Cinnamon Bun Scones

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon baking that makes a kitchen feel instantly warm and inviting. These cinnamon bun scones capture that same cozy magic without the fuss of making yeast rolls. Instead, you get a tender, buttery scone swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked golden in the oven, and topped with a simple glaze.

They’re quick enough to whip up on a weekend morning yet special enough to share over coffee with friends. With pantry staples like flour, oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar, you can have a batch on the table in less time than it takes to run to the bakery. Pecans add a little extra crunch, but they’re completely optional. These scones are just as delightful without them.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Scones

• Quick and easy. Just mix, drop, and bake! No rolling or shaping required.
• Cozy cinnamon flavor. A swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon gives them the flavor of a cinnamon bun without the work.
• Perfect texture. Tender inside, crumbly at the edges, with a sweet glaze to tie it all together.
• Versatile. Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a simple dessert.
• Crowd-pleasing. They’re just the right balance of sweet and spiced, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the primary ingredients you’ll need to make these cinnamon bun scones. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list and exact ingredient amounts.

• Brown sugar & cinnamon – The classic cinnamon bun duo that gives these scones their warm, cozy flavor.
• Oats – Rolled oats add a little texture and heartiness without making the scones heavy.
• Butter – Cold butter is the secret to those crumbly, tender scones. Work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
• Milk & egg – These bind everything together and give the scones their soft, moist interior.
• Vanilla extract – Just a splash rounds out the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Pecans – Optional, but they bring a bit of crunch and nutty richness to every bite.
• Confectioners’ sugar glaze – A simple drizzle that gives these scones a finishing touch of sweetness, just like a cinnamon bun.

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Scones

These scones come together quickly with just a few simple steps:

Mix the swirl. 
Stir together the cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans so it’s ready to go when the dough comes together.

Make the dough. 
Combine the dry ingredients, then cut in the butter until you see little pea-sized bits. That’s where the crumbly texture comes from.

Add the wet ingredients. 
A quick stir of milk, egg, and vanilla pulls the dough together without over-mixing.

Swirl in the cinnamon mix. 
Instead of rolling and shaping, just fold it in gently so you get sweet pockets of flavor throughout.

Drop and bake. 
Scoop the dough right onto the pan. (No need to fuss with shaping!) Then bake until golden.

Glaze while warm. 
A simple drizzle of powdered sugar glaze is all they need for that cinnamon bun vibe.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Nut-free. Skip the pecans if you prefer, or swap in another mix-in like raisins or dried cranberries.
• Extra spice. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a little twist.
• Glaze it differently. Try a maple glaze or add a splash of orange juice instead of milk for a bright flavor.
• Mini scones. Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized versions that are perfect for brunch spreads or sharing.
• Serve warm. These scones are best just a few minutes out of the oven when the glaze is still a little soft.
• Pair with coffee or tea. The warm cinnamon flavor makes them a perfect companion for a cozy drink.

How to Store

At room temperature: Keep the scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re best on the first day, but a quick warm-up in the microwave or oven will freshen them up.

In the freezer: Once completely cooled, place the scones (preferably without the glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly before serving if you like.

Make-ahead tip: You can also freeze the unbaked dough portions. Place scooped scones on a lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag up to 3 weeks. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Bring the Bakery Home

These cinnamon bun scones are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a bakery-style treat. With their buttery texture, sweet cinnamon swirl, and simple glaze, they’re a cozy bake you’ll want to come back to again and again.