Maple Walnut Scones: A Delightful Fall Baking Adventure
Scones are a quintessential treat, perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon tea, or a satisfying snack any time of day. They’re easy to customize, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and textures. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that encapsulates the warmth and richness of autumn: Maple Walnut Scones. The combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy walnuts creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones!
Why Maple Walnut Scones?
Maple and walnut are a match made in heaven. The subtle sweetness of maple syrup complements the earthy, nutty flavor of walnuts perfectly. These scones are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or simply enjoyed on their own. Plus, they’re relatively quick to make, making them ideal for those mornings when you crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk, cold
* 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Maple Glaze (Optional):**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or fork
* Liquid measuring cup
* Measuring spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Wire rack
* Small bowl (for the glaze, if using)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the baking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure perfect maple walnut scones every time.
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, walnuts, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Cut in the Butter**
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces; this is crucial for creating flaky scones. Working quickly is important to keep the butter cold.
**Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients**
In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the cold buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure the maple syrup is well combined with the buttermilk.
**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing will result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly shaggy.
**Step 6: Shape the Scones**
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges (or desired shape). If using a biscuit cutter, cut out rounds and gently re-form the scraps to cut out more scones.
**Step 7: Bake the Scones**
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
**Step 8: Cool the Scones**
Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While the scones are cooling, you can prepare the maple glaze (if using).
**Step 9: Prepare the Maple Glaze (Optional)**
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the scones but thin enough to drizzle.
**Step 10: Glaze the Scones (Optional)**
Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm scones. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
**Step 11: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve the maple walnut scones warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or simply enjoy them on their own. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy evening snack.
Tips for Perfect Maple Walnut Scones
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of steam in the dough as it bakes, resulting in a light and airy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough scones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Avoid overworking the dough when shaping the scones. Gently pat the dough into a circle and cut out the scones. The less you handle the dough, the more tender the scones will be.
* **Bake at the Right Temperature:** Baking the scones at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving a golden brown crust and a fully cooked interior. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
* **Let the Scones Cool Slightly:** Allowing the scones to cool slightly before serving will prevent them from crumbling and will allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Add a Touch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg:** For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the maple and walnut flavors beautifully.
* **Experiment with Different Nuts:** If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop the nuts into small pieces.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** For a sweeter and more textured scone, consider adding dried fruit, such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates. Add about 1/2 cup of dried fruit to the dry ingredients.
* **Freeze for Later:** Scones can be frozen for later enjoyment. Bake the scones as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in a warm oven.
Variations and Additions
This maple walnut scones recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:
* **Maple Pecan Scones:** Substitute the walnuts with chopped pecans for a slightly sweeter and more buttery flavor.
* **Maple Walnut Cranberry Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dry ingredients for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Maple Walnut Chocolate Chip Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a decadent treat.
* **Spiced Maple Walnut Scones:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Savory Maple Walnut Scones:** Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. This creates a delicious savory scone that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Maple walnut scones are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of bacon or sausage.
* **Afternoon Tea:** Serve with a selection of teas, sandwiches, and other pastries.
* **Dessert:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Snack:** Enjoy on their own with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
* **Freezer:** To freeze baked scones, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-400 per scone (depending on size and glaze)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 250-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-55g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Maple walnut scones are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. With their warm, comforting flavors and flaky texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy evening snack, these scones are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible maple walnut scones. Happy baking!