The Best Maple Walnut Scones

• Flour:  We use mostly all-purpose flour in these maple walnut scones, but to increase the nutritional value and fiber, we added a touch of whole wheat flour as well.  
• Natural Cane Sugar: We use unbleached all-natural cane sugar, but I am sure regular sugar can be used as well. Regular granulated sugar goes through a refining process that uses animal bone char and is, therefore, not completely vegan.  
• Maple Sugar:  Maple sugar is a unique and flavorful sweetener that makes these maple scones extra special. Nevertheless, if you do not it, you can substitute maple syrup with natural cane sugar.  
• Aluminum-free baking powder: We take extra care to use aluminum-free baking powder, because it reacts to liquid rather than heat. We don’t like the metal flavor and aftertaste of aluminium baking powder.  
• Sea salt:  We like to use sea salt for some extra trace minerals. You can also use pink Himalayan salt. The salt balances the flavor of the walnut scones.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps make these maple walnut scones delicate and light. Coconut oil is either refined or unrefined. Refined means the coconut taste has been removed and is usually the best option if you want to avoid the coconut flavor.  
• Walnuts: Walnuts have many health benefits and always add great nutritional value to recipes. In these maple walnut scones, walnuts are the star of the recipe.    
• Coconut milk: Canned coconut milk adds to the flavor, creaminess, and lightness of the maple scones.  
• Vanilla: Vanilla is added for flavor, but can be omitted.  
• Maple Syrup: Brush the maple scones with 100% pure maple syrup. It has a delicious flavor, but in the case of these maple walnut scones, it also adds a sweet, crunchy crust. Here in New England, we are very selective about our maple syrup; nothing but 100% pure will do. If you do not have access to pure maple syrup, use a brand you like or substitute with agave nectar.  

Health Benefits of Walnuts:

Walnuts are among the most nutritious foods on the planet and should be praised for their health benefits, particularly those of the heart. (1)

Walnuts contain high levels of essential fatty acids, B6, a vitamin involved in brain function, and are among the best sources of trace elements. Research suggests they can help lower blood pressure. (2)

Of course, as is the case with most good things, walnuts should be consumed in moderation, so adding walnuts to your scones is an excellent way to boost the nutritional value in your diet.  

Walnuts are also high in antioxidants and fiber.  

Maple Walnut Scones Recipe Variation and Add-ins

Have fun switching up this walnut scone recipe with these tasty recipe variations. 

• Pistachio Lemon Scones: For a fun twist, substitute the walnuts with pistachios and add lemon instead of maple syrup to the glaze.
• Dried Fruit Scones: For a different variation, add dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries, or blueberries, to this maple walnut scone recipe.    
• Pecan Maple Scones: Switch out the walnuts in this recipe and make pecan maple scones for a delicious treat. 
• Scones Without Nuts:  Omit the walnuts and make a plain maple scone.  
• Fresh Berry Scones: Add some fresh raspberries or blueberries the scone recipe for a significantly special variation. 
• Black Walnut Scones: Toss some black walnuts into these maple scones for a bold and delicious black walnut flavor.
• Maple extract: Add a few drops of maple extract to increase the maple flavor of these walnut maple scones. 
• Toasted walnuts: A nice touch is to toast the walnuts at 350F for 6-8 minutes until slightly golden brown. Toasting the walnuts will help to bring out the walnut flavor.
• Almond Scones: Replace the walnuts with sliced or chopped almonds and add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty almond-flavored scone.

How to make Maple Walnut Scones

Here is a step-by-step guide with pictures on how to make these delicious walnut maple scones.

Step one: Add flour, sugar, maple sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. 

Step two: Cut the coconut oil into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles sand. Add the chopped walnuts.

Step three: Pour in coconut milk and vanilla extract. Gently mix until just combined. The dough will be wet.

Step four: Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and form into a round disk about an inch thick and cut into eight pieces like a pizza.

Step five: Transfer each maple scone to a lined baking sheet, brush generously with pure maple syrup and sprinkle with more chopped walnuts.

Step six: Finally, bake the scones for 17-19 minutes, or until slightly golden brown on the edges.

How do you cut maple walnut scones into the right shape?

Place the maple walnut scone dough on a lightly floured work surface and form it into a round disk about an inch thick. Cut the dough into eight pieces like you would cut a pizza. Scone dough is usually wet but should be moveable. Use a cake or pie server to gently remove the pieces one at a time and place them on a parchment-covered baking tray. Then brush the maple walnut scones with maple syrup and bake.  

What is the secret to making good scones?  

1. Don’t overwork the scone dough. This is why we make the dough by hand instead of using a food processor as it can easily be over mixed.
2. Cut in the coconut oil with a pastry cutter for a lighter scone. The consistency should resemble sand before adding the coconut milk.  
3. The dough should be slightly wet – this will ensure a moister scone. 
4. Because the aluminium-free baking powder reacts when liquid is added, it is important to bake the maple scones as quickly as possible after adding liquid. 

What Kitchen Tools are the best for making scones?