PARTNER POST: Discover new ways to incorporate seasonal teas into your holiday cooking and desserts with Celestial Seasonings.
Did you recently go apple picking? Do you have a hefty harvest of fall apples in your kitchen? Easily make a batch of these caramel apple tea scones with the seasonal produce.
After our trip to the apple orchard a couple of weeks ago, I was then faced the challenge of figuring out what to do with all those apples! I made a couple of batches of pressure cooker applesauce and a second batch of my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, and still had a huge bowl left of apples. 
Looks like some more baking was in order!
While muffins are my go-to breakfast baking project, I was in the mood for some scones. I don’t know why I don’t bake scones more often – they’re really not that difficult. This recipe for caramel apple scones even all comes together in a food processor!
To get the caramel apple flavor I used Celestial Seasoning Caramel Apple Dream tea. I steeped the tea in whole milk which gave it really great caramel apple flavor! You could use any sort of cinnamon tea (I also love their Cinnamon Apple tea!) but I really think the Caramel Apple Dream tea is key to that perfect caramel apple taste.
To finish them off, I made a cream cheese drizzle because everything is better with a drizzle/glaze, right? Served with a hot cup of tea, these were the perfect morning snack curled up under a blanket!
Want to try another fun scone recipe for the season? Check out these Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Scones! Recipe here.
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- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These caramel apple tea scones are infused with Celestial Seasonings Caramel Apple Dream tea and topped with a luscious cream cheese drizzle, making them a perfect autumn treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 Celestial Seasonings Caramel Apple Dream tea bags
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cream cheese drizzle:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Place the milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Add the tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and chill the milk in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a food processor or pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in the diced apple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chilled tea-infused milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the cream cheese drizzle by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Once the scones are done, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute the Caramel Apple Dream tea with any cinnamon-flavored tea for a different twist. These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 45
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of tea instead of Caramel Apple Dream tea?
Yes, you can substitute with other cinnamon teas, like the Cinnamon Apple tea, but the Caramel Apple Dream tea is recommended for the best caramel apple flavor.
What is the best way to incorporate the steeped tea into the scone dough?
After steeping the Caramel Apple Dream tea in whole milk, allow it to cool slightly before mixing it into the dry ingredients in the food processor.
How do I properly prepare the apples for the scones?
Ensure you wash, core, and chop the apples into small pieces before adding them to the scone mixture, so they bake evenly and integrate well with the dough.
