There’s a certain comfort in the kitchen that emerges when the oven warms up and the scent of freshly baked goods begins to fill the air. As I created these Chai Pear Scones, it felt like a cozy embrace on a brisk autumn day. The marriage of spiced chai flavors with sweet, tender pears creates an irresistible balance that beckons you to enjoy each bite slowly.
In an attempt to escape the routine of fast food and pre-packaged snacks, I’ve crafted this delightful scone recipe that not only brings homemade goodness to the forefront but also invites you to savor the nuances of each ingredient. Imagine inviting friends over for tea and unveiling these golden-brown treats—they’ll be asking for the recipe before they’ve even taken their first bite!
Whether you’re an avid baker or just stepping into the kitchen, these Chai Pear Scones are surprisingly easy to make and will undoubtedly become a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciously simple culinary adventure that celebrates the best flavors of the season!
Why Are Chai Pear Scones So Irresistible?
Comforting flavors combine with a warm, spicy chai essence that tingles the taste buds. Tender pears add moisture and sweetness, delivering a delightful texture with each bite. Easy to make, this recipe requires minimal effort but yields impressive results perfect for gatherings. Perfectly paired with a cozy cup of tea or coffee, these scones will surely impress your friends. Don’t forget to check out our guide on baking tips and techniques to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time!
Chai Pear Scone Ingredients
• Let’s gather the goodness!
For the Scone Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¾ cups (357 g) for a fluffy and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar – ⅓ cup (66 g) adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the chai flavor.
- Baking Powder – 1 tablespoon helps the scones rise beautifully, creating that light texture.
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon boosts the leavening, ensuring a delightful lift.
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon enhances all the flavors in these chai pear scones.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon infuses warmth and spice into every bite.
- Ground Ginger – 1 teaspoon brightens the flavor with a zesty kick.
- Ground Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon adds a hint of earthy richness that complements the scones.
- Medium Pear – 1, peeled, cored, and diced, for that juicy sweetness throughout the scones.
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (113 g), cold and cut into pieces, gives a flaky texture to the final product.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon enhances the overall flavor profile of the scones, making them deliciously aromatic.
- Buttermilk – 1 cup (240 ml), cold, keeps the dough moist and tender.
For the Glaze
- Heavy Cream – 1 tablespoon for a glossy finish that adds richness to the glaze.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – 1 cup (120 g) ensures sweetness and a smooth texture for the glaze.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 tablespoon adds a fragrant touch to the glaze.
- Heavy Cream – 3-4 tablespoons, adjusted to achieve the desired pourable consistency for glazing your chai pear scones.
With each ingredient hand-picked for its unique role, these chia pear scones promise to be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire!
How to Make Chai Pear Scones
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well until everything is evenly blended and fragrant.
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Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. Aim for coarse crumbs that resemble small peas, adding a light, flaky texture to your scones.
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Add Pears: Gently fold the diced pear into the flour and butter mixture, ensuring even distribution without mashing the pieces. This will create delightful bursts of sweetness in each scone!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla extract and cold buttermilk together. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender scones.
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Knead and Shape: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it four to five times, then pat the dough into a 7-inch round.
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Cut and Arrange: Slice the circle in half, then each half into four wedges for triangle-shaped scones. Place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center. Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream for a golden finish.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and puffed up. Remove them from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
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For the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream together until smooth. Adjust the cream amount to reach your desired glaze consistency.
Optional: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones for an added touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Chai Pear Scones
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Perfect Pears: Use ripe but firm pears to maintain their shape during baking. Overripe fruit can become mushy and affect the texture.
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Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and buttermilk cold for flakier scones. Room temperature can lead to dense scones; temperature is key in this chai pear scone recipe.
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Avoid Overmixing: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing activates gluten, resulting in tough scones instead of a light, tender texture.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the freezer step! Chilling helps the scones maintain their shape and ensures a flakier texture after baking.
