If you’ve been on the lookout for a cozy treat that bursts with festive warmth yet fits perfectly into a gluten-free lifestyle, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe. These delightful scones combine the spicy sweetness of gingerbread spices with a tender crumb that’s as flaky as it is fluffy, making each bite feel like a comforting hug. Whether you’re starting a chilly morning or craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is your golden ticket to holiday cheer any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making these scones truly shine. Each element plays a vital role—from lending warmth and sweetness to ensuring the perfect texture and crumb that makes this Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe an absolute joy to bake and eat.
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum): This creates the gluten-free base while providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness perfectly balanced with the spices.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the scones a lovely rise and airy lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and balances acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice that delivers that signature warmth and zing.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds depth and a comforting aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle earthiness that complements the ginger perfectly.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a hint of pungency to round out the spice profile.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed: Critical for flakiness and richness—keep it cold!
- 1/3 cup molasses: Gives the scones their distinctive gingerbread color and deep, complex sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Moistens the dough and helps everything come together.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds another layer of warm sweetness and aroma.
- Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk or maple syrup: To drizzle over cooled scones for a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and those beautifully fragrant spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures the spices are evenly distributed for every delicious bite.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, grab your cold, cubed butter and incorporate it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The goal here is to achieve coarse crumbs—the butter bits should be about pea-sized. This step is what creates the flaky texture that makes these scones truly irresistible, so keep that butter cold and don’t overwork the dough!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is combined. The dough will be sticky and slightly tacky—this is exactly what you want, so resist the urge to overmix.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your workspace with some extra gluten-free flour and turn the dough out onto it. Gently pat the dough into a thick circle about 1 inch high. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Arrange these wedges on your prepared baking sheet, giving them space to spread slightly during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your scones into the oven for 14 to 17 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel set to the touch. Once baked, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before moving on to glazing—this waiting time helps the scones set and makes glazing much easier.
Step 6: Optional Glaze for Extra Sweetness
Whisk powdered sugar with either milk or maple syrup until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled scones to add a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the spicy gingerbread flavor.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or finely chopped crystallized ginger can elevate your scones. A few thin slices of candied orange peel on top also add a lovely zing and an elegant look—perfect if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a warm mug of chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a dollop of thick cream or vanilla yogurt. The creamy, cooling textures balance out the warm spices, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your scones alongside a small bowl of apple butter or spiced honey. Stack them on a rustic wooden board or wrap individually in pretty parchment for gifting. These little touches make your Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover scones (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them tender without drying out, so they stay fresh enough for a quick snack or breakfast the next morning.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully either glazed or unglazed. To freeze, place the scones on a tray until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor preservation.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your scones at room temperature if frozen, then warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Skip the microwave to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use another sweetener instead of coconut sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar works wonderfully in this recipe and will maintain the deep molasses flavor. Just be mindful that very different sweeteners might slightly change the texture or sweetness level.
Is it okay to use dairy-free milk?
Yes, this recipe is flexible to include your preferred milk, whether almond, oat, or soy milk. Just choose an unsweetened version to avoid altering the flavor balance.
Can I add extra mix-ins like nuts or crystallized ginger?
Definitely! Chopped crystallized ginger or a handful of chopped nuts make great additions for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the dough gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
Why is the butter so important to keep cold?
Cold butter creates steam during baking, which helps form flaky layers that make scones tender and light. Warm butter will melt into the dough and result in denser scones.
Can I make these scones vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg substitute, use a non-dairy milk, and ensure the glaze uses maple syrup. The texture may vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe a try because it has a way of making your kitchen smell like holiday magic and your heart feel a little warmer. Its perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and tender crumb makes it a comforting and versatile treat that’s sure to become a regular in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Gluten-Free Gingerbread Scones, perfectly spiced with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Made with gluten-free flour and a touch of molasses, these tender, flaky scones are a festive breakfast or snack option that combines holiday flavors with a health-conscious twist.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined for uniform flavor distribution.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to create a smooth wet mixture that will bind the dough.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; the dough should be sticky but hold together well.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface with gluten-free flour. Gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Scones: Bake for 14–17 minutes or until the scones are golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk or maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Keep the butter very cold to achieve the flakiest scones.
- These scones freeze well unglazed; simply thaw and glaze before serving.
- For extra flavor, add chopped crystallized ginger or a bit of orange zest to the dough.
