Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Flaky, buttery Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that combines warm chai spices with a sweet glaze. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons, these scones are not only delicious but also easy to make. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring that you’ll impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these delightful scones.
• Flavorful Spices: Infused with chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, each bite is a warm hug of flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack paired with coffee or tea.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These scones shine during the fall and winter holidays but are enjoyable year-round.
• Delicious Maple Glaze: The maple chai glaze adds a sweet finish that elevates the flavors of the scone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the perfect scones.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes mixing the dough quick and easy, helping to achieve that perfect flaky texture.
• Bench scraper: Ideal for cutting the dough into wedges cleanly and easily without disturbing the texture.

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 Ingredients

Pull the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator. Measure ½ cup of 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 the scones. Set this mixture in the freezer to chill while measuring out dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a food processor bowl, combine:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
* ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pulse a handful of times until blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add the very cold butter cubes to the flour mixture in the processor. Pulse about 25–30 times until butter pieces are small but some larger chunks remain. These chunks are key for flaky scones.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Retrieve your chilled cream mixture from the freezer. Gradually pulse it into your butter-flour mix until a wet dough forms. The dough should hold together but still show bits of butter.

Step 5: Rest Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball and press it down into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cut Scones

After chilling, roll your dough on a floured surface:
* For full-sized scones, roll into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into 8 wedges.
* For mini scones, roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick; cut strips and triangles as desired.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

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

Step 8: Bake Scones

Transfer scones onto prepared sheets and brush generously with egg wash using reserved egg white. Bake for about 20–22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While scones bake, mix together:
* 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

Whisk until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Scones

Once baked and cooled slightly, dip each scone top into the glaze for an even coating. Let them set briefly before serving. Enjoy these delightful homemade chai scones with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Serving homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze is a delightful experience. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea party. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your chai scone experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Earl Grey – The bergamot in Earl Grey tea pairs beautifully with the spices in the scones.
• Chai Tea – Enhance the chai flavor by serving these scones with a hot cup of chai tea.

Fresh Fruit Accompaniments

• Sliced Apples – Crisp apple slices add a refreshing crunch that complements the rich scone.
• Berries – Fresh raspberries or strawberries provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Cheese Pairings

• Cream Cheese – A smooth layer of cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the spiced flavors.
• Brie – Soft brie cheese offers a luxurious contrast to the flaky scones.

Sweet Spreads

• Honey – Drizzling honey over warm scones enhances their sweetness and moisture.
• Jam – Choose fruity jams like strawberry or raspberry for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Perfecting homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill Ingredients – Use very cold butter and heavy cream to achieve a flaky texture in your scones.
• Don’t Overmix – Gently combine the dough; overmixing can lead to tough scones.
• Use Fresh Spices – Ensure your chai spice blend is fresh for the best flavor outcome.
• Cut Evenly – For uniform baking, cut your scone dough into equal sizes so they bake evenly.
• Rest the Dough – Letting the dough chill before baking helps maintain its shape and aids in achieving flakiness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Pairing side dishes with homemade chai scones can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt – Creamy yogurt adds protein and pairs well with sweet flavors; try topping it with honey!
2. Granola – Crunchy granola provides a nice texture contrast and can be served alongside yogurt.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad brightens up the meal and adds vibrant color to your plate.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches – Light cucumber sandwiches offer a refreshing bite that complements sweet scones.
5. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche adds richness and makes your brunch more filling.
6. Coffee Cake – A slice of coffee cake goes well with tea or coffee and rounds out a cozy morning spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect scone.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough scones. Mix until just combined and avoid overworking the dough.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the scones’ texture. Always preheat your oven to 375°F for optimal results.
• Not Chilling Ingredients: Using warm butter or cream can result in dense scones. Ensure your butter and cream are very cold before starting.
• Ignoring Measurements: Precise measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives a beautiful golden color. Don’t forget to brush your scones before baking for that appealing finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Scones can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place scones on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a scone on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add scones and cover briefly to warm through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze.

Can I use different spices in my chai blend?

Yes! Feel free to customize your chai spice blend according to your taste preferences.

How long do these scones last?

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze last up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer when properly stored.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, then bake fresh scones when you’re ready.

What can I serve with my chai scones?

These delicious scones pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a dollop of clotted cream or jam.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are an irresistible treat that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Their flaky texture complemented by a sweet glaze makes them perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Experiment with different spices or glazes to make this recipe uniquely yours!