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Apricot Scones – Light, flaky, buttery scones layered with chopped apricots and iced with an almond flavored glaze.
Light and buttery, flaky and soft, these are absolutely wonderful scones.  It was love at first bite for me and I feel certain these will make any mom swoon over brunch.  This Buttery Apricot Scone Recipe is so easy to make – even non-bakers can make this happen.  Remember those flaky canned biscuits?  These come apart in soft, lightly sweet layers just like the old canned biscuits, but taste so much better!
Whisk together the flour and baking powder. Â In a 2 cup measure combine the granulated sugar, milk and salt, stir to dissolve. Â Cut in ice cold butter until pea-size pieces form then add the milk. Â Stir with a fork until the dough comes together.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and spread on 2 tablespoons softened butter. Â Sprinkle chopped dried apricots evenly over the dough. Â Fold the dough like an envelope, in thirds.
Fold the dough in half crosswise, press together and gently flatten into an 8×4″ rectangle.
Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces and bake!
I love they way they puffed up and the layers came apart.  More room for icing to get in the nooks and crannies 🙂
Brush the fresh baked scones with butter or drizzle with a simple icing flavored with almond extract.
Layers and layers of sweet apricots and buttery goodness! Â This is a wonderful splurge and totally worth all the broccoli and salads I ate all week!
I hope you’ll make these apricot scones as part of your mother’s day celebration.  Don’t forget our terrific Crustless Asparagus Cheese Pie to round out a wonderful brunch.
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Buttery Apricot Scones
Ingredients
For the scones:
- 1 cup cold whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup diced dried apricots about ¼ pound
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon warm water more or less as needed for desired consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a two cup measure combine the milk, sugar, and salt. Whisk until dissolved. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour and baking powder. Cut 10 tablespoons of the cold butter into ½" pieces. Add the butter to the flour mixture and blend using a pastry cutter until pea size pieces remain. Add the milk and stir with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and gently roll the dough out into a 14x8" rectangle. Soften the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and using your fingers, spread the butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the chopped apricots over the dough and gently press so they stick.
- With the long side of the dough facing you, fold the top â…“ of the dough over the center. Fold the remaining â…“ over the top portion, like folding a letter.
- Fold the dough in half, then using the rolling pin, gently flatten to an 8x4" rectangle.
- Cut the dough in half lengthwise, and then into quarters crosswise to make 8 even squares.
- Bake on the parchment lined baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove to a rack to cool slightly before icing.
- To prepare the glaze combine the confectioners sugar, almond extract and water in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over scones and serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
For all you moms out there – have a wonderful Mother’s Day – whether it’s with your mom, or your children, or that special woman in your life. Â Being a mom has to be the best job in the whole world. Â Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Amanda
These have to be some of the best scones I have ever had! Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting them to be this delicious! The only thing I changed was to use fresh apricots. I didn’t have any dried. I chopped up a cup of fresh apricots and used around a tablespoon, maybe a little more of sugar and let them soak it up for a few minutes. Otherwise I followed the recipe as shown.
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to try it with other fruit. 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thank you Amanda! I wish I could find fresh apricots for longer than a week, haha. Enjoy!
Liz
Great scone dough recipe. Really, the best. Not too sweet, yet tender and flakey as all get out! Since it’s apricot season here and all I can find are green ones in the stores, I was attracted to this recipe. Made as is, except doubled the amount of chopped apricots in the dough and added chopped almonds; no glaze. Next time I will add a layer of apricot jam to the large rectangle of dough before adding chopped dried apricots and almonds. So good! Thank you.
Tricia Buice
I love the idea of adding apricot jam Liz. Sounds pretty terrific to me. Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.
Lynn
Oh my gosh! I have tried SO many scone recipes, trying to find the perfect one! This is it! I had some leftover dried apricots and wanted to use them. After I spread the softened butter on the dough, I spread a couple tablespoons of apricot preserves over, and then the chopped dried apricots. The technique of folding the dough made for flaky buttery layers. Honestly, it was really a pastry rather than a scone, in my humble opinion. The recipes makes 8 pieces, so I baked 4 and froze the other 4 unbaked. Scone OR pastry, it doesn’t matter what you call it, it is delectable with your morning coffee and you will be so happy you tried this!
Tricia Buice
Thanks for the feedback Lynn! Love that you added jam. That was brilliant and probably did give it more of a pastry vibe. Enjoy
CDS
Hi Lynn! How did you treat the frozen scones when you wanted to bake them? Did you thaw them first?
Lynn
Sorry I did not see your question until now, but I just baked them frozen and they took a little longer. Just as delicious!
Rachel
These are seriously AMAZING. My husband said, “I don’t like apricots, but I’ll try it.” Ok and wow…this recipe showed out. I used a blend of almond flour and GF flour, subbed granulated date sugar for the white sugar, and goat milk bc thats what i had. For the glaze, I used granulated date sugar again, and a mixture of almond milk and water…didnt use the same measurements and just kinda winged it on that but made sure to make the glaze consistency “drippy” enough. I baked for 25 min and they were already browning a bit on the top edges. Center consistency was like a Cracker Barrel biscuit. Seriously, these are great. My husband went back for seconds. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Rachel! We appreciate you taking the time to comment and for trying the recipe. Yeah!
Janet Ligas
I made these once and they were gorgeous but felt like the apricot flavor wasn’t very noticeable. What do you think about using fresh apricots?
Tricia Buice
Hi Janet – I’ve never tried it but I bet they would be terrific. Let us know if you make them! Thanks for the great question.
Sheila
Could I use vanilla extract instead of almond for the glaze? (Allergic to nuts)
Tricia Buice
Absolutely Sheila! They will still be delicious and flaky. Enjoy!
Lisa Huff
Loved the way the rich dough comes together in folds, just enough to hold the luscious apricots in place! Next time, i’m Going to add a bit of chopped candied ginger…mmm! Thanks for a great recipe!
Tricia Buice
Thanks for the feedback Lisa! Very happy you enjoyed this recipe. The ginger sounds like a wonderful addition. Thanks again 🙂
Debra
OMG! These are the best scones ever—flaky, buttery with perfect amount of apricot. I did cut them into smaller ones before baking — some fell over but looked great after they were iced. Best scones I’ve ever made ?
Tricia Buice
Thanks so much for the feedback Debra! So happy these worked out for you 🙂 Great for the holidays too!
Jennifer
Hi Tricia,
Thank you so much for sharing this with the world — it’s a proven winner! We own and operate a bed and breakfast in the Midwest, and I’ve prepped and served this many, many times as a part of our first-course for breakfast. Guests rave – every time! I’ve found that I can use a variety of dried fruits (apricots, blueberries, cherries, etc) and use either almond or vanilla glaze. We’ll continue to serve these regardless of the season – they’re wonderful!
Thanks again,
Jennifer
Tricia Buice
Thank you Jennifer! BEST comment ever!!! You made my day 🙂 Best wishes to you for your amazing B&B. I would love to try these with cherries. Yum!
Lori
Tasted really good. I like that the dough baked up crunchy outside and soft inside. One cup of milk was not enough to get the dough to hold together. I added a bit more, but still hard to roll out. I think i would add the chopped apricots to the mixture before forming it. The almond glaze was really good with this.
Tricia Buice
Thanks for the feedback Lori and for trying this recipe. Great tip about adding the apricots to the dough. Happy baking and thanks again.
Elaine Smith
I found your recipe for these scones on Pinterest. I just had to make them immediately. But all I had was apricot preserves. So off I went and made them. They were awesone…I think the best scones I have made so far. I loved your technique for making these scones. Think I might try a different preserve next time…something on the thick side. Thanks again! P.S. My Shih Tzu loved them too! ????
Tricia Buice
How awesome Elaine! I love that you used preserves – that added sweetness must be great. Thanks for giving it a try and for the feedback!
Nancy
How much preserves did you use? I’m not a fan of dried fruit.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I really like how you made these. I’m making scones for a friend tomorrow and I think I’ll make these in addition to the plain ones she’s asked for. She’ll love me. 🙂
Tricia Buice
They are so good Maureen – gotta love that butter and sugar! Have a wonderful visit and a great weekend 🙂
Mandy
Ooo, Tricia, I love the way you fold them before baking – love that idea. Have printed your recipe and will have to invite friends over for tea soon.
Have a super day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Tricia Buice
You have some interesting tea to serve your guests Mandy – hope you love the scones!
Wendy
Oh my Goodness, these look AMAZING! You know how sometimes, on Pinterest or on a blog or print magazine (how retro!), you see a food image that stops you in your tracks? Your top photo did that to me. Everything about this post made me say, “WOW!” ….the photos….the recipe….the works. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this! I know I will be making these scones over and over again.
Tricia Buice
Awww thanks Wendy! That is a real compliment coming from you. Love your amazing cookies! Have a wonderful week 🙂
Daniela
Oh Tricia, now I know what’s on my wish list for Mother’s Day .
I must try these fantastic scones, they look truly irresistible.
Have a happy Mother’s Day!
Tricia Buice
You too Daniela! Hope you are doing well.
Beth
What a wonderful recipe for breakfast or brunch! Wish I’d seen them in time for today!
Tricia Buice
Father’s Day is coming up Beth – maybe a little cinnamon and sugar would do the trick! Hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day!
Susan
I think many of us will be trying this method, Tricia! They look absolutely irresistible and I’m in love with the folding technique. So many possibilities 🙂 Thank you for such a wonderful recipe! Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Susan – buttery layers are so hard to resist! Happy Mother’s Day!
Betty
Tricia, these are gorgeous! I love the way they’re layered. I could linger at the table quite a while with a plate of these, a pot of coffee, and some good company. 🙂 I volunteered to provide a treat for our volunteer appreciation tea next week, and I’m thinking these would be perfect. That asparagus quiche looks tasty too. We’re right in the thick of asparagus season right now, and my brother who grows it always shares extras after his markets. Will definitely try it! I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day! 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thanks Betty – What a wonderful brother to share his fresh asparagus with you. We just love it. Lingering is good 🙂 Hope you’re having a fun “end of school” roundup! Happy Mother’s Day!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine
That first picture alone made my mouth start watering! I am making a Mother’s Day brunch – these will be on the menu! They look fantastic!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Chris – have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Monique
So different.
I am smitten!
Happy Mothers Day and thank you!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Monique – they are tasty. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Becky Green
These scones look WONDERFUL, Tricia!!!! Being that I LOVE tea, these will be SUPERB on Mother’s Day! THANK YOU Tricia for the recipe! Your recipes are ALWAYS GREAT! I’ll be shopping for the ingredients SOON! 😉
Tricia Buice
Thanks so much Becky. Hope you are doing great. I also hope you have a fantastic Mother’s Day! Take care and thanks so much for stopping by.
Cali @ Cali's Cuisine
These look perfect. I have not seen scones folded in this manner. Interesting! I will be giving this a try, maybe for Mother’s Day Brunch. Can these be prepared in advance?
Tricia Buice
I have not tried making them ahead, but the original recipe noted: “Rolled and cut scone dough can be frozen in an airtight container up to 2 days. Bake directly from the freezer, increasing baking time as needed. Scones can be made 6 hours ahead-let cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature.” We refrigerated our left over scones (if you can believe there were any left over!) and reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds before eating. They kept well for 5 days and still tasted wonderful. Thanks! Have a happy Mother’s Day!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
These look so flaky and delicious! I love that new technique..must try it next time when I make scones.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Angie – anything with butter in the middle just has to be good! Happy Mother’s Day!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I can hardly stop myself from putting down my coffee and running to the kitchen to make these! I really love scones, and this new method is going to haunt me until I try it. Those layers!
Tricia Buice
So sorry – don’t you just hate that! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy Mother’s Day Sue!
Monica
Oh Tricia – these look fantastic! I love that fold-over technique…gotta try that! These flavors make me think of Italian rainbow cookies, which are one of my favorite things. The butteriness with apricot and that almond glaze are all so good together. A chocolate glaze could work for me, too! ; ) Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Tricia Buice
You will love them Monica – I was thinking about a little brown sugar cinnamon thing for the middle – they will be almost like cinnamon rolls without yeast – more like a cinnamon roll biscuit. Yummmmmmm Happy Mother’s Day to you!
tanna
Oooooooh! LOVE at first sight! Scones (or any biscuit-like creation) are my biggest weakness! And apricots. Tricia, I think you tempted me right off my diet – wagon.
Hope you have a most wonderful Mother’s Day. You are such a loving and generous mother. Sending big hugs and blessings ~ tanna
Tricia Buice
These are like the best biscuits ever Tanna! I really ate salads, asparagus and broccoli all week so this was a real treat! I’m a mom, I deserve that something special … somebody should tell that to my waistline!