Maple. Just the word itself conjures images of crisp autumn mornings, the rich amber hue of syrup drizzling over pancakes, and the comforting sweetness that warms you from the inside out. If you’re a fan of this quintessential flavor, especially when paired with the rustic charm of homemade baking, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the world of Pioneer Woman Maple Scones, inspired by classic recipes and elevated with a delightful oat twist.
This isn’t just any scone recipe; it’s a journey into creating a pastry that perfectly balances textures and tastes. Imagine sinking your teeth into a scone that’s slightly crunchy on the outside, yielding to a tender, moist interior, all infused with the warm, inviting aroma of maple and the subtle nuttiness of oats. And to top it all off? A luscious maple glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and pure maple bliss.
Maple Oat Scones. A slightly sweet, crunchy (on the outside), tender (on the inside) scone filled with oats and topped with maple glaze. Simply Sated
These maple oat scones are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re an experience. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a delightful afternoon tea, or simply a moment of self-indulgence with a cup of coffee. They encapsulate the spirit of home baking – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
What Makes These Maple Oat Scones Special?
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about what sets these scones apart. While inspired by the hearty, comforting recipes you might associate with the “pioneer woman” style of cooking, these maple oat scones bring a sophisticated touch to a classic baked good.
- Texture Perfection: We’re aiming for that ideal scone texture – a delicate crumb that’s neither too dry nor too crumbly. The addition of oats contributes to a slightly chewy texture, contrasting beautifully with the crisp edges.
- Maple Infusion, Inside and Out: Maple isn’t just a topping here; it’s woven throughout the scone. A hint of maple syrup or extract in the dough itself enhances the flavor profile, while the generous maple glaze ensures every bite is bursting with maple goodness.
- Oatmeal Goodness: Oats add a wholesome element and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the maple perfectly. Using finely ground oats in the dough ensures a tender crumb while still providing that characteristic oat flavor.
- Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these scones are surprisingly simple to bake. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in under an hour.
Maple Oat Scones. A slightly sweet, crunchy (on the outside), tender (on the inside) scone filled with oats and topped with maple glaze. Simply Sated
Baking Your Own Pioneer Woman Inspired Maple Oat Scones
Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked maple scones? Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this baking adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our scones.
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ground: Ground oats ensure a tender crumb while adding flavor. You can use a food processor or blender to grind them.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 tablespoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives scones their rise and airy texture.
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in scones.
- ¾ – 1 cup cold heavy cream: Adds moisture and richness. Start with ¾ cup and add more if needed to bring the dough together.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and binds the dough.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or 1 teaspoon maple extract: Infuses the scones with maple flavor from within.
For the Maple Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar: The base for our sweet and smooth glaze.
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup: The star ingredient for that authentic maple flavor.
- ½ teaspoon maple extract: Boosts the maple flavor in the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon strong coffee (optional): Enhances the maple flavor and adds depth. You can omit this if you prefer.
Optional Toppings:
- Honey Roasted Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty sweetness.
- Crisp Bacon Pieces: For a sweet and savory twist.
- Flake Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Walnuts: Another great nutty option.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier your scones will be.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, egg, and maple syrup or extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until just combined. The dough should look shaggy and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until it comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a round or square shape, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8-16 equal portions, depending on your desired scone size. Triangles or squares are classic scone shapes.
- Chill the Dough: Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Freeze for 30-60 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter, which is essential for flaky scones.
- Preheat and Bake: While the scones are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the scones are chilled, bake for 20-24 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and slightly puffed up. They should still be fairly pale in color.
- Cool the Scones: Remove the baked scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the scones are cooling, make the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and optional strong coffee until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of cream or maple syrup. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle generously with maple glaze. You can also dip the tops of the scones into the glaze for a thicker coating. Sprinkle with your desired toppings, if using.
- Enjoy! These maple oat scones are best enjoyed fresh.
Maple Oat Scones. A slightly sweet, crunchy (on the outside), tender (on the inside) scone filled with oats and topped with maple glaze. Simply Sated
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Maple Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cold cream are key to achieving flaky scones. Work quickly to keep the butter from melting.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make scones tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Freezing the shaped scones before baking is crucial for preventing them from spreading and ensuring a tender interior.
- Customize Your Glaze: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more liquid for a thinner one.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize your scones. Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon would all be delicious.
- Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat gently in the oven.
Conclusion: A Taste of Homemade Comfort
These pioneer woman maple scones are a testament to the beauty of simple baking. They offer a comforting blend of flavors and textures that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the cozy delight of homemade maple oat scones. Your taste buds will thank you!
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