Almond Scones Recipe

There’s something genuinely comforting about the scent of almond scones recipe baking in your kitchen; it’s one of those aromas that invites warmth, nostalgia, and anticipation all at once. As someone who’s spent countless mornings experimenting with baking, I can tell you this almond scones recipe is the one I keep coming back to. It strikes that perfect balance between sweet and nutty, offering a delightfully tender center with just the right amount of crispness around the edges.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy breakfast gathering, planning a refined afternoon tea, or simply want something extra special to pair with your morning coffee, this almond scones recipe will not disappoint. The flavors are layered and rich thanks to the combination of almond extract, almond flour, and sliced almonds; together, they create a depth that feels both homey and bakery-worthy.

What I love most about this almond scones recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of care. And the results? Moist, flaky, and fragrant scones that stay delicious for days (though they rarely last that long in my house). It’s a recipe that welcomes beginners while still impressing seasoned bakers.

If you’re searching for a homemade treat that’s elegant without being fussy, this almond scones recipe is exactly what you need; simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

When it comes to baking something that feels both comforting and a little bit special, this almond scones recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. These scones have become an absolute favorite in my household not just for how delicious they are, but also for how versatile and reliable they’ve proven to be time and time again.

You’ll love how this almond scones recipe fits beautifully into just about any moment of your day; it’s the perfect choice for a relaxed breakfast with your favorite cup of coffee, or as a charming afternoon snack served with a pot of tea. There's something about the warm, toasty aroma of almonds and butter that turns even an ordinary day into something a little more indulgent.

What truly sets this almond scones recipe apart from store-bought versions or more complicated bakes is the incredible depth of flavor it offers. That rich, unmistakable almond taste comes from not one, but three carefully selected ingredients: almond flour for softness and structure; almond extract for its fragrant, nutty punch; and sliced almonds for that satisfying texture and rustic visual appeal. Each bite gives you the full experience of sweet nuttiness without being overpowering.

Another reason to fall in love with this almond scones recipe is how approachable it is even if you’re new to baking. You won’t need a stand mixer, food processor, or any expensive tools. In fact, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything can be mixed by hand with minimal effort, and you’ll end up with bakery-style results in your own home kitchen. These scones are tender, moist, and flaky with just the right amount of crunch on the edges and best of all, they stay that way for days.

So whether you’re baking for your family, preparing a weekend brunch, or just treating yourself to something homemade and satisfying, this almond scones recipe delivers every time.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Mix the Ingredients
• Expert Baking Tips for the Best Almond Scones Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Recipe Variations
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
• The Secret That Changed My Almond Scones Recipe Forever
• FAQ
• Bake These Once, and You’ll Be Hooked
• Related
• Pairing
• Almond Scones Recipe

Ingredients

• Coarse sugar for topping (optional) - gives a sweet crunch
• All-purpose flour - provides structure to your scones
• Almond flour - adds moisture and rich almond flavor
• Granulated sugar - for just the right amount of sweetness
• Baking powder - ensures a good rise
• Salt - balances the sweetness
• Cold unsalted butter - creates those flaky layers
• Heavy cream - adds richness (plus extra for brushing tops)
• Egg - helps bind everything together
• Almond extract - for that signature almond taste
• Sliced almonds - adds texture and visual appeal (plus extra for topping)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Mix the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup almond flour, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Add ½ cup cold cubed butter and quickly work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup heavy cream, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon almond extract, then pour into the flour mixture.
5. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined, then mix in ½ cup sliced almonds.

Shape and Prepare

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about ¾-inch thick.
2. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges with a sharp knife.
3. Transfer scones to your baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
4. Brush tops with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.

Bake and Enjoy

1. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with optional almond glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon almond extract mixed together).
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
3. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Baking Tips for the Best Almond Scones Recipe

• Keep everything cold: For the flakiest texture, make sure your butter, cream, and egg are all cold from the refrigerator.
• Don't overwork the dough: The more you handle the dough, the tougher your scones will become. Mix just until combined.
• Use a light touch: When shaping the dough, press gently rather than kneading to maintain those precious butter pockets.
• Even cutting: For uniform baking, make sure your scones are cut to the same size.
• Freezer trick: For extra insurance against tough scones, place the shaped (unbaked) scones in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm or room-temperature butter (leads to flat, spread-out scones)
• Overworking the dough (results in tough, chewy scones)
• Adding too much flour when shaping (creates dry scones)
• Baking at too low a temperature (prevents proper rise)
• Cutting the scones too thin (causes overbaking and dryness)

Recipe Variations

Sweet Additions

• Almond Cherry Scones: Add ½ cup of dried cherries for a classic pairing
• Chocolate Almond Scones: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• Lemon Almond Scones: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough
• Raspberry Almond Scones: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Almond Scones

• Replace butter with cold coconut oil
• Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to gel for 5 minutes)

Low-Carb Almond Scones

• Use 1 cup almond flour and 1 cup coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour
• Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• Add an additional egg for binding

Gluten-Free Almond Scones

• Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
• Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already contain it
• Let the dough rest for 15 minutes before shaping to allow the flours to hydrate

Equipment Recommendations

• Pastry cutter: Makes incorporating cold butter much easier than using your hands
• Bench scraper: Perfect for cutting scones cleanly and transferring them to the baking sheet
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
• Pastry brush: For evenly brushing the tops with cream before baking
• Kitchen scale: For the most accurate measurements (especially helpful for flour)

If you don't have a pastry cutter, two knives or even clean hands will work fine. Just work quickly to keep the butter cold!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Counter Storage

• Almond scones Recipe will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They're best eaten the day they're baked, but still delicious the next day.

Refrigerator Storage

• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Freezing Instructions

These scones freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking:

• Unbaked: Place shaped scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

• Baked: Allow scones to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQ

Bake These Once, and You’ll Be Hooked

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a recipe that feels as good as it tastes, and this almond scones recipe is exactly that kind of winner. With its buttery layers, delicate almond flavor, and golden crust, it brings that cozy, café-style experience right into your own kitchen no fancy tools or tricky techniques required.

These homemade almond scones recipe are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself baking again and again. They’re special enough to wow at brunches and family gatherings, yet simple enough to whip up on a quiet weekend morning. Whether you're sipping coffee with friends or surprising someone with a thoughtful homemade gift, this almond scones recipe fits the moment perfectly. It’s one of those go-to bakes that just feels good to share.

If you’ve enjoyed this bake and you're in the mood for more cozy, crowd-pleasing treats, I’ve got a couple of personal favorites you’ll want to try next. The Easy Zucchini Cake Recipe is a moist, subtly spiced dessert that makes the most of fresh zucchini without feeling heavy. And if you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic, the Best Honey Bun Cake Recipe is a dreamy, cinnamon-swirled classic that’s always a hit at potlucks and Sunday dinners. Both of these pair beautifully with a hot drink just like our trusty almond scones recipe.

So go ahead and give this almond scones recipe a try. I’d love to hear how yours turns out; did you make any fun twists or flavor add-ins? If you’ve got a photo of your creation, don’t be shy I’d truly love to see it. That’s the joy of baking at home; it’s personal, it’s creative, and it’s something we get to share.

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!

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Pairing

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