Glazed Cinnamon Bun Scones - A Sweet 30-Minute Breakfast Recipe! (2024)

July 9, 2006 (updated Nov 2, 2022) by Jennifer McHenry //

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Incredibly moist and crumbly, these glazed cinnamon bun scones will be on your counter in 30 minutes. Packed with cinnamon and brown sugar, their buttery goodness is perfect for fall baking.

Glazed Cinnamon Bun Scones - A Sweet 30-Minute Breakfast Recipe! (1)

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Scones

When fall comes around, my love for cinnamon-everything kicks in. As a result, it didn’t take long for these easy cinnamon bun scones to find their way into my head and kitchen. Since I’m all about low-effort and high-reward baking, turning your kitchen upside down isn’t something you have to worry about with this easy scones recipe.

These cinnamon bun scones are a beautifully spiced autumn symphony that comes together in 30 minutes. You can thank simple, pantry-staple ingredients for that. In a nutshell, you only need flour, cinnamon, oats, and brown sugar to make them. For this recipe, less is more!

These scones are moist, irresistibly crumbly, and golden brown. Pecans are totally optional but they do add a nice crunch and nuttiness. The end result is so good you’ll even want to eat the crumbs on your plate.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make these cinnamon bun scones. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts.

For the Scones

  • Pecans – I prefer toasted, unsalted pecans. If you can’t find them, buy unsalted pecans and toast them yourself. If you need a refresher, see my note in the tips section below for how to toast nuts.
  • Light brown sugar – You can use just light brown sugar or a mix of light and dark brown sugar leftovers.
  • Ground cinnamon – If you’re feeling creative, you can even add 1/2 teaspoon of allspice. It’ll make the scones taste even more like fall.
  • All-purpose flour – Measure accurately by using a digital scale or the spoon and sweep method.
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats – These add a great texture and bite. You can use quick oats instead, but the consistency will be much denser.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter – If you choose to go down the salted butter road, make sure to leave out the rest of the salt in the recipe. Learn more: Unsalted vs Salted Butter in Baking
  • Milk – I recommend using whole milk or 2% milk.
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  • Confectioners’ sugar – Also called powdered sugar. Don’t use any granulated sugars because they don’t dissolve smoothly or have a desirable consistency for glazes.
  • Milk – Whole or low-fat options work. Water is great too because it doesn’t affect flavor and lets you reach the same consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Scones

Fuss-free and in the oven within 20 minutes? Yes, these scones are the real deal. Here’s how to make them:

To Make the Scones

  • Prepare the pans. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set them aside. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Make the cinnamon sugar. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a small bowl. Set it aside.
  • Whisk the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and quickly rub it into the dry ingredients. Don’t knead it because we don’t want to develop gluten. Another way to do this is to grate the butter into the dry ingredients and then incorporate it slightly. The dough should be loose and resemble a coarse, crumbly sand.
  • Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add it to the dry ingredients and use a wooden or silicone spatula to mix the dough until it’s just combined.
  • Add the cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the dough, and use your spatula to gently fold it into the dough. Make sure not to over-mix it. If the dough is beginning to get too warm, place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes and then continue mixing.
  • Shape. Use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to scoop 1/4 cup of dough at a time and place it on the prepared baking trays. Leave about 2 inches of space between them.
  • Bake. Place one pan at a time into the oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before glazing. The scones will absorb all the glaze if you add it right after baking.

To Make the Glaze

  • Mix the ingredients. Sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any clumps. Then add the milk and mix until you get a smooth mixture.
  • Drizzle. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle glaze over the cooled scones to taste. Enjoy!
Glazed Cinnamon Bun Scones - A Sweet 30-Minute Breakfast Recipe! (3)

What’s The Secret To Making Good Scones?

