Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These scones feature a flaky texture and are infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Finished with a sweet maple chai glaze, these scones are not only festive but also incredibly flavorful. They make an excellent companion for tea or coffee during cozy gatherings in the fall and winter months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chai spices gives these scones a unique taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, even novice bakers can create perfect scones.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these scones suit any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later baking.
• Impressive Presentation: The maple chai glaze adds a beautiful finish that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results in both ease and efficiency.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Liquid measuring cup
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps mix ingredients quickly and evenly, creating a perfect scone dough.
• Bench scraper: It’s great for cutting dough into shapes and transferring scones without losing their form.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious homemade chai scones:

For the Scone Dough

• 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

1. Pull the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator.
2. Measure the heavy cream into a 2-cup liquid measure, then whisk in 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk. Reserve the remaining egg white for brushing the scones. Set this mixture in the freezer to chill while you measure out dry ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine:
2. 2 cups all-purpose flour
3. ¼ cup granulated sugar
4. 1 tablespoon baking powder
5. 1 tablespoon chai spice blend

6. ½ teaspoon kosher salt

7. Pulse this mixture a few times to combine quickly.

Step 3: Add Butter

1. Pull the butter out of the freezer and add it to the flour mixture in the food processor.
2. Pulse about 25-30 times until some butter pieces are small and coated with flour while others remain larger for flakiness.

Step 4: Forming Dough

1. Gradually pulse in the chilled cream and egg mixture until a ball forms that pulls away from the sides of the food processor.
2. Transfer this dough to a lightly floured surface. Quickly form it into a ball and press into a disc.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shape Scones

1. Remove dough from freezer; roll it out on a floured surface:
2. For full-sized scones: Roll into a circle about 1 inch thick; cut into 8 wedges.
3. For mini scones: Roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick; cut into strips (about 2 inches wide) then slice each strip into smaller triangles.

Step 6: Bake Scones

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat; transfer scones onto it.
3. Brush generously with reserved egg wash and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Maple Chai Glaze

While scones are baking:
1. In a small bowl, combine:
– 1 heaping cup powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– A pinch of kosher salt

1. Whisk until combined into a thick glaze.

Step 8: Glaze Scones

Once baked:
1. Submerge each warm scone’s top into the glaze for generous coating.
2. Allow them to set briefly before glazing again if desired for an extra thick layer.

Enjoy your Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze alongside your favorite hot beverage!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are perfect for a cozy gathering or a quiet afternoon treat. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee complement the warm spices in the scones, making for a perfect pairing.
• Tea: Pair your scones with a cup of chai tea for an extra boost of chai flavor that enhances the overall experience.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich hot chocolate that adds sweetness and warmth, balancing the spice of the scones.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Yogurt Parfait: Serve your scones alongside a yogurt parfait layered with fresh fruits and granola for added texture and flavor.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal and provide a bright contrast to the rich scone.
• Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier option, serve with fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Top warm scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful dessert experience.
• Whipped Cream: Add dollops of whipped cream on top of the glazed scones for extra creaminess and sweetness.

How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Perfecting homemade chai scones requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your scones turn out flaky and delicious.

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with very cold butter and cream helps create tender layers in your scones.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid toughening the dough; this ensures flakiness.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the freezer helps maintain its structure during baking.
• Cut evenly: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts, which helps them rise evenly while baking.
• Brush with egg wash: A generous egg wash creates a beautiful golden crust on your scones.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your homemade chai scones can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar, which provide a savory contrast to sweet scones.
2. Nuts & Dried Fruits: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and dried apricots adds crunch and sweetness alongside the soft scones.
3. Spiced Applesauce: The warm flavors of spiced applesauce can complement the chai spices beautifully.
4. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche filled with vegetables or cheese makes for a hearty addition to your brunch spread.
5. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing cucumber sandwiches can balance out the richness of the scone’s glaze.
6. Granola Bars: For an easy snack option, homemade granola bars add texture without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze can be delightful, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm ingredients: Warm butter or cream can lead to less flaky scones. Always use very cold ingredients for the best texture.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can make scones tough. Mix just until combined for tender results.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can result in flat scones. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better rise.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Skipping the egg wash: Not brushing the scones with egg wash will affect their color and shine. Be generous with the wash for a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Place unglazed scones in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, where they can last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid; warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze ahead of time?

You can prepare and freeze the unbaked scone dough. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!

What kind of chai spice blend should I use?

You can use store-bought chai spice blends or make your own using cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.

How do I know when my scones are done baking?

The scones should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add other flavors to my scones?

Absolutely! You can customize your recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits according to your taste.

How do I store my glazed Homemade Chai Scones?

Make sure they cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. Their versatility means you can easily customize them by adding different spices or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy treat that’s perfect alongside your favorite beverage!