chai scones : there’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of chai filling your kitchen on a crisp morning. Add the flaky, buttery bite of a well-made scone, and you’ve got a breakfast (or snack) that feels like a cozy hug. These Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a celebration of autumn and winter flavors, with a nod to classic masala chai and a sweet, sticky maple glaze to tie it all together.

The masala chai that inspires this recipe is more than just tea—it’s a cultural staple with deep roots. While “chai” means tea in Hindi, what we know as “chai tea” or “chai latte” is actually masala chai, or spiced tea. This spiced blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and more. If you’re curious about its rich history and how it’s traditionally made, this guide from Serious Eats offers a beautiful overview.

Infusing these warm spices into a flaky scone creates a baked good that’s both comforting and unique. To make the perfect scone texture—light, tender, and flaky—requires just a few key techniques. This guide to baking perfect scones from King Arthur Baking is an excellent resource to master the art. These chai scones are elevated with a glossy maple glaze that’s not overly sweet and adds depth thanks to real maple syrup—ideally the kind made the traditional way, as shown in this explanation by Vermont Maple.

What Are Chai Scones?

Chai scones are buttery pastries infused with the spice blend found in traditional masala chai. The texture is tender and crumbly, ideal for pairing with a warm drink. The flavor is bold but balanced—thanks to spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon—making it a fantastic option for fall and winter mornings.

The Flavor Profile:

Warm and spicy
Hints of sweet maple
Light, buttery crumb
Balanced with a tender texture

Key Ingredients

For the scones:

All-purpose flour – your base for structure
Baking powder – gives lift and flakiness
Granulated sugar – a touch of sweetness
Unsalted butter – use very cold butter for flakiness
Heavy cream – for richness and soft dough
Eggs – help with structure and moisture
Chai spice blend – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar – forms the base
Maple syrup – use pure maple syrup for depth
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Chai spice blend

Essential Tools

Food processor (for quick mixing)
Bench scraper (for easy dough cutting)
Rolling pin
Pastry brush (for the egg wash)

How to Make Chai Scones

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Keep butter, eggs, and cream as cold as possible
Pre-chill your butter by dicing and freezing for 10 minutes

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Pulse dry ingredients in a food processor
Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Slowly stream in the cream-and-egg mixture until dough starts to come together

Step 3: Shape the Scones

Transfer dough to a floured surface
Gently knead into a ball and press into a disc
Slice into 8 wedges for full-sized scones or cut into mini triangles

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F
Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Brush with egg wash
Bake 20–22 minutes until golden brown

How to Make the Maple Chai Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cream, and chai spices
Let the scones cool completely before glazing
Dip each scone once, let set, then dip again for a thicker coating

Glaze Tips:

Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
Add a touch of salt to balance sweetness
Glaze should be thick but pourable

Pro Tips for Perfect Scones

Cold butter is critical—it creates steam pockets for flakiness
Don’t overwork the dough—it toughens the texture
Check your baking powder’s expiration—fresh leavening is key
Chill dough before baking to help it hold shape

Freezer & Make-Ahead Instructions

Shape and freeze raw dough for up to 3 months
Bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge
Glaze only after baking and cooling

Serving Ideas

These chai scones are incredibly versatile and festive.

Pair with coffee or a chai latte
Serve for a brunch, baby shower, or holiday breakfast
Include on a Christmas cookie platter for variety

Flavor Variations

Want to make them your own? Try:

Adding chopped dates, cranberries, or walnuts
Subbing in orange zest for a citrus twist
Using plant-based butter and cream for a vegan version

Final Thoughts

Homemade Chai Scones with Maple Chai Glaze are a rewarding bake that’s easier than you think. They offer the nostalgic warmth of chai spices and the indulgent sweetness of real maple syrup in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your next gathering, these scones are sure to impress.