Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that captures the essence of warm chai spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings, these scones are not only flavorful but also easy to make. The unique combination of spices and the sweet glaze makes them ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a quiet afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Infused with aromatic chai spices, these scones offer a warm and comforting taste that’s perfect for fall and winter.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful scones.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, a snack, or dessert. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Make Ahead Option: These scones can be prepared in advance and frozen for later baking, making them a convenient choice for busy days.
• Stunning Presentation: The maple chai glaze adds an elegant touch, making these scones visually appealing for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Helps quickly combine dry ingredients and incorporate butter for a flaky texture.
• Bench scraper: A handy tool for transferring dough and cutting it into shapes without distortion.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your scones.

Ingredients

Flaky, buttery homemade scones laced with warm chai spices – cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg – and finished with a sweet maple chai glaze. These Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall, winter, and holiday baking!

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 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 plus 1 large egg yolk (reserve the remaining egg white). Set this mixture in the freezer to chill while measuring out dry ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor:
* Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and kosher salt.
* Pulse several times until mixed.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add the cold butter cubes:
* Pulse until it resembles fluffy parmesan cheese with some larger pieces visible.

Step 4: Add Cream Mixture

Gradually add the chilled cream mixture:
* Pulse until dough forms into a ball. It should be slightly wet but still have visible pieces of butter.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface:
* Form it into a ball then press into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap.
* Freeze for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

After chilling:
* Roll dough into a circle about 1 inch thick for full-sized scones or rectangle about ½ inch thick for mini-scones.

Step 7: Cut Scones

Use a sharp knife or bench scraper:
* Cut full-sized dough into wedges (8 total) or mini-scone strips (cut into triangles).

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.

Step 9: Bake Scones

Transfer cut scones onto prepared baking sheet:
* Brush generously with reserved egg white.

Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling before glazing.

Step 10: Make Maple Chai Glaze

While scones bake:
* In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk until smooth.

Step 11: Glaze Scones

Once cooled:
* Dip each scone top into glaze twice for an extra thick layer. Let set before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze alongside your favorite coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Serving Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze can elevate any gathering. These scones are not only delightful on their own but can also be complemented by various accompaniments and beverages.

With a Hot Beverage

• Tea – Pair your scones with a warm cup of chai or any herbal tea for a cozy experience.
• Coffee – Enjoy these scones alongside a rich cup of coffee, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.

For a Festive Brunch

• Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds lightness and color, making it a perfect brunch companion.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious, creamy contrast to the spiced scones.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory addition that pairs well with the sweetness of the scones.
• Nut Mix – Offer a selection of nuts as a crunchy option that complements the soft texture of the scones.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

To achieve the best results when making your Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold ingredients – Ensure your butter, cream, and eggs are very cold. This helps create flaky layers in your scones.
• Don’t overmix – Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.
• Chill before baking – Letting the dough rest in the freezer allows for better structure and flakiness after baking.
• Bake on parchment paper – Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking for your scones.
• Double-glaze for richness – For extra sweetness and flavor, glaze your scones twice; let the first layer set before adding another.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

These side dishes complement the flavors of Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze perfectly. They add variety and balance to your meal or snack time.

1. Fresh Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a burst of freshness that pairs well with chai flavors.
2. Savory Quiche – A slice of vegetable quiche offers savory notes that contrast nicely against sweet scones.
3. Granola Bars – Homemade or store-bought granola bars make for an easy grab-and-go option alongside your scone.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches – Light and refreshing, these sandwiches provide a crisp texture that balances the richness of the glaze.
5. Spiced Nuts Mix – A mix of spiced nuts creates an enjoyable crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft scones.
6. Apple Butter – Spread some apple butter on top for an added layer of flavor and warmth that harmonizes with chai spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade chai scones can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your recipe.

• Using warm ingredients: Always start with very cold butter and cream. Warm ingredients can lead to dense, heavy scones instead of light and flaky ones.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes scones tough rather than tender.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can prevent the butter from solidifying and lead to flatter scones. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 375°F. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and doneness.
• Not using enough flour for rolling: If you don’t use enough flour on your surface, the dough may stick, making it difficult to shape. Flour your surface generously.
• Skipping the glaze: The maple chai glaze adds a sweet finish that enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for maximum taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Scones will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a scone in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making homemade chai scones, we’ve got answers!

How do I make my Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze fluffier?

To make your scones fluffier, ensure you use cold ingredients and avoid overmixing. Also, consider adding an extra teaspoon of baking powder.

Can I substitute other spices in my chai spice blend?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding nutmeg or extra ginger can enhance the flavor profile.

How long do these chai scones stay fresh?

Homemade chai scones are best enjoyed within three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze these scones before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze shaped but unbaked scone dough. Just bake them straight from the freezer; add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

These homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. Perfectly spiced and glazed, they pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Feel free to customize your glaze by adding different flavors or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall anytime!