If you’ve been searching for a comforting, slightly sweet breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome, then you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I absolutely love this Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe because it perfectly blends hearty oats, warm maple syrup, and the delightful crunch of pecans with bursts of chewy currants. Trust me, once you try these, your morning routine will never be the same.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The blend of rolled oats and tender butter creates scones that are crumbly yet moist—exactly what you want in a scone.
- Natural Sweetness: Using real maple syrup in both the dough and glaze gives a rich, warm sweetness without being overpowering.
- Flavorful Add-ins: Toasted pecans add crunch and depth while currants bring in those delightful little bursts of tartness.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for weekend mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe lies in choosing the right ingredients that harmonize beautifully. It’s worth investing in good-quality maple syrup and fresh, cold butter because they really elevate the final flavor and texture.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a light crumb—unbleached works best for a tender texture.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Not quick oats! These give a hearty chew and nuttiness that quick oats just can’t match.
- Baking powder & baking soda: They work as leavening agents to help your scones rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and overall flavor balance.
- Pecan halves: Toast them lightly for extra flavor before chopping—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.
- Currants: Tiny, tart, and sweet little gems; if you can’t find them, raisins or dried cherries work, but currants are ideal.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut into pieces and kept cold to create flaky pockets in the scones when baked.
- Cold heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture without weighing down the dough.
- Maple syrup: Both in the dough and glaze, it lends a deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with oats and pecans.
- Cold egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the scones their golden color.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For the glaze—it melts into a smooth, shiny finish.
- Water: Just a touch to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
Variations
I love customizing this Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe depending on the season or mood—and I encourage you to make it your own too! Whether you want to swap nuts or add spices, there’s plenty of room to play around.
- Nut substitutions: I sometimes swap pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds, which changes the texture and flavor in a fun way.
- Fruit swaps: Dried cherries or blueberries can replace currants for a juicy twist.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough gives a cozy, warm flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan butter alternative; the scones turn out just as tender.
How to Make Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by positioning a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This even heat is the sweet spot for baking scones that have a golden crust and tender crumb. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your scones from sticking—and trust me, it makes clean-up a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients & Add Butter
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer if that’s what you have), combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pecans, and currants on low speed for about 10 to 15 seconds. Then scatter the cold butter pieces on top and mix on low for 30 seconds, or until the butter breaks down into grape-sized bits. This little technique helps create those flaky buttery pockets in the scones.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, maple syrup, and cold egg until you have a smooth mixture. Slowly pour this into your flour and butter mixture, mixing again on low speed for about 20 seconds—just until the dough comes together. It will feel quite wet, but that’s just right for tender scones.
Step 4: Shape the Scones
Take your bowl off the mixer and scrape the sides carefully with a rubber spatula to make sure nothing is left behind. Then, using an ice cream scoop (about ⅓ cup), drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart. This recipe makes eight nicely sized scones.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake your scones for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the tops have a light golden hue. When they come out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool for about 30 minutes. Hold on to that parchment paper—you’ll need it for glazing.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Maple Glaze
While the scones cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. When the scones have cooled completely, transfer them back to your parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle the glaze evenly on top with a spoon. This glaze adds a lovely sweet shine that really makes these scones irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: I learned this the hard way—warm butter makes the dough greasy and scones dense. Cutting cold butter into the dry mix ensures light, flaky scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined; overworking the dough can make your scones tough.
- Toast Pecans: A quickToast in a dry pan amps up their nuttiness and flavor, making every bite more interesting.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying glaze while warm can cause it to melt off, so patience here really pays off.
How to Serve Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these scones, I love a light dusting of extra powdered sugar to enhance that sweet glaze. Freshly chopped pecans sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and make them look bakery-perfect. Sometimes, I add a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an unexpected herbal aroma that pairs surprisingly well with the maple.
Side Dishes
These scones are wonderful on their own with a cup of black coffee or a tea of your choice, but I also like to pair them with fresh fruit salad or a smear of tangy cream cheese. For a breakfast spread, a side of scrambled eggs or a yogurt parfait complements their sweet nuttiness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged these scones on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra maple syrup, whipped honey butter, and mixed berries for a brunch party—it was a hit! You can also cut them smaller for bite-sized treats at tea time or drizzle a little extra glaze in delicate zigzags for a fancier look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover scones in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Room temperature is fine for a day or two, but you’ll want to refrigerate them if you’re keeping them longer. They maintain their texture well, especially if you warm them up briefly before eating.
Freezing
I’ve found the best freezing method is to freeze the dough scoops on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Baking from frozen just requires an extra minute or two in the oven—super convenient for busy mornings. Alternatively, you can freeze fully baked scones, but I prefer freezing the dough for fresher results.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen scones back to life, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently warms them through and refreshes the buttery crust without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in the Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe?
While you technically can use quick oats, I don’t recommend it because rolled oats provide better texture and chew. Quick oats tend to break down too much during mixing and baking, making the scones less hearty and more mushy.
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What can I substitute for currants if I can’t find them?
Dried currants have a unique tart-sweet flavor, but raisins, dried cherries, or dried blueberries are great substitutes that will still add fun bursts of fruitiness to your scones.
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How do I get the glaze just right without it being too runny or thick?
Start with powdered sugar and maple syrup, then add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more water; if too thin, add powdered sugar to thicken.
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Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute (make sure it’s firm and cold), and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or another creamy dairy alternative. The scones will be just as delicious, though the texture might be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want a sweet, satisfying breakfast or snack. I remember the first time I made them—the house filled with the warm scent of maple and toasted nuts and every bite was like a delicious hug. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do eating them, and they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends too. Give it a try, and welcome a new favorite into your kitchen!
Print
Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Bakery
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Oatmeal Maple Scones with Pecans & Currants are a delightful breakfast treat featuring tender oat-studded scones sweetened with pure maple syrup and complemented by crunchy pecans and chewy currants. Topped with a glossy maple glaze, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for an elegant morning or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking or instant)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pecan halves, toasted (if desired) and chopped
- ½ cup currants (or raisins)
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 10 pieces
- ⅓ cup cold heavy cream
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 cold egg
For the Glaze
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, combine the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, toasted pecans, and currants on low speed for 10 to 15 seconds to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Butter: Scatter the cold butter pieces over the dry mixture and beat on low speed for about 30 seconds until the butter is somewhat broken down but still visible in grape-sized chunks, creating a crumbly texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, maple syrup, and cold egg until fully blended to create the liquid component.
- Form Dough: Pour the cream mixture into the butter and dry ingredient mixture. Mix on low speed for approximately 20 seconds, just until the dough comes together. It will be quite wet, which is ideal for tender scones.
- Shape Scones: Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Use an ice cream scooper to drop mounded ⅓ cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading, forming 8 scones.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the scones are golden brown on the edges and lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and allow them to cool for about 30 minutes. Keep the parchment paper for the next step.
- Prepare Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Scones: Return the cooled scones to the parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle the maple glaze evenly across their tops using a spoon.
- Freeze Dough (Optional): Scoop dough mounds onto a baking sheet and freeze for up to 3 months. Once solid, transfer to a sealable bag, pressing out air. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to baking time.
- Freeze Baked Scones (Optional): After baking and cooling completely, store scones in an airtight container separated by parchment or foil. Thaw to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg are cold to achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones; mix just until combined.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for texture; avoid quick or instant oats.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Freezing the dough before baking yields better texture than freezing baked scones.
- Allow scones to cool fully before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg