Gingerbread Scones Recipe

When the air turns crisp and cozy mornings call for something warm, I always find myself reaching for my favorite Gingerbread Scones. I remember the first time I baked them on a chilly December morning — the scent of ginger and cinnamon filled my kitchen, and it instantly felt like the holidays had arrived. The golden, slightly crisp edges and tender center made every bite comforting. Now, these scones have become a tradition in my home, especially when paired with a steaming mug of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s full of rich, warming spices and that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Each scone is moist inside with a delightful crisp top, thanks to the sugar glaze that gives it just the right touch of crunch. Unlike store-bought versions, these scones have a homemade charm that makes them impossible to resist.

Versatile
These gingerbread scones are as versatile as they are delicious. You can enjoy them at breakfast with butter, as an afternoon snack with tea, or even serve them as a dessert with a drizzle of glaze. They’re also easy to adapt — use cow’s milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk depending on your preference. Want to make them vegan? Swap the butter for vegan butter and they turn out just as perfect.

Budget-Friendly
One of the best parts of this recipe is how affordable it is to make. The ingredients are simple pantry staples: flour, baking powder, sugar, and a few spices. Even the molasses, which gives that deep gingerbread flavor, is inexpensive and long-lasting. So, you can bake a batch of warm scones without spending much at all — ideal for cozy weekends or family brunches.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Scones

• 2 cups unbleached white flour (8oz/240g)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp for topping)

• ½ cup cold butter, cubed (or vegan butter – 4oz/115g)

• ¼ cup molasses (3oz/85g)

• ½ cup milk (any type: cow, coconut, almond, etc.)

• 1 tsp milk (for brushing the top)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)

These ingredients come together to create a soft, flavorful scone that tastes like the essence of fall and winter combined.

How to Make Gingerbread Scones

When I make these gingerbread scones, the process feels just as comforting as the final result. The aroma of spices, the texture of the dough, and the warmth from the oven all create that cozy baking atmosphere I adore. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Every step builds toward a batch of soft, spiced scones that never fail to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gingerbread Scones

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the scones bake evenly and rise properly. I always like to line my baking tray with parchment paper, although you can also lightly grease it with butter or spray.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the spices evenly, so every bite carries that warm gingerbread flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of peas. This step is key for that flaky, tender texture. If the butter melts too soon, the scones won’t rise as well, so keep it cold throughout.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the molasses and ½ cup of milk. Stir until smooth. The molasses adds a rich, deep sweetness that defines gingerbread.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or your hands, gently mix until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones dense. The dough should feel slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Bring it together with your hands a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Then press it into a circle about ¾ inch thick. Transfer this circle onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Add the Topping
Brush the top of the dough with 1 teaspoon of milk. This helps create a golden crust. Then, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly over the top. The milk helps the sugar stick, and once baked, it adds that irresistible crunch.

Step 8: Cut and Bake
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough circle into 8 wedges. Separate them slightly so they bake evenly. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the scones are risen and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell like a warm blend of molasses and spice — pure comfort.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing
While the scones bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter), 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free). Stir until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

Step 10: Glaze the Scones
Once the scones are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. While still a little warm, spread the glaze on top using the back of a spoon or a knife. It will set quickly, forming a glossy finish. The glaze adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the spice.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your gingerbread scones warm, paired with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The combination of soft texture, warm spice, and that hint of sweetness makes them completely irresistible.

Quick and Easy
Despite the rich flavors, these scones come together fast. From mixing to baking, the process takes about 30 minutes total. They’re ideal for last-minute guests, cozy weekends, or when you just crave something homemade and fragrant.

Customizable
This recipe is very flexible. You can use any type of milk — cow, almond, or coconut. For a dairy-free version, substitute both the butter and milk with vegan alternatives. If you prefer your scones less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or skip the glaze. You can also add small bits of candied ginger for extra warmth.

Crowd-Pleasing
These gingerbread scones always disappear quickly at family gatherings and brunches. The subtle spice, moist crumb, and glossy glaze appeal to everyone. They make a beautiful gift during the holidays too — just wrap them in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.

AQs about Gingerbread Scones

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, shape and cut the dough, then follow the same baking instructions. This helps the butter stay cold and gives the scones a better rise.

Can I freeze gingerbread scones?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, place the scones in an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months. To serve, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until soft again.

Can I make these scones without molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can use a mix of maple syrup and brown sugar. However, the authentic gingerbread flavor comes from molasses, so the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I make them vegan?
Replace the butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk. The texture and flavor will remain just as delightful.

Why are my scones dense?
Overmixing the dough or using warm butter can cause dense scones. Keep the butter cold and handle the dough gently for the best flaky texture.

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