These Chai Pear Scones are the perfect combination of warm, comforting spices and the sweetness of ripe pears. The soft, crumbly texture of the scone is enhanced by the aromatic blend of chai spices, and the juicy pear pieces add a burst of flavor and moisture. These scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special brunch treat. The spices make them feel like a hug in every bite, and the pears give them a lovely, natural sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the dough.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
What I love about these Chai Pear Scones is how the flavors come together. The chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper) create a warm, aromatic base that’s cozy and perfect for fall or winter. The pears add a wonderful freshness and juiciness to each bite, making these scones a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they’re simple to make and are great for sharing with friends or family!
Ingredients
For the Scones:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 large pear, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
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1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for brushing)
For the Glaze (optional):
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Make the Scone Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and salt.
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Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
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Add Wet Ingredients:
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Gently fold in the diced pear pieces, being careful not to overwork the dough.
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Form and Shape the Scones:
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a round disk about 1-inch thick.
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Cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
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Brush and Bake:
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Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or heavy cream to give them a golden, glossy finish.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Make the Glaze (Optional):
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While the scones are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.
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Serve:
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Let the scones cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling them with the glaze (if using). Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Serve:
These Chai Pear Scones are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a great choice for brunch, breakfast, or a mid-afternoon treat. You can also enjoy them with some fresh butter or jam for an extra layer of flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 scones. Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and bake time is 18-22 minutes.
Variations
I like to change it up by:
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Adding a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
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Swapping out the pear for other fruits, like apple or cranberry, for a different twist.
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Adding a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Storage / Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore some of their warmth and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. You can also shape the dough into rounds, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for later use. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze these scones?
Yes! These scones freeze well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or plant-based butter. Use almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of the scones and glaze.
Conclusion
These Chai Pear Scones are a perfect blend of warming spices, sweet pears, and a flaky, buttery texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy breakfast, or looking for a flavorful treat, these scones will add a touch of warmth and comfort to your day. With their fragrant chai spices and juicy pears, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Chai Pear Scone
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chai Pear Scones are the perfect combination of warm, comforting spices and the sweetness of ripe pears. The soft, crumbly texture of the scone is enhanced by the aromatic blend of chai spices, and the juicy pear pieces add a burst of flavor and moisture. These scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special brunch treat. The spices make them feel like a hug in every bite, and the pears give them a lovely, natural sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the dough.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg
1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large pear, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for brushing)
For the Glaze (optional):
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Scone Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced pear pieces, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form and Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a round disk about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or heavy cream to give them a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): While the scones are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.
- Serve: Let the scones cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling them with the glaze (if using). Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts.
Swap out the pear for other fruits, like apple or cranberry, for a different twist.
Adding a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking gives them extra sweetness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg