These Cinnamon Pecan Sourdough Scones are buttery, tender, and warmly spiced with cinnamon, featuring toasty pecans and a subtle sourdough tang that makes every bite irresistible.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Resting time1 hourhr
Total Time1 hourhr45 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cinnamon pecan sourdough scones
Servings: 8scones
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Food scale
measuring spoons
Cheese grater
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
250gramsall-purpose flour
100gramslight brown sugar
1/2teaspoonsalt
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1&1/2 teaspoonsground cinnamon
100gramsunsalted butter frozen & grated
80gramspecans chopped & toasted in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Wet Ingredients
100gramssourdough discard no more than a week old
1large egg
30gramsheavy cream
1teaspoonvanilla extract
For the cinnamon glaze
60gramspowdered sugar
1tablespoonmilk or cream
1/4teaspooncinnamon
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
*Tip: place the butter in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before mixing the dough
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook for3–5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and let cool before adding to the scone dough.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Next, grate the frozen butter into the mixture and use a fork or dough scraper to cut the butter into the flour, resembling coarse crumbs.
Lastly, toss in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
Make the wet mixture & combine
In a separate bowl mix together the cold sourdough discard, egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
Then, add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix to combine. Be careful not to overmix here, some dry flour bits are okay. The dough should be stiff and slightly tacky. If the dough does not come together add a little more cream.
Help bring the mixture together by folding it into itself a few times just be careful not to over-mix here.
Shape the cinnamon pecan sourdough scones
On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a 7-8 inch circle (about 1-2 inches thick) and cut into 8 wedges.
Place each wedge on the baking sheet and place it into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cinnamon pecansourdough scones can be refrigerated overnight and baked in the AM if desired.
Brush and Bake
When ready to bake the cinnamon pecan sourdough scones preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush each scone with heavy cream and sprinkle some coarse sugar on top if desired and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Pro tip: To ensure the scones are fully baked, insert a digital thermometer into the center of one—the internal temperature should read between 200–205°F (93–96°C). This ensures the inside is fully set without overbaking.
Allow the cinnamon pecan sourdough scones to rest for 10-15 minutes before glazing and enjoying!
Make the cinnamon glaze
While the scones are cooling make the cinnamon glaze by sifting the powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract and whisk together until combined.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of milk at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
Drizzle each scone with the glaze and top with more toasted pecans if desired!
Cinnamon pecan sourdough scones last for 3 days in an airtight container on the counter.
Notes
Tips for success:
Use frozen butter: before mixing the dough, ensure the butter has been in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Freeze the dough before baking: For cinnamon pecan sourdough scones to hold their shape, I recommend freezing them for at least 30 minutes to an hour before baking. Alternatively, the dough can be made the evening before and refrigerated overnight.
Easiest shaping: use a 7 or 8-inch pie pan, and line it with parchment paper or plastic wrap. and mold the disc shape.
Sourdough discard: To ensure the scones hold their flaky texture use sourdough discard that’s been chilling in the fridge.
Over-mixing: Make sure not to over-mix the dough, this will result in a dry scone.