dessert option after dinner.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

To ensure your chai scones turn out perfectly every time, follow these useful tips that enhance both texture and flavor.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping butter and cream very cold helps create flaky layers in the scone, leading to a tender result.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Gently combine the ingredients until just blended to maintain the scone’s light texture. Overmixing can lead to dense scones.
• Chill before baking: Allowing the dough to rest in the freezer for 30 minutes ensures better shaping and flakiness in the final bake.
• Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 375 degrees F for even baking and that golden-brown color.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the chai spice blend according to your preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Serving side dishes alongside homemade chai scones can create a well-rounded meal or snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the spiced flavors of the scones.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a rich balance against the sweetness of chai scones.
4. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers protein and savory flavor, making it an excellent pairing for brunch gatherings.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts can add crunch and an additional layer of flavor that matches well with chai spices.
6. Herbal Infusion: Serve herbal teas infused with ginger or mint as soothing beverages that enhance overall enjoyment alongside scones.
7. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A small dish of pure maple syrup allows guests to drizzle extra sweetness over their scones if desired.
8. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus provide a light, healthy contrast that balances out indulgent treats like scones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making scones can be tricky, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve the perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze.

• Not Using Cold Ingredients: It’s essential to keep your butter and cream very cold. Warm ingredients can lead to dense scones instead of light and flaky ones.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can develop gluten, making your scones tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the Freezing Step: Resting the dough in the freezer is vital for achieving a flaky texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps solidify the butter before baking.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven that’s too hot or too cool can affect the baking time and final texture of your scones.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements for your flour and other ingredients. Use kitchen scales if possible for accuracy.

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 if stacking.

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Freeze unbaked scone dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked scones in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place scones on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual scones on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Check regularly to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these scones vegan?

You can substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and use flax eggs as an alternative to eggs for a vegan version.

How do I customize the chai spice blend?

Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference or add extras like black pepper or turmeric for added flavor.

What should I serve with these chai scones?

These delightful scones pair perfectly with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with fresh fruit preserves or clotted cream.

How do I know when my scones are done baking?

Scones are ready when they turn golden brown and have risen nicely. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the center.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, they offer warm flavors that comfort during colder months. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits!