Gingerbread Scones Recipe

This gingerbread scones recipe is the perfect treat for when the weather gets cooler. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. The spicy aroma and comforting flavors of gingerbread create a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have freshly baked scones ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these scones as breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as a dessert after dinner.
• Perfectly Spiced Flavor: The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a comforting flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Customizable Icing: Top them with a delicious icing made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Ideal for Sharing: This recipe yields eight generous scones, making it great for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spills.
• Pastry cutter: This tool helps you cut butter into flour efficiently, ensuring the right texture for your scones.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked scones.

Ingredients

To make this delightful gingerbread scones recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups unbleached white flour, = 8oz/240g
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, regular, etc.
• 1 tsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top
• 1/2 cup cold butter in cubes (or vegan butter), = 4oz/115g
• 1/4 cup molasses, = 3oz/85g
• 1/2 cup milk, any kind – cow, coconut, almond, etc.
• 1 tsp milk, for top
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp melted butter, or vegan butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

How to Make Gingerbread Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that your scones bake evenly and rise nicely.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
* Combine all dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, sea salt, and granulated sugar.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Using a pastry cutter or fork:
* Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in:
* 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup molasses.
* Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Form the Dough

With clean hands:
* Bring the dough together gently. Flatten it onto a cookie sheet to about 3/4 thick.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Brush the top with:
* 1 teaspoon of milk and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to create a crunchy topping.

Step 7: Cut into Wedges

Using a sharp knife:
* Cut the dough into eight wedges for easy serving.

Step 8: Bake

Place in the oven:
* Bake at 425 F for 15–20 minutes until they are risen and golden brown.

Step 9: Optional Icing

While waiting for your scones to cool:
In a small bowl,
* Whisk together powdered sugar with melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 10: Ice Your Scones

Spread quickly over each cooled scone using the back of a spoon or knife.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious gingerbread scones!

How to Serve Gingerbread Scones Recipe

Gingerbread scones are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, there are many serving options to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing gingerbread scones with a warm cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy experience. The spices in the scones complement the rich flavors of the beverages beautifully.

Topped with Butter

• Spread a little butter on your warm scone for an extra layer of richness. This simple addition elevates the taste and adds a creamy texture.

Drizzled with Icing

• For a sweeter touch, drizzle the optional icing over your scones. The glaze adds a decorative finish and enhances the sweetness.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy your gingerbread scones alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries. The fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced flavors of the scone.

With Yogurt

• Pairing scones with yogurt creates a satisfying combination. Choose plain or flavored yogurt for added creaminess and taste complexity.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Scones Recipe

To ensure your gingerbread scones turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are cold. This helps create flaky layers in the scone.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of tender ones.
• Cut evenly: When cutting your dough into wedges, make sure they are even for uniform baking.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on them in the oven; once golden brown, they’re ready!
• Cool before icing: Let your scones cool slightly before adding icing so it doesn’t melt away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Scones Recipe

Serving gingerbread scones alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the scones.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
3. Spiced Chai Latte: This warming drink pairs perfectly with gingerbread flavors and enhances the cozy vibe.
4. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a crunchy accompaniment that contrasts nicely.
5. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or cashew butter provides protein and rich flavor to enjoy with your scone.
6. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: A sweet beverage option that complements the spice in gingerbread perfectly.
7. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy bowl of pumpkin soup offers warmth and pairs well with the seasonal spices in the scone.
8. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche can round out your meal with eggs and vegetables, providing protein along with sweetness from the scone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread scones can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure perfect scones every time.

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. If the temperature is too low, the scones may not rise properly.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully. Incorrect measurements can result in dry or overly wet dough.
• Skipping the milk wash: Brushing the dough with milk before baking helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
• Cutting uneven wedges: Ensure that each wedge is cut evenly for consistent baking. Uneven pieces may bake at different times, affecting texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Scones Recipe

• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Scones Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and warm scones for about 10 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat one scone at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming for approximately 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Gingerbread Scones Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I make these gingerbread scones vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

How long do these gingerbread scones last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

What can I use instead of molasses?

You can replace molasses with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for an extra twist on this gingerbread scones recipe.

Final Thoughts

This gingerbread scones recipe is not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or paired with afternoon tea, these scones bring warmth and flavor. Feel free to customize your batch by adding spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy baking!