19 Best Scones and Muffins for Winter That’ll Warm Your Day
Winter days can sometimes feel long and chilly, but there’s nothing quite like the comfort of fresh-baked scones and muffins to warm up your home and brighten your mood. Whether you're craving something sweet or a little savory, there’s a recipe on this list for every occasion.
From hearty oatmeal scones to zesty lemon muffins, these 19 best scones and muffins for winter that’ll warm your day are perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea. And let’s be honest, baking during the colder months brings a little extra magic into the air.
The smells of cinnamon, orange zest, and vanilla filling your kitchen—what could be better? So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into these delightful recipes!
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1. Classic Cinnamon Sugar Scones
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm cinnamon sugar scone. The crispy top paired with the soft, buttery interior makes these the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cream and egg until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, and cut it into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Blueberry Muffins
A classic muffin that never goes out of style, these blueberry muffins are fluffy and packed with sweet, juicy berries. They're perfect for any winter morning or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the blueberries.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
These lemon poppy seed muffins are a refreshing burst of citrus that’s perfect for brightening up a cold winter morning. The tangy lemon and crunchy poppy seeds are a delightful combination.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Maple Oatmeal Scones
These hearty maple oatmeal scones are perfect for when you want something that’s both filling and comforting. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the oats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut the butter into cubes and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, heavy cream, and egg.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a disc. Cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden.
5. Cranberry Orange Muffins
These cranberry orange muffins are full of tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest. They’re a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an ideal winter treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and orange juice.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Banana Nut Muffins
A classic winter favorite, these banana nut muffins are moist and filled with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Apple Cinnamon Scones
These apple cinnamon scones are full of warm spices and tender apple chunks. They're a comforting and slightly fruity twist on the traditional cinnamon scone.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 cup chopped apple (peeled)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and blend into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped apple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and egg, then add to the dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These pumpkin spice muffins are a fall and winter favorite, bringing the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, sugar, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Gingerbread Scones
These gingerbread scones are filled with the warm, spicy flavors of ginger, molasses, and cinnamon, making them the perfect winter treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut the butter into cubes and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the molasses, cream, and egg until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Chocolate Chip Muffins
These chocolate chip muffins are a sweet, indulgent treat that’ll satisfy your chocolate cravings. The tender crumb and melty chocolate chips are irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Chocolate Banana Scones
A delightful pairing of chocolate and banana, these scones are both indulgent and comforting, making them the perfect winter snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture, working it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Pour in the cream and egg, mixing gently until combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc and cut it into wedges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
12. Coconut Lime Muffins
These coconut lime muffins offer a tropical twist with their light, fluffy texture and zesty lime flavor. The shredded coconut adds a delicious chewiness, perfect for a bright winter pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shredded coconut, and lime zest.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and lime juice.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
13. Maple Bacon Scones
Sweet and savory, these maple bacon scones combine the richness of crispy bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup. The result is an irresistible treat that’s perfect for winter mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the butter into cubes and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- In a separate bowl, mix the maple syrup, heavy cream, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc and cut into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
14. Pear and Almond Scones
With the rich flavors of almond and sweet, juicy pears, these scones are a warm, comforting treat perfect for cozy winter afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into cubes and blend it into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in the diced pear and sliced almonds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and almond extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
15. Chai Spice Muffins
The warm spices of chai—cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—bring a cozy and aromatic flavor to these muffins. A perfect winter treat to sip with your favorite cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
16. Spiced Apple Muffins
Packed with warm spices and tender chunks of apple, these spiced apple muffins are a delicious way to enjoy winter flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped apple.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
17. Chocolate Orange Muffins
The combination of rich chocolate and bright orange zest makes these muffins a delightful treat that balances sweet and citrusy flavors. Perfect for a winter pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
18. Sweet Potato and Pecan Scones
Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a soft texture to these scones, while pecans provide a bit of crunch. Together, they make a satisfying winter treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into cubes and blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the mashed sweet potato and chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc and cut into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
19. Pomegranate Muffins
These pomegranate muffins are both beautiful and delicious, packed with the tart sweetness of pomegranate seeds. They make a fun and festive addition to any winter breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin
with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
These 19 best scones and muffins for winter will surely brighten up any chilly day. Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or savory, there’s a perfect recipe to match your mood. Try them out and enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade baked goods this winter!