baked apple scones

Although my sub-par food photography skills do these scones a clear disservice, they are one of my favorite creations. They're quite simple - cooked apple pieces mixed into a cinnamon spice dough - but that means that it's pretty difficult to go wrong.

When Jason and I go to a cafe, if there's anything on the menu with apples in it, that's what I'll order. The apple scones at Queen of Tarts were my inspiration here. If apples aren't your favorite, though (what's wrong with you? ;) ), you can use the dough recipe (omitting the cinnamon and spice if you like) and mix in just about anything else you can think of - chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, etc. To make banana scones, simply omit the egg and use a large banana instead!

I'm convinced that what makes these scones so great is Kerrygold Butter. I've always used margarine in my baking because sure, what's the difference? I know that butter is richer, but to me, the difference in taste has never outweighed the difference in price or in fat content. Enter Kerrygold. It will change your life. You can also buy it in the US, so don't let that stop you. :)

Baked Apple Scones

Makes 12 scones

Prep time: ~30 minutes
Bake time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients
For the apples:

1 large Granny Smith apple, diced
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp cinnamon

For the dough:
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, diced
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C or 180C in a fan-assisted oven) and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in diced apple, sugar, water, and cinnamon and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and spread out on a large plate or baking sheet. Allow to cool before using (you can put them in the freezer until you're ready to use them. Alternately, you can cook them ahead of time, and freeze them. If going this route, pull the apples out of the freezer when you start baking to allow them to thaw a bit).
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Add the butter, mixing until the mixture is crumbly and there are no large chunks left. Toss diced apple into flour mixture.
4. In a small bowl, combine egg and milk. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened.
5. Knead the dough a few times to fully incorporate ingredients. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not enough to really stick to your hands. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add milk. Divide dough into two equal sections. 
6. On a floured surface, roll one of the dough sections into a ball, then flatten into a 1/2" to 3/4" thick circle. Cut into 6 wedges, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Do the same for the other section of dough. 
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones begin to brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving (~5 minutes). Serve plain or with butter or jam.