If you love warm, sweet treats, you’ll adore making maple pecan scones! This recipe is easy, fun, and perfect for all skill levels. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these tasty pastries. You’ll discover simple steps, handy tips, and delicious variations to try. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together and elevate your breakfast game!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Extra maple syrup for drizzling
To create these delightful maple pecan scones, you need a few simple ingredients. The all-purpose flour forms the base. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder helps the scones rise. Salt enhances the flavors. Cold butter gives the scones a flaky texture, and heavy cream adds richness. Pure maple syrup brings sweetness and a lovely flavor. Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty taste, and vanilla extract gives a warm note. Lastly, an egg wash helps achieve a golden finish.
Nutritional Information
Each scone offers about 200 calories. They have roughly 8 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein. The scones also provide calcium and iron from the ingredients. Enjoy them as a treat, but be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching calories.
Notes on Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed. For dairy-free scones, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. If you prefer a different nut, try walnuts or almonds. For sweetness, honey can replace maple syrup, but the flavor will change. Always remember that substitutions can alter texture and taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the scones bake evenly.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mix.
5. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour. Aim for coarse crumbs.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
8. Gently fold the ingredients together. Do not overmix; this keeps the scones light.
Baking Instructions
1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick.
2. Cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza.
3. Place each wedge on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Beat 1 egg and brush it on top of the scones. This gives them a nice golden color.
5. Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and firm.
6. Use a toothpick to check if they are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Cooling and Serving Tips
1. Once baked, let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
2. Drizzle extra maple syrup over the warm scones for added flavor.
3. Serve them on a rustic wooden board. Add whole pecans and a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Fluffy Scones
To make your scones fluffy, keep your butter cold. Cold butter helps create air pockets. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in quickly. Avoid overmixing the dough. It should be just combined, not smooth. This helps keep the scones light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter makes dense scones. Another mistake is overworking the dough. This can lead to tough scones. Also, don’t skip the egg wash. It gives the scones a nice shine and color.
How to Achieve a Perfect Golden Finish
For a golden finish, brush the tops with egg wash. This adds color and a beautiful sheen. Bake the scones until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the oven. Each oven is different, so watch for that nice golden color.
Variations
Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Scones
You can make gluten-free scones by switching the flour. Use 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum. This will help hold your scones together. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.
Vegan Maple Pecan Scones
To make vegan scones, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk in place of heavy cream. Almond milk or oat milk works well. Skip the egg wash and brush the tops with more maple syrup instead. These changes keep the flavor rich and perfect for everyone.
Flavor Variations
Want to mix it up? You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit. Dark chocolate adds a nice contrast to the sweet maple and nuts. Dried cranberries or cherries offer a fruity burst. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice when you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Each variation brings a new twist to your scones!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Scones
To keep your Maple Pecan Scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to prevent any sogginess.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze the scones, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. For the best taste, label the bag with the date.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
When you’re ready to enjoy your scones again, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the scones and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method keeps them nice and fluffy. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but the oven is best for texture. Enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup!
FAQs
Can I make Maple Pecan Scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Maple Pecan Scones ahead of time. You can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and store it in the fridge. Wrap each wedge in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just take them out and brush with egg wash. Bake as usual. You’ll enjoy fresh scones in no time!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half. This gives a similar richness but with less fat. Another option is to use whole milk with melted butter. Mix 1/4 cup of melted butter with 3/4 cup of whole milk. It works well in the recipe, too. These substitutes keep the scones moist and tasty.
How long do these scones last at room temperature?
Maple Pecan Scones last for about two days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from getting dry. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each scone tightly and store them in the freezer. They can last for up to three months frozen!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan scones. We broke down the key ingredients and their nutritional value, and offered substitution ideas. The step-by-step instructions made baking easy. I shared tips for making fluffy scones and avoiding common mistakes. We also looked at fun variations and storage tips.
You now have the tools to bake scones that impress. Enjoy your baking and share these treats with friends!
