Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Wet Ingredients and Fat
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into 1/4-inch cubes)
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon maple emulsion (optional, for stronger flavor)
Topping and Glaze
- 1 large egg white (optional, for brushing)
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all leavening agents and seasonings.
- Cut in butter and add pecans: Using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers, cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg yolk, maple syrup, and optional maple emulsion until smooth and well blended.
- Form the dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently stir just until a dough begins to form; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until it just comes together, preserving some crumbly texture for lightness.
- Shape and cut: Pat the dough into a 7-inch round shape and cut it into 8 equal wedges for even baking and portions.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the scones on the prepared pan. For softer scones, keep them close together in a circle; for crispier edges, space them apart.
- Optional topping: Brush the tops with egg white and sprinkle with coarse or turbinado sugar for a crunchy, glossy finish if desired.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until they turn golden brown, then allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk together until smooth and thick but pourable, perfect for drizzling.
- Glaze scones: Drizzle the glaze over warm (not hot) scones to add a sweet, glossy finish enhancing the maple flavor.
Notes
- For stronger maple flavor, adding maple emulsion is optional but recommended.
- Egg white brushing and coarse sugar topping are optional but create a beautiful shiny, crunchy crust.
- Keep scones close together if you prefer a softer texture, or spaced apart for crispy edges.
- Scones are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- The glaze should be applied when the scones are warm, not hot, to prevent melting or running off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian