I glanced at the digital clock on the stove: 4:15 pm. With just over an hour before our road trip to the city for sushi and crêpes with my mom, I laced up my raspberry red running shoes and shook the leash at our dog. “Want to go for a walk?”
Strapped inside her harness, she trotted down the driveway with her tongue hanging out and her ears perked up like little periscopes. She stopped to sniff every single leaf at the park and on neighbors’ lawns—no easy feat, now that fall finally hit—and I constantly chided her to hurry up. Come on. Let’s go!
At 15 pounds, our Little Lady’s legs can only walk so far before plopping down to rest (or sunbathe), so I hustled to start another longer loop around the bike path after dropping her off at home. Only a quarter-mile into it, a bony chestnut-colored dog bounded up to me and nuzzled my leg. No owners in sight, I sat on the street with the dog, scratching behind his long curly ears while dialing the number on his tag.
I reached the SPCA.
(A little soapbox speech to dog owners: please please please put your cell phone number on your pooch’s tags! Not the vet, the kennel, or your home phone. If your dog escapes while you’re on vacation and the sitter isn’t staying at your house, your cell number will be much more useful!)
I next called my favorite number, and a few minutes later, my guy appeared with our Little Lady’s leash. The moment I clipped it onto Ol’ Chestnut’s collar, he sprinted off down the street, practically pulling my shoulder out of its socket as he went. (And he was only 20 pounds!)
After a few houses, I picked a random door to knock on, and the gentleman explained that Chestnut Charlie lived at the two-story place to his left. I returned my new friend to his slightly scatterbrained owner, who then closed the door and offered him a milk bone treat.
At least, that’s what I want to believe! If I ran around the neighborhood streets for an entire afternoon, I’d crave a snack the moment I started up my driveway. A sweet snack. Full of spices.
Like these Caramel Apple Scones!
The dry ingredients are fairly predictable: all-purpose and whole-wheat flours (for extra fiber and nutrients!), baking powder, cinnamon (don’t skimp!), salt, and brown sugar. I opted for brown sugar instead of granulated because it adds an extra hint of caramel to the dough.
Next comes the butter. Be sure it’s chilled and cubed (about ¼” squares) before cutting it into the dry ingredients! This creates a light, airy texture inside of your scones (and won’t clog your fork tines or pastry cutter). To make these scones healthier, I used very little butter and substituted skim milk plus lots of protein-packed Greek yogurt instead. The Greek yogurt keeps the insides moist, and due to the extra vanilla extract, the scones still taste slightly buttery!
Before baking the scones, you’ll generously brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar. The combination of these two creates a crisp crusty exterior, which contrasts with the soft moist interior. And after a sweet drizzle of caramel syrup, your scones are ready to serve!
From start to finish, these Caramel Apple Scones barely take 45 minutes to make: 15 minutes to mix the dough, 15 minutes to bake, and 10-15 (agonizing) minutes to cool for the drizzle. Plus you only end up with one bowl to wash. So simple!
I nibbled on mine in the afternoon with a warm mug of coffee while curled up on the couch, and the remaining scones with their lines of golden caramel tempted me to eat breakfast for dinner later. With that many juicy apple chunks, I still would’ve justified it as a healthy meal!
These scones taste like fall — cinnamon, apples, and caramel! Store any un-drizzled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Preheat the oven to 425°, and lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slice the butter into small pieces, and cut into the flour mixture using two knives or the back of a fork. When the mixture resembles fine crumbs, stir in the yogurt, 5 teaspoons of milk, and vanilla. Gently fold in the apples.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Brush the tops with 1 teaspoon of milk and sprinkle the granulated sugar on top. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes, or until light golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Just before serving, drizzle with the caramel-flavored syrup.
Note: For a vegan version, use stick margarine instead of butter and any non-dairy yogurt and milk.
Your word pictures (as well as your photographs) are leaving me simultaneously drooling and wanting to be curled up on the couch with a warm drink, scone, and a book in hand. Hey, I’m off work for the day… why not now?!
No time like the present! And anytime is a good time for a scone. (Or a cookie or a muffin or a brownie or…) 😉 When I’m not complaining about the chilly weather, that’s exactly why I like fall — the warm drinks (coffee in hand right now!), the books, and the snuggling with baked goods. So fun!
How sweet of you to save the doggie!! I always try and they run away from me. Speaks volumes… 😉
I think it just means you try to save the adventurous, hyper, high-energy dogs Dorothy! Speaks absolutely nothing about you. 🙂
Amy – I just made these and boy are they delicious! On top of that, they smell wonderful while they’re baking. And best of all they’re healthy! You have some wonderful recipes!
Thank you so much Katy! I’m really touched that you’ve tried and enjoyed many of my recipes. Your sweet comment made my day — thank you! 🙂
Hi Amy! Such a great story! You are such a caring human being. I made these apple scones and they are soooo freakin’ delicious! The caramel drizzle is the perfect finishing touch. I consistently follow your recipes exactly as stated and everything always turns out perfectly. I get MANY compliments every time I share your treats with friends and family. Naturally, I give you all the credit. Thank you again! XOXO
You’re the biggest sweetheart in the whole world Carmelina — thank you yet again for another kind comment! I always end up with the biggest smile on my face after hearing from you. You make my entire day with your sweet words!! 🙂 I’m so excited to hear what you try next!!
I recently found your site (blog?) and I absolutely love your recipes! I am a minor, and I hope to become a pro pastry chef when I grow up, and your recipes are delicious practice :).
-Tamerlane
You’re so kind, Tamerlane! It means a lot that you’re enjoying my recipes. Thank you for taking the time to let me know — and best of luck with your pastry chef career too!! 🙂