In a light-colored skillet over medium heat, cook butter until golden brown, stirring often. The butter solids will drop to the bottom of the skillet and turn dark brown. Remove from heat and pour through a fine sieve into heat-resistant bowl. Discard solids remaining in sieve. Chill brown butter until solid.
1/2 cup butter
Heat oven to 400 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment and dust lightly with flour.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt
Using a pastry blender or fingertips, blend cold brown butter into the flour mixture until no lumps larger than a small pea remain.
In a small bowl, whisk together syrup, buttermilk, egg, and maple extract. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until blended. You should be able to see a few wisps of flour. Don’t overmix!
1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp maple extract
Drop the dough onto a prepared baking sheet. With floured (or dampened) hands, press gently, shaping the dough into a 3/4-inch thick disk. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar.
coarse sugar
Use a sharp knife to cut the scone dough into 8 equal wedges. The dough will be sticky – rinse the knife between cuts. Be sure to press the knife straight down and lift it straight up.
Bake for approximately 18 minutes, until scones are light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully separate the scones.
Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over lukewarm scones.
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp maple extract, 2 tsp milk