Cinnamon Raisin Scones Recipe (Soft, Buttery & Perfect for Any Time of Day)
There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon raisin scones baking in the oven. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with sweet raisins and cozy cinnamon spice, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a grab-and-go snack.
This Cinnamon Raisin Scones recipe delivers bakery-style results using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easy these scones are to make—and how irresistible they taste fresh from the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Raisin Scones
- Soft, tender, and buttery texture
- Warm cinnamon flavor in every bite
- Perfect balance of sweetness
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipe
- Ideal for breakfast, tea time, or dessert
These scones are not dry or crumbly. Instead, they’re moist, fluffy, and just sweet enough to pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- ¾ cup raisins
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add Raisins
Stir in the raisins, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be slightly shaggy.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges.
Step 8: Brush & Bake
Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Raisin Scones
- Use cold butter for flaky texture
- Do not overwork the dough
- Soak raisins briefly in warm water for extra plumpness
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking for better rise
- Use heavy cream for rich flavor and soft texture
Cinnamon Raisin Scone Variations
- Glazed Scones: Drizzle with vanilla or cream cheese glaze
- Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream
- Orange Cinnamon: Add orange zest for a citrus twist
- Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
What to Serve with Cinnamon Raisin Scones
- Hot coffee or tea
- Butter or clotted cream
- Honey or maple syrup
- Cream cheese or cinnamon butter
- Fresh fruit
These scones are delicious on their own but even better with a warm beverage.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing
Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked or baked scones for up to 2 months. Bake frozen scones directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information (Per Scone – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 280mg
Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs – Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Why are my scones dry?
Dry scones are usually caused by overmixing or too much flour. Measure flour correctly and mix gently.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but heavy cream gives a richer flavor and softer texture. Whole milk works as a lighter alternative.
Can I make scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the shaped dough overnight or freeze it for later baking.
How do I keep raisins from burning?
Mix raisins into the dough well and avoid placing them on the surface.
Are cinnamon raisin scones sweet?
They are mildly sweet—perfect for breakfast or snacks without being overly sugary.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Raisin Scones recipe is the perfect blend of cozy spices, tender crumb, and buttery richness. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or afternoon tea, these scones are guaranteed to impress.
