Cosmic Crisp® Apple Cinnamon Scones

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
2. Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will grow to about 1 cup.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar.
4. Shred the frozen butter over the flour mixture and mix it in.
5. Shred the peeled Cosmic Crisp® apple over the flour mixture and mix it in.
6. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk.
7. Mix from the inside out, pulling the flour into the wet ingredients until it no longer pulls in flour. The dough will be shaggy and lumpy with loose flour and bits.
8. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured counter or board and work it lightly until it comes together, but do not overwork it.
9. Roll or pat the dough into a rectangle about 2.5 cm thick.
10. Fold or cut the dough into thirds, stack the thirds, and roll again. Repeat this step once more and roll the dough to 2.5 cm thick.
11. Cut the scones into rounds or squares. Be sure to cut straight down and back up without twisting or sliding the cutter through the dough to preserve the layers. Flour the cutter as needed to ensure easy cutting.
12. Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
13. Once the scones are done, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and brush or pour it over them.
14. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture liberally over the scones.
15. Serve the apple cinnamon scones immediately. They can be enjoyed as is or with butter, honey, or your favourite spread.

Note: These scones can take a little longer to bake due to the moisture released by the apples. The apples will bake right into the scone, adding flavour and texture. They can also be prepared ahead of time and frozen raw. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 220 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes.

Recipe by Jimmy Proffitt, winner of The 2023 Cosmic Crisp^®️ Culinary Challenge (USA) in the Baking category.