Cinnamon Bun Scones

This Cinnamon Bun Scones recipe combine everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls with the flaky, tender texture of classic scones. No rolling, shaping, or yeast required.

These old-fashioned cinnamon roll scones come from a recipe my mom clipped from a newspaper when I was a little girl, and they've been a family favorite ever since. This simple drop-style dough bakes in under 15 minutes and is finished with a sweet glaze and optional pecans, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love These Scones

• Fast & Foolproof: A no-yeast, no-roll recipe that's ready start to finish in about 25 minutes.
• Classic cinnamon roll flavor in a flaky scone: All the warm cinnamon-sugar goodness without the extra work.
• Drop Scones: No rolling, shaping, or cutting needed, just scoop and bake.
• Perfect Any Time of Day: Breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.
• Easy to Customize: Make them nut-free or turn them into cinnamon pecan scones with toasted pecans.

What Makes This Recipe Different (And Better)

Unlike many cinnamon bun scones recipes that require laminating dough or rolling cinnamon layers, this version uses a swirled cinnamon-sugar mixture folded gently into the dough. That means:

• More tender scones
• Less mess
• Consistent cinnamon flavor in every bite

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for tender, flaky cinnamon bun scones.
• Oats: Quick, rolled, or old-fashioned oats all work.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the cinnamon swirl.
• Baking Powder & Salt: Gives the scones lift and enhances flavor.
• Butter: Cold, unsalted butter creates a crumbly, tender texture.
• Milk & Egg: Any milk, including non-dairy, binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds warm, classic flavor.
• Pecans (optional): Toasted pecans make these cinnamon pecan scones extra crunchy.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon bun flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): Combine with milk or orange juice for a sweet glaze to drizzle on top.

How to Make Old Fashioned Cinnamon Bun Scones

Step 1. Preheat oven and line or spray a baking sheet. Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

Step 2. Work in cold butter using pastry blender or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3. In small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 4. Add mixture to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. In small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and optional pecans; fold gently to swirl cinnamon evenly throughout.

Step 5. Drop dough by ¼ cupfuls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

Step 6. Bake in preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly on wire rack or parchment paper. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze while warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use very cold butter: This creates flaky layers and tender scones.
• Don't over-mix: Stir just until combined to avoid tough scones.
• Use a cookie scoop: Keeps scones evenly sized for consistent baking.
• Glaze while warm: Helps the glaze melt into the scones instead of sliding off. You can also use a cream cheese frosting like in my Banana Bread Bars.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezer (Baked): Freeze unglazed scones up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Scoop dough, freeze solid, then bake straight from frozen, just add 2-3 minutes due to being chilled.

Cinnamon Bun Scones Recipe FAQs

More Cozy Baked Goods You’ll Love

✨ Love cozy baked treats like these? Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious cinnamon bun scones, cinnamon pecan scones, and other sweet breakfast recipes! 📌

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