Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that brings warmth and spice into any occasion. With their rich flavors of chai spices and a sweet glaze, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea. They are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to enjoy during the fall and winter seasons, making them a festive addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: Infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon and ginger, each bite offers a comforting flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, making scones is straightforward.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy mornings, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Customizable Glaze: The maple chai glaze adds a unique twist that can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for quick baking on busy mornings.

Tools and Preparation

To embark on this delicious journey of making scones, having the right tools will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• 2-cup liquid measuring cup
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps quickly combine the flour and butter, ensuring a flaky texture without overworking the dough.
• Bench scraper: Perfect for cutting scone shapes and transferring pieces without damaging their delicate structure.

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Ingredients

For the Scones

• 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 Your 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 and 1 large egg yolk (reserve the remaining egg white for brushing). Chill this mixture in the freezer while preparing the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and kosher salt. Pulse several times to mix everything together quickly.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Add the very cold diced butter into the flour mixture. Pulse until you achieve a mixture where some butter pieces are very small while others remain larger. This combination is key for achieving tender scones.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry Mixture

Retrieve your chilled cream and egg mixture from the freezer. Gradually pulse this into your flour-butter mixture until it starts to form a ball. The dough should feel slightly wet but still have visible pieces of butter.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Form it into a ball and flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to rest for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

After freezing time is complete, roll out your dough into a circle about an inch thick for full-sized scones or half an inch thick for mini scones. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut them into wedges or smaller triangles as desired.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat before transferring your cut scones onto it.

Step 8: Bake Scones

Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While scones are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Your Scones

Once cooled, dip each scone’s top into the glaze for generous coverage. For extra thickness in glaze, allow it to set briefly before dipping again. Let them sit for about ten minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

These delightful Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pairing these scones with a freshly brewed cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the spices.
• Tea: A hot cup of chai or Earl Grey tea complements the scones beautifully, creating a cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate: For something sweeter, serve alongside rich hot chocolate for a comforting treat.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds a fresh contrast to the warm scones.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a delicious and nutritious side that balances sweetness.
• Savory Quiche: Serve with a slice of quiche for a delightful mixture of sweet and savory flavors.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses to provide an interesting flavor profile alongside the scones.
• Spiced Nuts: Offering spiced nuts can enhance the chai flavor, creating a festive snacking option.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

To ensure your scones turn out flaky and flavorful every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Butter Technique: Use very cold butter when mixing; this helps create those flaky layers.
• Bold Chill Dough: Always chill your dough before baking. It helps maintain shape and texture while baking.
• Bold Flour Surface: Roll out on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking and maintain the dough’s integrity.
• Bold Egg Wash: Brush with egg wash before baking for a beautiful golden finish.
• Bold Bake in Batches: If making multiple trays, bake one at a time for even cooking and browning.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

These scones pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your serving table.
2. Savory Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for creamy contrasts to the scone’s texture.
3. Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: A simple spread can elevate your scone experience by adding another layer of flavor.
4. Spiced Tea Cookies: Complement the chai theme with another baked good featuring similar spices.
5. Honey Drizzle: Offer honey on the side for those who enjoy an extra touch of sweetness on their scones.
6. Mixed Nuts Snack Bowl: Provide roasted mixed nuts for crunch and protein, balancing out the sweetness of the scone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade chai scones can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream are very cold. This helps create flaky layers in the scones.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough scones. Combine until just mixed and keep some butter pieces visible.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can prevent the scones from rising properly. Always chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the scones as they bake. Every oven is different, so check for golden edges and puffiness.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip this step for a delicious finish!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Wrap each cooled scone tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual scones on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Cover scones in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding making homemade chai scones.

How do I make homemade chai spice blend?

You can easily make your own by combining equal parts of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, it may alter the texture slightly. You might need to add more liquid to get the right consistency.

How long do homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze last?

When stored properly, these scones can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Are there alternative glazes I can use?

Absolutely! You could try a lemon glaze or even a simple sugar glaze if you prefer something different from maple flavor.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to my chai scones?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or dried fruits such as cranberries can enhance flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough gently before shaping.

Final Thoughts

These homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. With their flaky texture and warm spices, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits!