Spiced Chai Latte Scones (Printable version)

Tender scones flavored with chai spices and black tea, a perfect warm and aromatic baked good.

# List of ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

11 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
12 - 1/2 cup cold whole milk
13 - 1/4 cup strong brewed black tea, cooled
14 - 1 large egg
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

16 - 2 tablespoons milk or cream, for brushing
17 - 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

→ Chai Glaze (optional)

18 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
19 - 1 to 2 tablespoons brewed black tea or milk
20 - Pinch of cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and all spices until evenly mixed.
03 - Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture, cutting in with a pastry cutter or fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, brewed tea, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix with a fork until the dough just forms, being careful not to overwork.
06 - Transfer dough to a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch thick round, then cut into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Brush the tops with milk or cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
08 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until scones turn golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar with brewed tea or milk and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's like sharing a little secret: delicate scones with an unexpected chai twist that feels indulgent yet comforting
  • The blend of black tea and spices makes for a flavor that quickly became a family favorite in our weekend breakfasts
02 -
  • Make sure your butter is really cold to get tender, flaky scones—warm butter ruins the texture
  • Adding the brewed black tea is a game changer; it brings subtle depth that other liquids just can't replicate
03 -
  • Always measure flour by weight to avoid dry or dense scones from too much flour
  • The secret to flaky scones is keeping everything cold and mixing as little as possible once wet ingredients meet dry

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