Cozy Chai Delights (Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze)

Fall in love with baking all over again with these Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze! Imagine flaky, buttery scones kissed by warm chai spices—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg—finished off with a silky-sweet maple chai glaze. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. These delightful scones are not only bursting with flavor but are also incredibly easy to whip up, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These scones are the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making them a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Here’s why you’ll adore these Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze:

– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of aromatic chai spices and sweet maple creates an irresistible taste sensation.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch, tea time, or holiday celebrations, these scones will leave everyone wanting more!
– Flexible & Fast: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying your scones in no time.
– Make-Ahead Magic: These scones can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some pantry staples and a couple of secret flavor-enhancers for these delightful scones! The chai spice blend and maple syrup are the true stars, infusing the scones with warmth and sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Main Ingredients:

– 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
– 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

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

Looking to personalize your Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze? Get creative with these fun variations:

– Go Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
– Add Extra Protein: Mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch and additional protein.
– Make it Spicier: Amp up the spice by adding a pinch of cayenne or using a spicier chai blend.
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel in the glaze for a twist.
– Cheese it Up: Fold in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or cream cheese, for a savory version of these scones.

How to Make Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Ready to create your own aromatic batch of scones? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Chill the Ingredients

Pull the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator. We want everything icy cold to guarantee that perfect flaky texture!

Step 2: Whisk & Chill

In a 2-cup liquid measure, whisk the heavy cream with 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk. Reserve the remaining egg white for later. Place this mixture in the freezer to chill while you prep the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, chai spice, and kosher salt. Pulse a few times to mix everything together.

Step 4: Cut in the Butter

Grab that cold butter and add it to the flour mixture. Pulse until the butter pieces are broken down and resemble fluffy parmesan cheese—some small, some larger—for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Take the chilled cream and egg mixture out of the freezer. Gradually pulse it into the butter-flour mixture until a sticky dough begins to form. Don’t worry if some butter pieces are visible; they’ll create delightful flaky layers!

Step 6: Shape & Chill

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Form it into a ball and press it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Cut the Scones

Remove the dough from the freezer. For full-sized scones, roll the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 8 wedges. For mini scones, roll it into a rectangle, cut into strips, and then slice into smaller triangles.

Step 8: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Place the scones on the prepared sheet and brush generously with the reserved egg wash.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-22 minutes until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly. Allow them to cool before glazing.

Step 10: Make the Maple Chai Glaze

While the scones are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, chai spice, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 11: Glaze the Scones

Dip the tops of the cooled scones into the glaze, coating them generously. For a thick glaze, let it set for a moment and then dip again. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before enjoying!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

– Keep Everything Cold: Make sure your butter, cream, and eggs are super cold for the flakiest scones.
– Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the dough comes together; overmixing can lead to tough scones.
– Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste—chai is all about personal preference!
– Use a Bench Scraper: This handy tool helps in cutting the dough and transferring the scones without fuss.

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Garnishes

Finish your scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your delightful scones with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee, and perhaps a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your scones on a beautiful platter or in individual cups for a charming tea party vibe. They also make a lovely addition to breakfast trays or brunch spreads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these scones! Freeze the unbaked shaped scones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy scones that taste freshly baked, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, just ensure it’s a 1:1 ratio.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your liking! The chai spice blend provides warmth, but if you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes! You can either freeze the unbaked scones or bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

How do I make this a vegan recipe?

To make vegan scones, use coconut oil in place of butter and a plant-based milk instead of heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that’s sure to warm your heart and home. With their flaky texture and sweet glaze, they embody the essence of comfort baking. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and start creating a batch that will fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of chai. Happy baking!