Best Ever Maple Oat Nut Scones

I was looking for a way to duplicate the Starbuck's Maple Nut Scone at home, since it's long been one of my favorite breakfast treats, ever. The thick, sweet glaze and tasty, maple-y moist bread has always been a winner to me. We're also the kind of family that likes to laze about on Sunday, with our tea or hot chocolate or piping hot mochas, and this scone is always the perfect complement. Have I found a way to duplicate the recipe? I think so, for the most part, but with a few important modifications (see recipe below). The scones themselves are not as thick as I'm used to, but I don't care about that -- for me it's all about the deliciousness. And are they delicious? Why yes, yes they are. My grade: A

Best Ever Maple Oat Nut Scones

Ingredients

For The Scones

• 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 5 tablespoons good maple syrup
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cold butter (small pieces)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Maple Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
  
• 4 tablespoons good maple syrup
  
• 5 teaspoons half and half
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Using a food processor or blender, finely grind oats.
3. In a mixer, mix flour, oats, sugar (white and brown), salt and baking powder.
4. Add maple syrup and butter and mix well.
5. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the cream and maple extract.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix well.
7. Add pecans and mix just to incorporate.
8. Place dough on a floured surface. Knead and pat dough into a 8 to 10 inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
9. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place wedges on top and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until light brown.
10. Remove scones from oven to wire rack. Let cool about 3 to 5 minutes.
11. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Adjust the amount of water to get to the desired consistency. I like the glaze to be rather thick. Spread lots of glaze over each scone and dry about 15 minutes before serving.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep/Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 8