Name: Spiced Pear Scones with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp brown sugar; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 egg, large; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for brushing; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup pears, chopped into small cubes (peeled or unpeeled); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for brushing

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup pears, chopped into small cubes (peeled or unpeeled)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze)

1/4 tsp ground ginger (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl or standing mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a fork, pastry cutter, or your mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

Step 4: Add the egg, 1/2 cup heavy cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the dough. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the chopped pears carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing the dough.

Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.

Step 7: Cut the dough circle into 8 equal triangles and transfer them carefully onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 8: Brush the tops of each scone lightly with a bit of heavy cream to help achieve a golden finish.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the scones turn lightly golden brown.

Step 10: While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk until smooth to make the glaze.

Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and let it set before serving.

Step 12: Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the dough.

If fresh pears are not available, diced canned pears (drained well) can be used as a substitute.

The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the pear and spices.

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative.

To make smaller scones, cut the dough into more pieces and reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness.

FAQs

Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the point of shaping, then wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature slightly before cutting and baking.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, simply omit it or add a little extra vanilla extract. The scones will still be delicious with the warm spices and pear flavor.