Name: Coffee Cake Scones: Why Theyre Your Next Breakfast Obsession
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ; **Crumble Topping:**; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp flour; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed; ; **Vanilla Glaze:**; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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Tired of the same old breakfast routine that leaves you unsatisfied and reaching for snacks by mid-morning? Coffee cake scones are the game-changing morning treat you didn’t know you needed. These bakery-quality delights combine the crumbly, buttery texture of scones with the sweet, cinnamon-swirled goodness of coffee cake—all in one easy-to-grab breakfast option.

As a pastry chef who spent years perfecting breakfast pastries in boutique bakeries, I’ve watched customers fall in love with these coffee cake scones time and again. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and practical—special enough for weekend brunch but simple enough for busy weekday mornings.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect coffee cake scones, including ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, and clever variations to keep your breakfast exciting all year round.

Why Coffee Cake Scones Work So Well for Breakfast

Coffee cake scones have become a breakfast sensation for good reason:

Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Portable for on-the-go morning commutes
Less messy than traditional coffee cake
Perfect balance of not-too-sweet with cinnamon-sugar goodness
Freezer-friendly for meal prep enthusiasts

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Coffee Cake Scones

Best Flour Options for Coffee Cake Scones

All-purpose flour works perfectly fine, but for bakery-quality coffee cake scones, consider using pastry flour for a more tender crumb. The lower protein content creates lighter scones that still maintain that signature coffee cake texture we all love.

Butter Selection Tips

Look for high-quality, unsalted European-style butter with higher fat content. The butter should be COLD—this creates those flaky pockets that make coffee cake scones irresistible. For an extra tip, try grating frozen butter directly into your dry ingredients!

Sweetener Options

Traditional granulated sugar works well in the batter, but brown sugar adds caramel notes that complement the cinnamon streusel. For a healthier twist, coconut sugar creates wonderful depth of flavor with a lower glycemic impact.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Coffee Cake Scones

Coffee Cake Scones: Why Theyre Your Next Breakfast Obsession

Scone Base Essentials

Cold unsalted butter (1 stick, cubed)
All-purpose flour (2 cups)
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
Baking powder (1 tablespoon)
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
Large egg (1)
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

Cinnamon Streusel Mixture

Brown sugar (1/3 cup)
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Cold butter (3 tablespoons, cubed)

Simple Glaze

Powdered sugar (1 cup)
Milk or cream (2-3 tablespoons)
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)

Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out my Pinterest collection of morning treats that will revolutionize your breakfast routine!

Step-by-Step Coffee Cake Scone Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Coffee Cake Scones

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, prepare the streusel by mixing brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then cutting in cold butter until crumbly.
Chill the streusel while you prepare the scone dough.

Mixing Method for Coffee Cake Scones

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients.
Stir just until combined—overmixing will create tough scones!

Shaping Coffee Cake Scones

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7-inch circle.
Sprinkle half the streusel over the dough, then fold the dough over itself several times to create layers.
Pat into a 7-inch circle again, about 3/4-inch thick.
Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each scone.
Sprinkle remaining streusel over the tops.

Baking Perfect Coffee Cake Scones

Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with glaze.
Let set for another 5 minutes before serving.

If you enjoy these scones, you’ll love our Roasted Beet Chickpea Wraps for a savory breakfast alternative!

Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Scones

Avoiding Dry Coffee Cake Scones

Don’t overwork the dough—the more you handle it, the tougher your scones will be
Use a light touch when mixing wet and dry ingredients
Remove scones from the oven just as they turn golden to prevent overcooking

Tool Recommendations for Coffee Cake Scones

Pastry cutter: Creates the perfect butter-flour texture without warming the butter
Bench scraper: Makes clean cuts without dragging the dough
Silicone baking mat: Provides even heat distribution for uniform baking

Storage & Reheating Coffee Cake Scones

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
Freeze unbaked scone wedges and bake directly from frozen (add 3-4 minutes to baking time)
To refresh day-old scones, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes

Flavor Variations for Coffee Cake Scones

Seasonal Coffee Cake Scone Adaptations

Fall Harvest: Add diced apples and increase cinnamon in the streusel
Summer Delight: Mix in fresh blueberries and add lemon zest to the glaze
Winter Warmth: Incorporate crushed pecans and a dash of nutmeg

Dietary-Friendly Coffee Cake Scone Options

Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream
Vegan: Replace egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk in the glaze

Variation	Key Ingredients	Special Instructions	Best Served With
Maple Pecan	Maple syrup, chopped pecans	Replace 2 Tbsp sugar with maple syrup	Black coffee
Chocolate Chip	Mini chocolate chips	Fold in 1/2 cup chips before shaping	Cappuccino
Orange Cranberry	Orange zest, dried cranberries	Add 1 Tbsp orange zest to dough	Earl Grey tea
Cardamom Spice	Ground cardamom, turbinado sugar	Add 1 tsp cardamom to streusel	Chai latte

For a completely different breakfast option, try our Lemon Chicken Veggie Orzo Stir-Fry for a protein-packed morning meal!

Serving Suggestions for Coffee Cake Scones

Fresh fruit: Serve with berries or sliced peaches for a balanced breakfast
Spreads: Offer whipped butter, honey butter, or cream cheese on the side
Beverages: Pair with coffee, tea, or a frothy latte for the ultimate coffee cake experience
Breakfast board: Create a beautiful spread with scones, yogurt parfaits, and fresh fruit

FAQs About Coffee Cake Scones

Can I make coffee cake scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and cut into wedges, then freeze unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the baking time.

Why did my coffee cake scones spread too much?
The most common culprit is butter that’s too warm. Make sure your butter stays cold throughout the mixing process, and if the shaped scones feel soft before baking, place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Can I use buttermilk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! Buttermilk creates a slightly tangier scone with a tender texture. Reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda if using buttermilk.

How do I know when my coffee cake scones are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a firm top that springs back slightly when touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

Coffee cake scones truly offer the best of both breakfast worlds—the convenience and texture of scones with the beloved flavors of classic coffee cake. Their versatility makes them perfect for everything from rushed weekday mornings to leisurely weekend brunches.

Give these coffee cake scones a try this weekend and discover why they’ve become a breakfast sensation! With their irresistible streusel topping and perfectly moist interior, they’re sure to become a regular in your breakfast rotation. Tag us in your baking photos and join thousands of other home bakers who’ve made these their signature morning treat!

Coffee Cake Scones: Why Theyre Your Next Breakfast Obsession