Next, I make a well in the center of my dry ingredients and pour in the apple cider, egg, and vanilla extract. I fold the mixture gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. After that, I turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about an inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, I cut the rectangle into triangles—the classic scone shape. Then, I transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for rising.
I pop these scones into the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The smell of baking scones makes my heart swell with happiness! While they cool, I whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and milk in a small mixing bowl to create the glaze. Once the scones have cooled for about 10 minutes, I drizzle the glaze over the top, watching it seep into all those wonderful nooks and crannies.
And just like that, my Apple Cider Oat Scones with Maple Cottage Glaze are ready to enjoy! I love serving them warm, perhaps with a little extra drizzle of glaze on the side. They make my mornings feel special, and I often find myself sneaking another just to relish that cozy, autumnal flavor.
Pro Tips for Best Results
When making these scones, one crucial tip I learned from experience is to keep your butter cold. If it melts into the flour, you’ll lose that delightful flaky texture. I often stick my butter in the freezer for a short while before using it, and it makes all the difference!
I also discovered that using fresh apple cider—not the kind that’s been diluted—truly elevates the flavor of the scones. The robust taste of pure cider brings that autumn charm right into my kitchen. If you find local cider, definitely grab a jug!
Lastly, I like to let my scones cool for just a few minutes before glazing them. It helps the glaze set up nicely without running off too quickly. This way, every bite has the perfect blend of flavor from the scone and that rich, sweet glaze!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I encountered when I first made these scones was overmixing the dough. It’s easy to do when you’re in a hurry, but overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of the light, fluffy texture we all dream of. I’ve since learned to mix just until everything is combined.
Another slip up is not measuring the ingredients accurately. Scones are a bit delicate, so precision is key. I recommend measuring flour using the spoon-and-level method—spooning flour into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This little trick keeps the flour from getting packed in too tightly.
Additionally, skipping the egg wash can also lead to less desirable results. An egg wash creates that lovely golden crust that makes your scones look as good as they taste. I dabbled with omitting it once, and let me tell you, the difference was noticeable—not as much visual appeal! (See the next page below to continue…)