Maple Bacon Scones

Introduction

Oh wow. If you’ve never had maple bacon scones before, you are in for an absolute treat! We’re talking buttery, flaky goodness with crispy bacon running through every bite and a rich maple glaze drizzled over the top. I mean, COME ON. These scones are the kind of thing that make you pause mid-bite just to appreciate how ridiculously good food can be.

I still remember the first time I tried this combo—total game changer. I was skeptical at first because, well, bacon in a scone? But after one bite, I knew. The salty-sweet balance was chef’s kiss perfection. And now, I’m about to make sure you experience the same joy!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet & Savory – That rich maple flavor + crispy bacon = pure magic.
2. Comfort Food at Its Best – These scones make any breakfast feel a little fancy.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake a batch and enjoy all week!
4. Easy Yet Impressive – No fancy skills required, but it looks like you know what you’re doing.

What Makes a Good Maple Bacon Scone?

Texture & Flavor

The best scones are tender on the inside, crisp on the outside, and full of flavor. You want buttery layers that practically melt in your mouth. And when you add bacon? Oh, it brings this smoky, salty contrast that makes everything pop. Plus, we’re finishing things off with a maple glaze that ties it all together.

Key Ingredients That Matter

• Cold Butter – Essential for that flaky, bakery-style texture.
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Adds crunch and bold, smoky flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup – The real deal, no artificial substitutes.

The Cultural Significance of Scones

Scones Around the World

Scones are beloved in so many places, but did you know they come in different styles?

• UK & Ireland: Classic afternoon tea staple, usually served with clotted cream and jam.
• USA: Bigger, sweeter, and often loaded with mix-ins (hello, bacon!).
• Australia & New Zealand: Typically lighter and served with butter or cream.

The Role of Maple & Bacon in Different Cuisines

Maple syrup is a North American treasure, especially in Canada where it’s practically liquid gold. And bacon? Well, let’s just say it’s a breakfast icon worldwide. Put them together, and you get an unforgettable fusion of flavors.

A Brief History of Scones

Origins & Evolution

Scones started in Scotland (yep, really!), where they were originally made with oats and cooked over an open fire. Eventually, they got fancier, evolving into the delicate, buttery treats we love today.

When Did Maple & Bacon Scones Become Popular?

The sweet-savory craze took off in the early 2000s, and bacon found its way into EVERYTHING—doughnuts, cookies, even cocktails. So naturally, scones were next. And thank goodness for that.

Ingredients for Maple Bacon Scones

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (room temp)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup heavy cream

Fat & Flavor Boosters

• ½ cup cold, unsalted butter (grated & frozen)
• 10 slices thick-cut bacon (6 crumbled, 4 for topping)

For the Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream

Essential Equipment for Making Scones

• Mixing Bowls – One for dry, one for wet.
• Box Grater – Best trick for flaky scones? Grate your butter!
• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – No sticking, no mess.
• Bench Scraper or Knife – For cutting clean scone wedges.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Bacon Scones

1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook and crumble your bacon (crispy is key!).
• Grate and freeze your butter—this step makes all the difference!

2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.

3: Add Butter and Bacon

• Work the frozen butter into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter.
• Stir in 6 slices of crumbled bacon.

4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Whisk eggs, maple syrup, and cream.
• Gently mix with dry ingredients until just combined.

5: Shape and Chill the Dough

• Form a ¾-inch thick circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze for 30 minutes—this helps the scones keep their shape!

6: Cut and Bake

• Preheat to 425°F.
• Cut dough into wedges, brush with cream, and bake for 18-20 minutes.

7: Make & Apply the Glaze

• Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cream.
• Drizzle over warm scones and top with extra bacon.

How to Tell When Maple Bacon Scones Are Done

• Golden brown on top.
• Crisp edges, soft interior.
• Slightly firm to the touch but not dry.

Variations & Toppings

One of the best things about scones—besides the buttery, flaky layers, of course—is how customizable they are. Once you’ve got the basic method down, the possibilities are endless! You can lean into the savory side, double down on the sweetness, or even get creative with toppings to make them extra special. Let’s dive into some fun variations!

Savory Twists

If you’re someone who loves a good cheesy, herby bite, then savory scones are right up your alley. While maple bacon is already walking that perfect line between sweet and salty, you can push it even further into the world of savory with a few easy swaps.

• Cheddar & Chive Bacon Scones – This one’s a crowd-pleaser! The sharp tang of cheddar cheese melts into every bite, while fresh chives add a mild oniony flavor that complements the smoky bacon beautifully. If you want to take it up a notch, throw in a pinch of garlic powder for an extra kick.
• Black Pepper & Parmesan – Looking for a more sophisticated, grown-up twist? Freshly cracked black pepper brings a warm spiciness that pairs perfectly with salty parmesan. These scones are ideal for serving with soups, stews, or even alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Jalapeño & Smoked Gouda – If you like a bit of heat, finely diced jalapeños add a nice little punch, while gouda’s creamy smokiness makes everything feel extra indulgent.

