The golden, puffy charm of Utah scones is an irresistible nod to nostalgic comfort food. Unlike British scones, these are deep-fried to perfection, creating a crisp exterior and soft, chewy inside. Fresh out of the oil, they’re dusted with powdered sugar or served simply with a generous slather of cinnamon honey butter.
The cinnamon honey butter—creamy, slightly spicy, and sweet—melts into every nook of the warm fry bread, delivering an indulgent experience with every bite. Whether you call them scones, fry bread, or just the best thing ever, this recipe brings the taste of home to your table. Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Fry Bread (Utah Scones):
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1 tablespoon instant yeast
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
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2 tablespoons sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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Oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Honey Butter:
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½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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¼ cup honey
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Toppings (Optional):
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Powdered sugar
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Extra honey for drizzling
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in salt, oil, and flour until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
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Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a disc about ¼-inch thick.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry dough pieces one or two at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
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For the butter, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy, then add honey and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
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Serve warm fry bread immediately with cinnamon honey butter and optional powdered sugar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rising)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 scones
Cultural Significance and Regional Popularity
In Utah and surrounding areas, these scones have become much more than just a recipe—they’re a part of local tradition. You’ll find them served at school events, church socials, family reunions, and even roadside cafes. They’re considered comfort food, a nostalgic throwback to childhood for many locals, and a dish that brings communities together.
Because of their simplicity and versatility, Utah scones have found a place in both casual and festive occasions. Many families have their own passed-down recipe or unique twist—some might serve them with jam, others with honey butter, and still others might go the savory route with chili or cheese. This adaptability keeps the dish relevant and continually evolving.
Cinnamon Honey Butter: The Ultimate Companion
While Utah scones can certainly stand on their own, it’s the cinnamon honey butter that elevates them to something truly special. This whipped, sweet spread is a luxurious combination of soft butter, golden honey, and ground cinnamon. It melts beautifully into the warm scone, seeping into every nook and cranny and delivering a rich, spiced sweetness in every bite.
The combination of textures—crispy scone and velvety butter—creates a sensory experience that’s indulgent yet comforting. Cinnamon honey butter is often made fresh and whipped to a light and airy consistency, ensuring that it spreads easily even on the hottest scone. It’s also versatile enough to use on pancakes, waffles, or toast, but Utah scones remain its most iconic partner.
Why This Recipe Works for All Skill Levels
Despite the fact that this recipe involves frying—a technique that can sometimes intimidate home cooks—it’s surprisingly accessible for all skill levels. The dough is simple and forgiving, and the only real requirement is a little patience during the rising time. Frying each piece takes only a minute or two per side, making the actual cooking process quite fast once the dough is ready.
Because of its straightforward approach, this recipe is perfect for both weekday treats and weekend cooking adventures. Kids and adults alike can participate in the dough-rolling and shaping, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about watching each round of dough puff up into golden perfection once it hits the hot oil.
Customizing the Recipe to Suit Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of Utah scones is how adaptable they are. While cinnamon honey butter is the most popular topping, these scones can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences or the occasion. You could serve them simply with a dusting of powdered sugar for a light dessert or go all-in with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.
For a savory twist, skip the sweet toppings entirely and pair the scones with a warm chili, cheese sauce, or herbed butter. They also make an excellent side to hearty soups or stews, particularly during the colder months when fried bread can bring that much-needed sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Pairing Utah Scones with Beverages and Meals
These scones aren’t just for breakfast or dessert—they work well as part of a larger meal. In Utah diners, you might find them served alongside eggs and bacon for breakfast or offered as a side to fried chicken or other comfort foods at lunch. Their slightly sweet, yeasty flavor pairs beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk.
For those hosting a brunch or breakfast gathering, serving Utah scones with a spread of toppings and beverages can make for a fun and interactive dining experience. Set up a “scone bar” with bowls of flavored butters, jams, syrups, and whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their own creations.
Nutritional Profile and Moderation
As a fried bread, Utah scones are undoubtedly indulgent, but when enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced lifestyle. Each scone comes in at about 320 kcal, depending on the size and topping choices. Using quality ingredients like real butter and pure honey ensures that you get the best flavor and texture, without needing to add excessive sugar or artificial elements.
If you’re looking to make the recipe slightly healthier, consider using whole wheat flour for added fiber or baking the dough instead of frying (though it won’t have quite the same texture). You can also adjust the sugar content in the dough or choose lighter toppings to better suit your dietary goals.
A Perfect Introduction to American Fry Bread Culture
Trying Utah scones is a gateway into the larger world of American fry bread—a cuisine with deep cultural and historical roots. While traditional Native American fry bread often serves as a vehicle for savory dishes like Indian tacos, Utah scones take a sweeter turn, reflecting the tastes and adaptations of the communities that embraced them.
This makes them an excellent dish to introduce others to fry bread culture in a way that’s approachable, sweet, and universally appealing. Sharing Utah scones with friends or family is not just a culinary experience—it’s a small act of cultural exchange that fosters appreciation for regional American foodways.
Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few tips that can help ensure your Utah scones come out perfectly every time. First, don’t skip the rise time—it’s essential for developing the airy texture and flavor of the dough. Make sure your oil is properly heated to around 350°F before frying; too low, and the dough will absorb oil and become greasy, while too high can result in burnt outsides and raw insides.
Avoid crowding the frying pan, as this can drop the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip the scones gently and remove them safely from the hot oil. Allow them to drain on paper towels before adding toppings to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.
Lastly, always serve Utah scones warm. They are best eaten fresh from the fryer when the exterior is still crisp and the interior steamy and soft. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven, but nothing compares to a freshly fried scone paired with melty cinnamon honey butter.
Conclusion
Utah scones with cinnamon honey butter are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a piece of living culinary history. This regional specialty showcases the ingenuity of generations who adapted simple ingredients into something memorable, delicious, and deeply tied to community and tradition. Whether you’re making them for the first time or returning to a family favorite, each bite offers a comforting reminder of home and heritage.
The warm, crispy dough paired with the spiced sweetness of whipped cinnamon honey butter creates an experience that is nostalgic, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. As you prepare and share these golden delights, you’re not only serving food—you’re sharing a story, one rooted in the rich tapestry of American food culture.