Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery scones with the warm spices of chai. These scones are perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea and are suitable for various occasions, including cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. The standout feature is the sweet maple chai glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor, making these scones a must-try for your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm chai spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall and winter.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, these scones are beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.
• Beautiful Presentation: The glaze adds a lovely finish, making them great for sharing at gatherings or special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh scones when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of homemade chai scones, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Bench scraper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps quickly combine the ingredients, ensuring a tender texture by cutting in the butter effectively.
• Bench scraper: Perfect for cutting and transferring dough, this tool makes handling your scone mixture easier.

Ingredients

For these Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze, gather the following 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

How to Make Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Start by pulling the butter, heavy cream, and eggs out of the refrigerator. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Mixture

1. Measure the heavy cream into a liquid measuring cup.
2. Whisk in one large egg and one egg yolk (reserve the egg white).
3. Place this mixture in the freezer to chill while you prepare dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In the bowl of a food processor:
   Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, chai spice blend, and kosher salt.
   Pulse several times until mixed well.

Step 4: Cut in Butter

1. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture in the food processor.
2. Pulse about 25-30 times until butter pieces vary in size, some small and some large.
3. Slowly add the chilled cream mixture until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides.

Step 5: Shape Dough

1. Transfer dough onto a floured surface.
2. Quickly form it into a ball and press it down into a disc.
3. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

1. After chilling, place dough on a floured surface again.
2. Roll out full-sized scones into a circle about an inch thick or mini scones into a rectangle half an inch thick.
3. Cut into wedges or strips as desired.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F while preparing your baking sheet lined with parchment paper or using a Silpat mat.

Step 8: Bake Scones

1. Transfer cut scones onto prepared baking sheet:
   Brush generously with reserved egg wash made from egg white.
   Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

1. While scones bake:
   1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Scones

1. Once baked:
   1. Submerge each warm scone top into glaze to coat thoroughly.
   2. Let set for about ten minutes before serving.

Enjoy these delectable Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze alongside your favorite hot drink!

How to Serve Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Serving homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze can elevate any gathering, be it a cozy brunch or an afternoon tea. These delicious scones can be enjoyed in various ways to please your guests.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pair your scones with a rich cup of coffee for a delightful contrast.
• Tea – A warm cup of chai or Earl Grey complements the spices in the scones perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate – For a sweet treat, enjoy them alongside a creamy hot chocolate.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit adds brightness and balances the richness of the scones.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with fruits and granola enhances texture and flavor.
• Cheese Plate – Add some soft cheeses to create a savory contrast with the sweet scones.

For Afternoon Tea

• Savory Sandwiches – Small sandwiches filled with cucumber or smoked salmon offer a nice balance.
• Mini Pastries – Include other pastries like croissants or danishes for variety.

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How to Perfect Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

To achieve the best results with your homemade chai scones, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Ingredients – Keeping your butter and cream very cold ensures flaky layers in your scones.
• Don’t Overmix – Gently combine ingredients to prevent tough scones; some butter pieces should remain visible.
• Chill the Dough – Resting the dough in the freezer helps maintain its shape during baking.
• Check for Doneness Early – Start checking your scones a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
• Double Glaze for Extra Sweetness – A second layer of glaze creates a more decadent finish if desired.
• Serve Fresh – Scones are best enjoyed on the same day they are baked for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

Adding sides can enhance your enjoyment of homemade chai scones. Here are some great options that pair well.

1. Fresh Berries – Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
2. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream makes for a lovely topping option.
3. Honey Butter – A sweet spread that complements the spiced flavors of the scone beautifully.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting – Sprinkling cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
5. Almonds or Pecans – Toasted nuts add crunch and richness alongside your scone experience.
6. Spiced Apple Compote – Warm spiced apples offer a delightful contrast to the dryness of the scone.
7. Maple Syrup Drizzle – A simple drizzle enhances sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.
8. Herbal Tea Selection – Provide different herbal teas to complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade chai scones can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and tips to avoid them:

• Using warm ingredients: Always ensure your butter, cream, and eggs are very cold. This helps achieve that flaky texture you desire in your scones.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can prevent your scones from rising properly. Always allow the dough to rest in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven that’s too hot or not hot enough can affect baking time and texture.
• Ignoring glaze thickness: If your glaze is too thin, it may not coat the scones well. Adjust the powdered sugar and cream ratios for a thicker consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chai scones in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze

• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen 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 one scone for about 15-20 seconds, checking for doneness.
• Stovetop: Warm a scone in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making homemade chai scones:

How do I make my homemade chai scones extra flaky?

To achieve extra flakiness, ensure your butter is very cold and avoid overmixing the dough. Large chunks of butter create pockets that result in a flaky texture.

Can I make these chai scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, freeze it, and bake fresh scones whenever you like. This makes them perfect for brunch or unexpected guests.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives, but keep in mind that using lighter creams may affect the overall richness and texture of your chai scones.

How long does it take to make homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze?

The entire process takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time.

Can I add other spices or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your chai scones with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even add nuts for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

These homemade chai scones with maple chai glaze are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet afternoon treat, they allow for customization based on your flavor preferences. Try adding unique spices or toppings—your options are endless!