Snickerdoodle Scones

My Unexpected Snickerdoodle Scone Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond work, school runs, and the occasional (rare) moment of peace is a constant challenge. Baking? That's usually relegated to the "someday" list. But this past weekend, a spontaneous urge for something warm, comforting, and just slightly indulgent struck me. I decided to attempt a recipe I'd bookmarked months ago: Snickerdoodle Scones. Little did I know, this seemingly simple baking project would turn into a delightful afternoon adventure, reminding me of the simple joys in life.

The recipe itself wasn't particularly difficult, but the process was oddly meditative. The rhythmic grating of the cold butter into the dry ingredients, the gentle folding of the dough, the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon filling my kitchen – it all created a calming atmosphere amidst the usual chaos. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, and this was no exception. I carefully measured each ingredient, following the instructions to the letter, which I must admit was a welcome break from my daily routine. It was a welcome change from the spreadsheets and meetings that usually dominate my day.

The initial skepticism faded quickly as I saw the dough come together, transforming from simple ingredients into something that promised deliciousness. The golden-brown scones that emerged from the oven were even more satisfying than I anticipated. Each scone had that perfect crumbly texture and a warmth that couldn't be compared to anything store-bought. I enjoyed the sweet, spiced aroma and the warm sensation of the scone. The delicate sweetness of the snickerdoodles and the warm, buttery scone was simply blissful.

The whole experience was a wonderful reminder to embrace those unexpected moments of creativity and self-care. Sometimes, stepping away from the pressures of daily life and engaging in a simple activity like baking can be incredibly therapeutic. It's more than just the satisfaction of creating something delicious; it's about connecting with a simpler, more fulfilling side of oneself. These scones were more than just a treat; they were a symbol of that unexpected joy and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, there’s always room for a little sweetness – and a little bit of me time.

The unexpected success of these snickerdoodle scones inspired me. Perhaps I'll make more time for such activities in my busy life and give more attention to my personal life.

These snickerdoodle scones are undoubtedly the highlight of my week. Beyond the delicious taste, I treasured the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a process that felt both familiar and novel. The act of baking, itself, became a form of self-care, a mini-vacation from the demands of my daily life. And the end result? Well, let's just say those scones disappeared rather quickly!

Ingredients I used: The recipe called for standard baking ingredients, all readily available at my local grocery store. I particularly enjoyed using the cinnamon chips – they added an extra layer of flavor and texture that elevated the entire experience. The buttermilk gave the scones a delightful tang that perfectly balanced the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.

I highly recommend trying this recipe, even if you consider yourself to be a beginner baker. The results are worth the effort, and the experience is surprisingly therapeutic. The aroma filling your kitchen alone is worth the effort.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Make the topping mixture by mixing cinnamon with sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt and if using, cinnamon).
• Using a large eye side of a cheese grater, grate the chilled butter straight into the bowl with dry ingredients. Cut in with a pastry cutter, until the mixture has coarse crumbs.
• Add cinnamon chips and stir in.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and stir in well. Do not overmix.
• Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a log and divide in half.
• Working with one half at a time, flatten the dough into a thick disk. Fold in half and then in half again. Flatten into a disk again. Fold twice again. Flatten into a 3/4 inch thick disk.
• Transfer the dough disk onto one of the prepared sheets.
• Cut into 8 triangles. Gently, separate the scones, leaving about 1/2" space between them.
• Sprinkle with the topping mixture.
• Bake the scones for 20 to 22 minutes. The scones will come together during baking. That's okay.
• Remove from the oven. Let sit on the sheet for 10 minutes.
• Place the parchment paper sheet with scones on a cutting board and run the knife through the same seams in the dough to separate the scones.
• Cool completely before serving.