More like secrets. Here are my top tips for making the best cinnamon buns scones (and great scones in general):

  • Use an oven thermometer. If the butter in the scones melts before any of the baking reactions actually occur, then say goodbye to crumbly, moist scones. They’ll turn out rubbery and dense. To make sure your oven is properly heated, use an oven thermometer before putting the trays in the oven.
  • Use a scale. Using a scale to weigh the ingredients is much more accurate than measuring cups. If you have a kitchen scale, now’s the time to use it. You’ll get perfect scones every time.
  • Toast the pecans. While this isn’t a requirement, you’ll get a great flavor addition from toasting the pecans. They also stay nice and crunchy. To toast them, spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until toasted and fragrant. You can also do this in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Stir them frequently, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
  • Use a scoop for portioning. Using a cookie scoop or measuring cup helps keep the scones more or less the same size so the baking times are even.
  • Use cold everything. Milk, eggs, and especially the butter need to be cold.
  • Grate the butter. If you want to make extra sure your butter stays cold, freeze it and then grate it into the recipe. This will reduce the amount of mixing, meaning it actually stays cold.
  • Refrigerate. If your oven isn’t done preheating by the time your scones are ready, place the pans into the refrigerator. This will keep them nice and cold up until the minute you’re ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Freshly baked or a couple of days after, these scones are great with all your favorite hot and cold drinks.

In the mornings, they’re perfect with coffee or tea for a quick breakfast. As an afternoon snack, try them with frappuccinos. For something a little different, give them a try while sipping on Thai milk tea. For chilly nights at home, hot chocolate and floral tea infusions are amazing, too.

How to Store Homemade Scones

Line an airtight container with napkins or paper towels and then place the cooled scones inside. The napkins will absorb any moisture and keep your scones from becoming too chewy. At room temperature, they’ll last for up to 3 days.

You can also keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. I recommend letting them come to room temperature or warming them before eating.

Can I Freeze These?

Yes! Baked or unbaked, these cinnamon bun scones freeze extremely well.

  • Unbaked: Place your unbaked scones into the freezer on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 4 hours or until completely frozen. Then wrap them with plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-friendly bag or container. They will freeze for up to 3 weeks.
  • Baked: Fortunately, baked scones last longer. Just wrap them in plastic wrap once cooled and transfer to a freezer-friendly bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

More Homemade Scone Recipes

  • Chocolate Chip-Hazelnut Scones
  • Berry and Cream Thumbprint Scones
  • Cinnamon Oat Scones
  • Spiced Oat Scones with Brown Butter Glaze
  • Cinnamon-Apple Scones
Find more breakfast treats in the Recipe Index!

Video Tutorial: Cinnamon Bun Scones

Get the Recipe:

Cinnamon Bun Scones

Yield12 scones

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time13 minutes

Total Time33 minutes

Irresistibly crumbly and delicately spiced, these Cinnamon Bun Scones are the perfect fuss-free recipe. The glaze on top is simple but adds a touch of sweetness.

Glazed Cinnamon Bun Scones - A Sweet 30-Minute Breakfast Recipe! (4)

Ingredients

For the scones:

  • 1/2 cup (about 60g) toasted chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (99g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3/4 cup (177ml) milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

  • 3/4 cup (82g) confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons milk

Instructions

To make the scones:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine the milk, egg, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add to the flour mixture and stir just until combined.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the dough. Gently stir until the batter is just swirled with the cinnamon mixture.
  6. Drop the dough by 1/4-cup portions onto prepared pans. Leave about 2 inches between scones.
  7. Bake 11 to 13 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Cool the scones on a wire rack for 5 minutes while you make the glaze.

To make the glaze:

  1. Combine the confectioners' sugar with 3 teaspoons milk. Add more milk if needed to achieve pouring consistency.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones.

Notes

*A 1/4-cup scoop works wonderfully!

Recipe slightly adapted fromQuaker.

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Glazed Cinnamon Bun Scones - A Sweet 30-Minute Breakfast Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll? ›

But are they really that different from cinnamon buns? Yes: the difference lies in how they're formed. While buns are braided and rolled to create a more traditionally bun-like result, cinnamon rolls are, as the name suggests, rolled to form a spiral that contains all the oozy butter and brown sugar filling.

Can you eat a cinnamon roll for breakfast? ›

Are cinnamon rolls dessert or breakfast? The best answer here is both! Cinnamon rolls are lucky enough to be considered a breakfast food, and turning them into this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole definitely places it in the breakfast category—though we aren't opposed to having a scoop for dessert either!

