Perfect Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones

My kitchen always smells like autumn when I’m making these Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones. You know that feeling when you bite into something that tastes exactly like the season feels? That’s what happens here.

I discovered this recipe during one of those mornings when I had fresh apples sitting on my counter and a serious craving for something warm and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones Recipe

I adore how these scones bring together everything I crave about fall baking.

You get that perfect balance of tender, buttery pastry with chunks of sweet apple and a gorgeous crunchy topping that makes your heart sing.

The best part? They come together faster than you’d expect, so you can have fresh Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones on your table without spending your entire morning in the kitchen.

My family begs for these every weekend once the weather turns cool.

When I’m in full apple mode, I can’t stop at just one recipe. If you’re loving these Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones, you absolutely must try my creamy cinnamon apple rice pudding for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug.

And when you want something truly special for company, my caramelized honey apple tart never fails to impress guests with its gorgeous presentation and incredible flavor.

Ingredients You Need for Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones

For the Scone Base:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (I spoon and level for the best texture)
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder (check that it’s fresh!)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice if you have it)
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (keep it really cold—I sometimes freeze it first)
• ⅔ cup cold buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon

For the Simple Glaze (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (gives it that bright apple-like tang)

The secret to amazing Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones lies in keeping your butter ice-cold and not overworking the dough. I like to prep all my ingredients first, so everything comes together smoothly.

How to Make Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until you have coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture and add the diced apple. Gently fold everything together with a fork until the dough just comes together—don’t overmix!
6. Turn the shaggy dough onto your prepared baking sheet and gently pat it into a circle about 8 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
7. For the streusel topping, mix the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until clumpy. Sprinkle this evenly over the dough circle.
8. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges, but don’t separate them yet. Chill the whole thing in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
9. After chilling, gently separate the wedges and space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
10. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are lightly colored.
11. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then drizzle with glaze if using.

The key to perfect Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones is that brief chill time—it helps them hold their shape and creates the flakiest texture.

How I Make This Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones Perfect Every Time

My biggest tip? Don’t skip the chilling step, even when you’re in a hurry.

Cold dough equals flaky scones. I also learned to dice my apples quite small—big chunks can make the dough fall apart. When mixing, I stop the moment everything looks barely combined.

You want to see some flour streaks still! And here’s my secret: I always make extra streusel topping because I end up nibbling on it while the Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones bake.

Trust me, you’ll want that extra crunch on every single bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can shape the dough, add the streusel, and wrap the whole thing tightly. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

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What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries at all! Mix ⅔ cup regular milk with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you’ve got a perfect substitute.

How should I store leftover scones?

I keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They’re wonderful warmed in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

Can I freeze baked scones?

Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven before serving.

I’d be thrilled if you saved this recipe to your Pinterest boards! You can find all my seasonal favorites and baking inspiration on my Pinterest page.

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How I Love to Serve My Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones

Weekend mornings are made for these scones with steaming mugs of coffee or spiced tea

I often make them when friends come over for brunch—there’s something so welcoming about a basket of warm, fresh-baked pastries.

During apple season, I love serving Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones alongside a simple fruit salad and some good butter. They’re also wonderful packed in lunch boxes or taken along on autumn picnics.