Ina Garten’s Maple Scones are a classic treat that combines the buttery flakiness of traditional scones with the warm richness of pure maple syrup. These scones are lightly sweet, have just the right amount of crumble, and are finished with a smooth maple glaze that adds flavor without overpowering.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones strike the balance between indulgent and comforting—everything you’d expect from a Barefoot Contessa recipe.
What Are Ina Garten’s Maple Scones?
Maple scones are tender, triangular pastries made with flour, cold butter, cream, and a touch of maple syrup, then baked and glazed. Ina’s recipe includes optional chopped walnuts for texture and depth, with a maple glaze that enhances their natural sweetness without making them overly sugary.

Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers
- Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
- Ina Garten Ribollita
- Ina Garten Sesame Noodles
Reasons to Try Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Warm, cozy maple flavor – Subtle yet satisfying
- Buttery, tender texture – Classic scone with moist crumb
- Perfectly sweetened – Ideal for breakfast or brunch
- Easy to make at home – No mixer needed
- Great for make-ahead – Freeze dough or baked scones
- Elegant for entertaining – A polished touch for any occasion
- Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee – A comforting match
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Maple Scones
For the scones:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
For the maple glaze:
- 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure maple extract
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for thinning)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Maple Scones
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the butter
Add the cold diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the butter pieces are pea-sized and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and maple syrup.
Step 5: Make the dough
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Add chopped walnuts if using and gently fold in.
Step 6: Shape and cut
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat into a ¾-inch thick round and cut into 8 wedges (or use a round cutter for traditional shapes).
Step 7: Apply egg wash and bake
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Make the glaze
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and just enough milk to make a pourable glaze.
Step 9: Glaze the scones
Drizzle or spread the glaze over slightly cooled scones. Let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Hot coffee or black tea – Enhances the maple and butter flavors
- Whipped cream or clotted cream – For a touch of indulgence
- Fresh berries or sliced apples – A bright, fruity contrast
- Scrambled eggs or omelets – Savory counterbalance for breakfast
- Maple butter or cinnamon butter – For added richness
- Greek yogurt and honey – A lighter breakfast pairing
- Bacon or sausage links – Sweet meets savory
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Use very cold butter – For a flakier texture
- Don’t overmix – Minimizes gluten for a tender crumb
- Chill the dough if it’s soft – Helps hold shape when baking
- Use real maple syrup – Avoid artificial substitutes
- Adjust glaze consistency – Add milk slowly for desired thickness
- Let scones cool slightly before glazing – So it sets, not melts
- Serve the day they’re baked – Best texture and flavor
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Add dried cranberries or raisins – For a fruity touch
- Swap walnuts for pecans – Classic maple-pecan combo
- Use brown sugar instead of maple syrup – For a caramel-like depth
- Make mini scones – Perfect for brunch platters
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg – For warm spice
- Top with coarse sugar before baking – Adds crunch and sparkle
- Use maple cream as filling – Sandwich-style scone twist
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container – Up to 2 days
- Refrigerate if topped with glaze – Helps preserve freshness
- Freeze unbaked scones – Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to time
- Freeze baked scones without glaze – Glaze after reheating
- Wrap tightly before freezing – To prevent freezer burn
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Maple Scones
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes – Restores warmth and crispness
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds on low power – Quick soft heat
- Toast in oven if glaze-free – For crispy edges
- Add fresh glaze after reheating – For best presentation
- Avoid overheating – Can dry out or melt glaze
Nutritional Value (per scone, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
A rich and comforting pastry with just the right amount of sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make Ina Garten’s maple scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked scones and bake them fresh when needed—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Why use cold butter in scones?
Cold butter creates steam pockets in the dough as it bakes, which helps form the flaky, tender texture that makes scones so delicious.
Can I freeze Ina Garten’s maple scones after baking?
Yes, baked scones (preferably without glaze) can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, then glaze after warming.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in the glaze?
If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave for a different but still delicious glaze. Note that the flavor will be slightly different.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Maple Scones are a wonderful balance of buttery texture and cozy maple flavor.
Easy to make and even easier to love—these scones are a staple worth savoring.
PrintIna Garten Maple Scones
Maple scones are tender, triangular pastries made with flour, cold butter, cream, and a touch of maple syrup, then baked and glazed. Ina’s recipe includes optional chopped walnuts for texture and depth, with a maple glaze that enhances their natural sweetness without making them overly sugary.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the scones:
-
3½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
1 teaspoon kosher salt
-
¾ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
-
¼ cup pure maple syrup
-
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
-
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
For the maple glaze:
-
1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
-
½ teaspoon pure maple extract
-
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
-
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for thinning)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the butter pieces are pea-sized and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and maple syrup.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Add chopped walnuts if using and gently fold in.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat into a ¾-inch thick round and cut into 8 wedges (or use a round cutter for traditional shapes).
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and just enough milk to make a pourable glaze.
Drizzle or spread the glaze over slightly cooled scones. Let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.