If you love the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll but crave the flaky, tender texture of a scone, then this Cinnamon Roll Scones Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a golden, buttery scone swirled with that irresistible cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s like having your morning coffee companion and dessert all in one delightful pastry. This recipe perfectly blends the best elements of cinnamon rolls and scones, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates rich, warming flavors and a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just the classic ingredients that work together to create something truly magical. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that picture-perfect golden color you want in scones.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives scones their tender structure without being too dense.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your scones rise nicely and achieve a light crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for extra lift and a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice giving these scones their signature warm, aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed: Cooled butter is essential for flaky layers and buttery richness.
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds moisture with a slight tanginess that keeps the scones tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a subtle, sweet floral note.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to spread on the dough for that gooey cinnamon sugar swirl.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Combined with cinnamon for the filling that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Mixed with brown sugar for the irresistible swirl inside the scones.
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base of the glaze that adds luscious tang and smoothness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze, ensuring it drapes perfectly over each scone.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the glaze’s flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to be drizzle-ready but not too runny.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting everything up before mixing saves time and keeps the baking process fun and easy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well mixed. Then, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to a flaky texture — those little butter pieces create steam as they bake, forming tender layers.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or your scones might get tough instead of fluffy and soft. When the dough starts to hold, transfer it onto a floured surface to prepare for shaping.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough
Pat the dough into a rectangular shape about ½ inch thick. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the signature filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, making sure every bite will be full of cinnamon sugar happiness.
Step 5: Roll and Cut into Scones
Roll the rectangle tightly into a log, similar to rolling a cinnamon roll. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 to 10 equal pieces and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space to rise but still cozy enough to support each other’s sides.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones for 18 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for a beautiful golden brown crust on top. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point will already have you eagerly ready to take your first bite.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth, creamy glaze. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle effortlessly over each warm scone.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over your cinnamon roll scones while they’re still warm or at room temperature. Each bite will be a glorious combination of tender crumb, cinnamon sugar swirl, and dreamy cream cheese sweetness—you won’t want to share!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top can add an inviting, elegant touch. For a festive look, toss on some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts that complement the warmth of cinnamon and add delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon roll scones pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples also makes a great refreshing contrast to the sweet and buttery richness of the scones.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch centerpiece, arrange the scones on a tiered stand alongside small bowls of cream cheese, honey, and fresh fruit preserves. You can also slice the scones and use them as a base for decadent mini sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon, turning this dessert into a savory breakfast delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cinnamon roll scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their tender crumb and moist texture. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it tends to dry them out.
Freezing
You can freeze these scones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them briefly at room temperature when you’re ready for a comforting snack.
Reheating
Warm scones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through. This revives their fresh-baked texture beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the oven does a better job preserving that tender flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! Regular milk works fine, though buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the scones. You can even make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What is the best way to cut the dough?
Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to make clean cuts through the rolled dough. This helps maintain the shape of each scone and keeps the layers distinct for that perfect cinnamon swirl effect.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk in place of buttermilk or regular milk. The flavor and texture will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I prevent the scones from drying out?
Don’t overbake! Remove the scones as soon as they turn golden brown. Also, avoid refrigerating leftovers; keep them in an airtight container at room temperature instead.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add wonderful texture and flavor to the cinnamon sugar filling. Just sprinkle them evenly on the buttered dough before rolling it up.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Scones Recipe hits that sweet spot between tender, flaky scones and the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch extra special or simply craving a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these scones will not disappoint. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself sharing it as the best kept secret in your household!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Scones combine the fluffy, tender texture of classic scones with the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they feature a cinnamon-sugar filling rolled into buttermilk dough and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and press it into a half-inch thick rectangle for easy rolling and layering.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Apply Filling: Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the rectangle of dough to create the characteristic swirl flavor.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 to 10 even pieces. Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the scones for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk amount to achieve desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: After removing the scones from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm scones. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, keep butter cold when cutting into the flour mixture to ensure flaky scones.
- Buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness, but regular milk can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar amounts to taste if you prefer a sweeter or spicier filling.
- Glaze can be stored separately and added just before serving to keep scones fresh longer.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
