Gingerbread Scones: A Cozy Holiday Treat
As the days grow shorter and the air turns brisk, the scent of ginger and spice begins to dance through my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. There’s something truly magical about baking during the Holiday season—a time when the world slows down just long enough for us to gather with loved ones and share our favorite comforts. One recipe that has firmly nestled in my heart is for gingerbread scones. Tender and buttery, with just the right amount of spice, these scones evoke memories of chilly mornings spent cozying up with a good book and a steaming cup of tea. They truly make for a delightful Holiday treat!
When you’re in need of an easy and magical recipe to share with family and friends, this gingerbread scones recipe will come to the rescue. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely dairy-free options available, making it suitable for guests with dietary preferences.
- A quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Envelops your home in a heavenly aroma, evoking the warmth of a cozy cafe.
- Delightfully crispy on the outside yet tender and fluffy on the inside—absolutely irresistible!
- Can be topped with delicious glazes or served plain, ensuring a crowd-pleasing treat for all.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To whip up these delightful gingerbread scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold dairy-free butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 large egg
- Optional: sugar for sprinkling on top
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s create some gingerbread magic in the kitchen!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing yourself for the deliciousness to come.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These comforting spices will envelop you in warmth.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cubed dairy-free butter into the dry ingredients, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Think of the buttery goodness that will come together in the oven!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, non-dairy milk, and the egg until well combined. This is the moment that dreams are made of.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our scones to remain fluffy and tender.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into wedges (you can cut it into triangles, or use a round cutter for circles). Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
If you’d like an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle sugar on top of the scones before baking for a light crunch.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and your entire home smells heavenly.
Allow the gingerbread scones to cool briefly on a wire rack before serving warm, perhaps with a dollop of dairy-free cream or your favorite jam.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this gingerbread scone recipe is cozy and perfect as it is, I love experimenting with flavors that could bring even more joy to your table. Here are a few delightful variations to try:
Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Scones: Fold in a generous handful of dark chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the gingerbread.
Cranberry Orange Scones: Add a zesty twist by mixing in dried cranberries and a hint of orange zest—an enchanting balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Pecan Praline Scones: Incorporate chopped pecans and drizzle a sweet pecan praline glaze over the top for a rich and nutty experience.
Maple Glazed Scones: Top your warm scones with a dreamy maple glaze for extra sweetness and holiday cheer.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your gingerbread scones are a hit every time, here are a few expert tips:
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough in advance, cut the scones, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven from frozen and add an extra couple of minutes to the bake time!
Ingredient Swaps: If you run out of any ingredients, feel free to substitute with your favorite dairy-free butter or plant-based milk without sacrificing flavor.
Slicing Trick: To achieve those perfect wedges, use a sharp knife and avoid twisting—it keeps the dough from being overworked.
Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; for longer freshness, refrigerate them.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the dough, which makes these scones a perfect last-minute treat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! Substitute with your favorite flours or non-dairy options, and feel free to add any mix-ins!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for optimum freshness.
How long does it last?
Gingerbread scones are best enjoyed fresh but can keep for about 2 days at room temperature; refrigerate for up to a week.
Wrapping It Up
What a delightful journey these gingerbread scones take you on—from the cozy baking process to those first warm bites! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning, this recipe will soon become a cherished favorite. Save this Gingerbread Scones recipe to your Holiday board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Gingerbread Scones
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tender and buttery gingerbread scones, perfect for cozy holiday gatherings and chilly mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold dairy-free butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 large egg
- Optional: sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Work the cubed dairy-free butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk together the molasses, non-dairy milk, and egg in a separate bowl until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it comes together, then pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Slice the dough into wedges and place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional: Sprinkle sugar on top of the scones.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool briefly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: Prepare and freeze the dough, then bake from frozen. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: gingerbread scones, holiday baking, cozy treats