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Custom Glaze: Adjust the glaze thickness by changing the amount of heavy cream. A thicker glaze clings nicely, while a thinner glaze creates a delightful drizzle.
What to Serve with Chai Pear Scones?
Discover delightful pairings that elevate your scone experience, inviting warmth and flavor into your cozy gatherings.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The perfect complement, its warm spices enhance the scone’s flavors while creating a soothing experience.
- Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds a tangy contrast, balancing the sweetness of the pears perfectly.
- Apple Cinnamon Compote: A warm, chunky topping that introduces additional fruitiness and a hint of tartness for delightful complexity.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate, offering a beautiful contrast in textures.
- Honey Drizzle: A touch of honey over your scones adds extra sweetness and a lovely gloss, making them truly irresistible.
- Maple Syrup: For a sweet twist, drizzle real maple syrup over your scones for a comforting, indulgent treat.
- Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwiches: Make breakfast a feast! Layer with scrambled eggs and cheese for a savory contrast that pairs smoothly with sweet scones.
- Cider Mimosa: Sparkling cider with a splash of juice offers a festive drink option, perfect for cozy brunches or tea parties.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Cozy up with this fall favorite that harmonizes with the chai flavors, creating a warm and inviting experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Chai Pear Scones are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe steps up until placing the scones on the baking sheet. After cutting and arranging them on parchment paper, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven, brush the tops with cream, and pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious scones with just a few simple finishing touches, keeping their flavor and texture just as delightful as freshly made!
Chai Pear Variations
Feel free to mix things up and tailor these scones to your taste—experiment with flavors and ingredients for a delightful twist!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or coconut milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a plant-based option.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free scone that’s equally delicious.
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Nutty: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a lovely crunch and added flavor depth.
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Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a surprising and delightful heat that complements the chai spices.
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Fruity Twist: Swap in diced apples or shredded carrots instead of pears for a different fruity dimension and refreshing taste.
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Herbal: Consider including 1 tablespoon of fresh mint or basil leaves into the mix to add a refreshing herbal note that lifts the scones beautifully.
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Cheesecake: Fold in small bits of cream cheese into the dough for a rich, creamy interior that creates a lovely cheesecake effect.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a pop of brightness that beautifully complements the spices.
How to Store and Freeze Chai Pear Scones
Room Temperature: Keep freshly baked chai pear scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor experience!
Fridge: If you need to store them longer, place the scones in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze scones individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy your chai pear scones warm and flaky, reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Chai Pear Scones Recipe FAQs
What kind of pears work best for chai pear scones?
Absolutely! I recommend using ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape well during baking while providing a delightful sweetness. Avoid overly ripe pears, as they can turn mushy and affect the scone’s texture.
How should I store leftover chai pear scones?
To keep your chai pear scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to save them longer, place the scones in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re still in a sealed container. Reheat briefly in the oven for a couple of minutes to revive their flaky goodness!
Can chai pear scones be frozen?
Yes, they can! For optimal storage, individually wrap each cooled chai pear scone in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
What should I do if my scone dough seems too wet?
Very! If your dough appears too wet, you can sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. The goal is a moist dough that holds together without feeling sticky. Remember to be gentle; overworking the dough can result in tough scones.
Are chai pear scones suitable for those with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This chai pear scone recipe is nut-free as written. However, always double-check the ingredients you choose, especially with pre-packaged items like buttermilk or baking powder, to ensure they meet your dietary needs and allergies.
How long does it take to make chai pear scones from start to finish?
In total, you can expect around 1 hour for this cozy baking project, which includes about 30 minutes for chilling the dough to achieve the perfect texture. The actual baking time is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen during this process!
Delicious Chai Pear Scones for a Cozy Home-Baked Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Using a pastry blender, cut cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in the diced pear, ensuring even distribution without mashing.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vanilla extract and buttermilk. Gradually pour into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently four to five times and shape into a 7-inch round.
- Slice the circle in half, then each half into four wedges. Place them 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust cream for desired glaze consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm scones before serving if desired.