Why do you rest scones before baking? ›

The explanation is simple: As with other doughs, including pizza dough, resting lets scone dough's gluten relax completely, so that it doesn't snap back during shaping or baking.

What to serve cinnamon buns with? ›

Classic choices like coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk are the perfect thing to balance the sweetness of cinnamon rolls. For your brunch spread, orange juice, or mimosas would also be fresh and festive! Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, perfect for lots of different occasions.

What are cinnamon buns called in England? ›

Here are the best cinnamon buns in the UK and where to buy them. Cinnamon buns are also known as cinnamon rolls and kannelbullen, and in Denmark they are even called Kanelsnegl; 'cinnamon snail'.

What does it mean when someone calls you a cinnamon bun? ›

synonym ▲ Synonym: cinnamon bun. (slang, neologism) A person perceived as good, gentle and kind. Often a fictional character who undergoes emotional suffering.

Can I eat cinnamon rolls while losing weight? ›

In order to use cinnamon to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, you can't just add cinnamon rolls to your diet and call it done. First, cinnamon rolls with all of that extra sugar and bread would spike your blood sugar leading to a release of insulin which would turn sugar into fat, and, prevent fat burning.

Do Americans eat cinnamon rolls for breakfast? ›

This tradition was especially invented during the 1990s where the national football team usually played their games on Wednesdays. In North America, it is commonly eaten for breakfast or dessert.

What are the health benefits of eating cinnamon rolls? ›

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Some research suggests that it may help you manage blood sugars, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is a spice that has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

What to avoid when making scones? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Scones
  1. Using anything but cold ingredients. The secret to the flakiest scones is to start with cold ingredients — cold butter, cold eggs, and cold cream. ...
  2. Only using all-purpose flour. ...
  3. Overmixing the dough. ...
  4. Not chilling the dough before baking. ...
  5. Baking them ahead of time.
May 1, 2019

What is the secret to a good scone? ›

Top tricks I learnt from the experts for baking perfect scones:
  • Resist the twist.
  • Use frozen butter.
  • Don't overwork the dough.
  • Freeze the dough. ...
  • Create rise and shine.
  • Follow this recipe.
  • Reduce the juice.
  • Fresh is best.
May 10, 2024

Which flour is best for scones? ›

Use all-purpose flour for a higher rising scone that holds its shape nicely, both in and out of the oven. To make more delicate, lower-rising, cake-like scones, substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour.

Should I refrigerate cinnamon buns? ›

Do you need to refrigerate cinnamon rolls? Unfrosted cinnamon rolls do not need to be refrigerated and will keep best at room temperature. Iced cinnamon rolls, and especially rolls with cream cheese frosting, should be stored in the fridge.

What fruit goes with cinnamon? ›

Any fruit—peaches, plums, blueberries, apples—will get a lift from roasted cinnamon. Whether baked into a pie or tart, sautéed with butter and sugar or whipped into a smoothie with yogurt, roasted cinnamon will add rich flavor.

What's the difference between a bun and a roll? ›

Rolls are typically proofed and baked right next to each other which enables them to have a softer crust and to pull apart effortlessly. Buns can be either savory or sweet, and they can be filled with both savory and sweet ingredients. In terms of flavor, bread rolls are usually savory and unfilled.

What is another name for a cinnamon bun? ›

synonyms: cinnamon roll, cinnamon snail.

Is Cinnamoroll a guy or a girl? ›

Characters. Cinnamoroll (born March 6) is a male white and chubby puppy with long ears that enable him to fly. He has blue eyes, pink cheeks, and a tail that resembles a cinnamon roll. Cinnamoroll flies around the town looking for fun and new adventures with his friends and one of his main hobbies is eating.

Is a cinnamon roll a sticky bun? ›

What's the Difference Between Sticky Buns and Cinnamon Rolls? Both will fill your home with the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and baking and both require rolling the dough into pinwheels, but there is a difference. Sticky buns contain nuts (usually pecans) while cinnamon rolls traditionally don't.

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