If you’re looking for the coziest treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, these Chai Pear Scones are about to become your new obsession. Picture thick, buttery wedges with golden, crisp exteriors and soft, flaky middles, laced with chunks of sweet pear and an embrace of warming chai spices. The intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is almost as delightful as the taste! Every bite is dotted with juicy pear and whispers of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, perfect for chilly mornings or anytime you crave a little comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chai Pear Scones lies in the simplicity of the ingredients—they’re pantry staples, but each one is essential for achieving that perfect tender crumb, rich flavor, and the signature chai-infused aroma. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every ingredient earns its keep in this recipe.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the scones, providing just enough structure while keeping the crumb delicate.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create those enticing golden edges.
Baking powder: The main leavener, responsible for that tall, bakery-style scone rise.
Baking soda: Works hand in hand with the buttermilk to give a little extra lift and tenderness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the complexity of the chai spices.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the chai blend—fragrant and warm, it makes the scones sing with spice.
Ground ginger: Adds a bit of invigorating heat that lingers just at the edge of each bite.
Ground nutmeg: Brings gentle, nutty undertones that make the chai flavors feel luxurious.
Ground cardamom: The secret to any true chai experience—floral, complex, and absolutely delicious.
Pear (medium, peeled, cored, and diced): Ripe and juicy pear pieces create bursts of sweetness and keep every scone moist.
Unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces): Cold butter is the key to those flaky layers and rich, tender scones—don’t let it soften!
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth of the spices and brings the flavors together beautifully.
Buttermilk (cold): The acidity ensures a tender crumb and plays well with both the leaveners and pears.
Heavy cream: For brushing the tops, giving you that picture-perfect, glossy golden finish.
Confectioners’ sugar: Forms the silky base of the simple glaze—just sweet enough without overpowering the spices.
Ground cinnamon (for glaze): Deepens the spice factor and ties the whole scone experience together.
Heavy cream (for glaze): Loosens the glaze so it drizzles beautifully over the cooled scones, making every bite extra luscious.

How to Make Chai Pear Scones

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest bowl—these scones mean business, and you want plenty of room to blend everything effortlessly. Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom until you have a fragrant, well-mixed foundation. This ensures the chai spices are evenly distributed and that every bite of Chai Pear Scones is irresistibly flavorful.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Add the Pear

Now comes the magic for flakiness! Using a pastry blender, two knives, or even your fingertips, work the cold butter into the dry mix until you see coarse crumbs. Don’t rush this part—those little butter pockets are what make Chai Pear Scones so tender. Gently fold in your diced pear, being careful not to overmix; you want distinctive, juicy pieces studded throughout, not mush.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and cold buttermilk. Slowly drizzle this into your flour-butter-pear mixture, stirring just until a dough starts to form. Resist the urge to dump in all the liquid—a little at a time gives you control. The goal is a dough that is moist, never soggy. Overworking will turn your Chai Pear Scones tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Turn the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly—just four or five gentle turns. Pat it into a thick, 7-inch circle. For that classic scone shape, cut it in half, then slice each half into four triangular wedges. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving plenty of space for spreading, and pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes. This chill step guarantees high-rise, flaky Chai Pear Scones with perfectly crisp edges.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position your oven rack dead center and heat to 400°F. Just before baking, give each scone a brush of heavy cream—this is the secret to that irresistible glossy, golden crust. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as they puff up and turn beautifully bronzed. Once they’re done, let your scones cool on a wire rack before applying the final, glorious touch.

Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream for a drizzle-worthy glaze. The consistency should be thick but pourable, so adjust the cream as needed. Drizzle over the cooled Chai Pear Scones in any whimsical pattern you please—they deserve to look as dreamy as they taste. These are best enjoyed right away, when the glaze is set and the insides are still tender.

How to Serve Chai Pear Scones

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, try a little extra flair with your garnish. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped crystallized ginger will make your Chai Pear Scones look bakery-level. If you’re feeling fancy, a few thin slices of fresh pear arranged on the side of your plate won’t go amiss either.

Side Dishes

These scones need little else, but they shine brightest alongside a hot cup of chai or fresh-brewed coffee. For an afternoon treat, pair them with a bowl of Greek yogurt, or keep things classic with clotted cream or lightly whipped cream. Any fresh fruit, especially extra pear slices or berries, turns your scone snack into a lovely mini-brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving your Chai Pear Scones as part of an afternoon tea spread—think tiered stands, tiny sandwiches, and plenty of dainty tea cups. For gifting, wrap them up in parchment and twine with a little jar of the cinnamon glaze on the side. At holiday brunches, arrange scones in a circle, drizzle with glaze, and top with more pear for a beautiful edible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chai Pear Scones should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them a bit longer, refrigerating will buy you another day or so, but bring them to room temp for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

To have Chai Pear Scones ready on demand, freeze the unbaked, shaped scones on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to two months. You can bake directly from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time! Baked scones also freeze well: wrap individually in plastic and freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked magic, warm your scones in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds). If frozen, thaw at room temperature first, then reheat. The glaze may melt slightly, but the flavor will be just as irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use canned or jarred pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears give Chai Pear Scones the best texture and flavor, but drained, well-patted canned pears will work in a pinch. Just be sure to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy dough.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will give you the tang and texture needed for fluffy scones.

Can I skip the glaze or use something different?

Absolutely! The glaze is a lovely touch, but you can serve the scones warm and plain, or simply dust with powdered sugar. For variety, try drizzling with honey or a maple icing instead.

How do I know when my scones are done?

Your Chai Pear Scones are ready when they’re beautifully golden at the edges and the tops feel firm when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out; 15 to 20 minutes is just right for most ovens.

Can I add nuts or swap the fruit?

Go for it! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition. You can swap the pear for apple or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a twist, but the chai spice blend is the magic you’ll want to keep.

Final Thoughts

You simply can’t go wrong with a batch of Chai Pear Scones—each one is a hug in food form, guaranteed to put a little extra coziness in your day. Whether baking for family, sharing with a friend, or just treating yourself, give these scones a try and enjoy the warming comfort they bring, one fragrant bite at a time!

Chai Pear Scones Recipe