This Easy Cinnamon Chip Scone Recipe is a spot on Panera copycat! Cinnamon chip scones are sweet treats that are buttery, flaky, filled with tantalizing bursts of cinnamon chips right in the batter. Bake your family happy!
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (400 degrees F high altitude) and grate butter (or chop into small ¼ inch cubes), place butter in the freezer until ready to use.
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine.
Using a fork, pastry blender or your hands (my preferred method), add the chilled butter, mixing quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix together heavy cream, egg and vanilla in a large measuring cup, until combined. Then make a well in the center of the cinnamon mixture, pour the liquids in and using a fork, combine the ingredients until most of the dry ingredients are combined.
The dough will be somewhat loose and crumbly, when squeezed in your hand should stick together. If it falls apart, add a teaspoon of cream at a time, mixing in each time.
Add the cinnamon chips, carefully combining into the dough. Try and not overmix the dough.
Turn the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment, it will look like a crumby mess! Using the parchment paper, to help contain the dough, gently start pressing the dough together, kneading gently until it forms a ball.
**For higher altitudes, you may need a bit more cream, but don’t overadd, you just want enough to bring the dough together.
8 Large Scones | Press the dough into an 7-9 inch circle, slightly mounded towards the center. Cut into 8 triangles by cutting in half, then cutting in quarters, then cut each quarter in half again for 8 scones.16 Mini Scones | Cut the dough ball into two equal pieces. Pat and shape into two smaller dough discs, about 5 inches in diameter. Cut using the same method as above, making a total of 16 mini scones.
Separate the scones on the baking sheet using a spatula so they are evenly spaced.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with Demerara sugar, pressing in lightly.
FREEZE SCONES for 30 minutes for best results, this allows the butter to firm again and the glutens to relax in the dough.
Optional egg wash for a glossier finish. Mix together egg and cream well, brush onto scones, tops and sides. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash (if desired) and sprinkle with Demerara sugar.
Bake large scones for 16-20 minutes until the scones are puffed and lightly golden brown, baking mini scones for 13-18 minutes. Do not overbake.
Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make cinnamon glaze by combining powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter, then while whisking, slowly add a little cream at a time until desired consistency. If glazing the scones with cinnamon glaze, allow to cool completely for defined drizzle or cool for 10 minutes for an all over glaze that “melts” into the scone.
Notes
Butter | European style butters with higher fat content work better for a more tender, lighter scone. No butter blends though!
Flour | I suggest a quality unbleached AP flour, pastry flour may also be used.
Cinnamon Chips | You can typically find them during the holiday season at the grocery stores, made by Hershey’s or these from Amazon. I highly recommend you purchase them from King Arthur, they are more of a true cinnamon chip, not a chocolate chip cinnamon chip style. Or go one better and make your own!
Make Ahead | Make your discs, slice into desired number of wedges, double wrap in plastic wrap, place in baggie. Freeze until ready to use, up to 3 months.
Bake from Frozen | proceed with recipe as directed, you may need to bake a few extra minutes.
Storage | Eat scones soon for the best texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. May be frozen for up to 2 months.