Dried Apple Scones

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled)
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese (cold (one standard brick))
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
• 3/4 cup diced dried apples (not apple chips though (home made or store-bought))
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 cup milk (plus 1 to 2 tablespoons more, if needed)
• Sparkling or demerara sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400° F. (regular bake setting/not fan assisted) and prepare an un-greased baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or a silpat.

2. 2

   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the cream cheese and butter, until the chunks of butter are the size of peas. Stir in the dried apples.

3. 3

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla and milk. Add these wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir with a fork until the dough is evenly moistened.

4. 4

   Turn the dough out onto a floured piece of parchment paper and fold the dough over onto itself several times, until it holds together. Pat the dough into a 3/4″ thick square or circle.

5. 5

   Cut the dough into desired size of squares, wedges, or diamonds.

6. 6

   Brush the tops lightly with milk and sprinkle with sparkling white or demerara sugar. Place the scones about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

7. 7

   Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the tops are light golden brown. Serve hot, with butter or jam.