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–+ servings
Cinnamon layered scone on a floral designed plate.

Cinnamon Layered Scones with Vanilla Glaze

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Buttery, tender scones with three layers of dough, brown sugar cinnamon filling, and a simple vanilla glaze. A cinnamon-filled breakfast bake with no yeast or rising time.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 8 Scones
Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the scones:
  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping
  • ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 12 g baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ⅔ cup 160 ml milk, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon filling:
  • ¼ cup 57 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup 100 g packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon or 1½ tablespoons for a milder filling
For the vanilla glaze:
  • 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk as needed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Prepare the filling. Stir together the melted and cooled butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside until it forms a spreadable paste. The filling should not be warm when added to the dough.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the butter. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work it into the flour until crumbly, leaving some pea-sized pieces.
  4. Add the liquid. Combine the cold milk and vanilla, then pour into the flour mixture. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Shape the dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press together, folding once or twice if needed to incorporate loose crumbs. Divide into three equal portions and pat each into a circle approximately 6 inches (15 cm) across and about ⅜ inch (1 cm) thick.
  6. Layer the scones. Spread half the cinnamon filling over the first circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Place the second circle on top and spread with the remaining filling. Top with the third circle. Gently align the edges without pressing the stack flat.
  7. Cut and chill. Cut straight down through the stack to make eight wedges. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between them. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. Bake. Bake on the middle rack for approximately 18–22 minutes, checking from 15 minutes onward. The tops and edges should be golden, and the exposed dough between the filling layers should look set. Loosely cover with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
  9. Cool slightly. Let the scones rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack. Cool for another 5–10 minutes before glazing.
  10. Glaze and serve. Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon milk. Add more milk a little at a time until thick but pourable. Drizzle over the slightly warm scones and serve.

Notes

  • Tender scones: Keep the butter cold and handle the dough gently. If it becomes soft or greasy during shaping, refrigerate briefly before continuing.
  • Filling: Some cinnamon filling may bubble out during baking. Use cooled filling and avoid pressing down firmly when stacking.
  • Storage: Cool completely and store airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best reheating results, store unglazed.
  • Reheating: Warm unglazed scones at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes, then add glaze.
  • Make ahead: Cover the shaped wedges and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the refrigerator, allowing extra time if needed.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed baked scones or shaped, unbaked wedges for up to 2 months. Bake unbaked wedges directly from frozen, allowing additional baking time.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist. Nutrition facts are calculated using an automated database of common ingredients and are intended as an estimate only. Variations can occur depending on product brands, measuring methods, and ingredient swaps.

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