Sweeter Options

If you’re all about that sweet scone life, there are plenty of ways to turn up the dessert factor while keeping that rich maple-bacon goodness intact.

• Pecan & Maple Bacon Scones – The nutty crunch of pecans takes these scones to another level. Toasting the pecans beforehand intensifies their flavor, making them the perfect partner for the maple glaze.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Maple Scones – This combo is warm, cozy, and feels like autumn in a bite. The brown sugar brings a deeper caramelized sweetness, while cinnamon adds that familiar spiced warmth.
• Apple & Maple Bacon Scones – Small diced apples folded into the dough create bursts of natural sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the bacon beautifully.

Topping Ideas

Toppings are where you can get really creative! Here are a few ways to finish off your scones with a little extra flair:

• Extra Maple Glaze – Because let’s be real, you can never have too much of that golden, syrupy goodness. Drizzle a little more over the top just before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Flaky Sea Salt – A tiny sprinkle of Maldon or any flaky sea salt over the glaze adds a pop of texture and enhances the flavors beautifully.
• Candied Bacon – If you want to go all out, make a small batch of candied bacon by baking slices coated in brown sugar until caramelized and crisp. Crumble it over the scones for a sweet, crunchy topping.

Nutritional Insights

Now, let’s talk about what’s really going on inside these scones. Yes, they’re indulgent—but honestly, that’s part of the magic! They’re meant to be enjoyed as a treat, and trust me, every bite is worth it.

Calories & Macronutrient Breakdown

On average, each scone is around 550 calories, with a mix of carbs, fat, and protein. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Carbohydrates – ~50g (mostly from flour and maple syrup)
• Fat – ~35g (thanks to butter and bacon)
• Protein – ~10g (bacon helps add a little boost here)

Can These Scones Fit Into a Balanced Diet?

Absolutely! The key is moderation. Enjoying one of these scones as a weekend breakfast treat or alongside a cup of tea is a perfectly reasonable way to indulge without overdoing it. Plus, they’re filling, so you won’t find yourself reaching for snacks an hour later.

Healthier Modifications

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, here are a few swaps to consider:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour – Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add some extra fiber.
• Try Greek Yogurt Instead of Heavy Cream – This keeps the richness while reducing the fat content.
• Reduce the Sugar – The maple syrup already brings natural sweetness, so you can cut back on the granulated sugar slightly without sacrificing flavor.

Pro Tips & Tricks for Flawless Scones

Want bakery-level scones every time? Follow these tips, and you’ll never end up with dry, dense, or disappointing scones again.

1. Always Use Cold Butter

This is the golden rule of scone-making. Cold butter means flaky layers because when the butter melts in the oven, it creates little pockets of air, making your scones light and tender. Grating the butter and freezing it beforehand is a game-changer!

2. Do Not Overmix the Dough

Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough scones instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

3. Chill the Dough Before Baking

This step prevents your scones from spreading too much in the oven and helps them keep their signature height. Freezing for 30 minutes before baking makes a huge difference.

4. Bake at a High Temperature

Scones do best in a hot oven—425°F is ideal. The high heat helps create a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender.

My Take on Maple Bacon Scones

Why do I love these scones? Honestly, what’s not to love? The balance of sweet and salty, the crispy bacon pieces in every bite, that thick maple glaze dripping over the top—it’s pure magic.

These scones have become a weekend staple in my house. Whether I’m having a slow, cozy morning with a cup of coffee or need something special to bring to brunch with friends, they never disappoint. The first time I made them, I knew they’d be a forever favorite. And now, I hope they become one for you too!

Storage & Health Tips

How to Store Scones

Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store well if you want to save some for later.

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want to keep them fresh a little longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked scones for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

Reheating Tips

• To get that fresh-from-the-oven texture, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
• If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat for about 20 seconds and enjoy.

Healthier Modifications

• Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
• Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
• Add chopped nuts for extra nutrients and texture.

FAQs

What is the secret to moist scones?

Cold butter and heavy cream are the secret weapons! Also, be gentle with the dough—overworking it leads to dry, tough scones.

What is the trick to making good scones?

Keeping everything cold, not overmixing, and chilling the dough before baking are the three golden rules.

Can I make these scones without bacon?

Of course! If you want a vegetarian version, try swapping the bacon for toasted pecans or even a handful of shredded cheese.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! While regular bacon gives the best flavor, turkey bacon works too. Just make sure it’s crispy before crumbling it into the dough.

Before You Go…

If you loved these Maple Bacon Scones, you HAVE to try my Madeleine next. And don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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