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Chai Pear Scones Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

These Chai Pear Scones blend warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom with juicy diced pears to create a fragrant and tender treat. Flaky and buttery, these scones are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea, topped with a delicious cinnamon-spiced glaze.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones

Ingredients

Scones

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 medium pear (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup buttermilk (cold)

Topping & Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing)
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (for glaze consistency)

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cardamom until well combined.
  2. Cut in the butter: Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the diced pear pieces to distribute them evenly.
  3. Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla bean paste and cold buttermilk together. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring lightly until the dough just comes together. Add only as much buttermilk as needed to create a moist but not wet dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
  4. Knead and shape the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, transfer the dough, and gently knead it four to five times. Then, pat the dough into a 7-inch diameter round circle.
  5. Cut scones and chill: Slice the dough in half, then cut each half into four triangular wedges, making eight scones total. Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
  6. Preheat and prepare: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the chilled scones with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to encourage browning.
  7. Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  8. Make the glaze: While the scones bake or cool, combine the confectioners’ sugar, ground cinnamon, and 3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and reaches a drizzleable consistency.
  9. Glaze the scones: Once scones have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the prepared glaze over the tops. This adds a sweet, spiced finish to the scones.
  10. Serve: Enjoy the scones fresh for the best texture and flavor, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack alongside tea or coffee.

Notes

  • For best texture, keep the butter cold and avoid overworking the dough.
  • Freezing the scones before baking helps them maintain their shape and improves flakiness.
  • Use ripe but firm pears for a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
  • The glaze can be adjusted for consistency by adding more or less heavy cream.
  • Scones are best eaten the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, British