Gingerbread Delight Scones Recipe

Cozy Gingerbread Delight Scones Recipe for Holiday Magic

Fragrant gingerbread delight scones capture the essence of cozy winter mornings with their warm, inviting aroma.

Spices dance through each tender crumb, promising a delectable journey of comfort and flavor.

Sweet and subtle hints of molasses weave magical notes into every buttery bite.

Rich, golden-brown edges promise a delightful crunch that melts deliciously on your tongue.

Imagine breaking open a freshly baked scone, watching steam rise with promises of extraordinary taste.

Delicate textures blend seamlessly with robust seasonal spices, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

These scones beckon you to savor a moment of pure, indulgent pleasure that celebrates traditional baking with a modern twist.

Explore this recipe and let your kitchen become a sanctuary of irresistible warmth.

How to Bake These Holiday Favorites

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar

Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break down the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Create Dough

Pour in:
  • Molasses
  • Whole milk

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmwork the dough.

Step 5: Shape Scones

Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten into a circular shape approximately 3/4 inch thick. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with additional sugar.

Step 6: Cut and Bake

Slice the dough into 8 equal wedges. Separate the wedges slightly on the baking sheet. Bake for 17-20 minutes until golden brown and risen.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

While scones are baking, create the glaze by whisking together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once scones are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Keeping the Perfect Crumb

  • Chill Butter Strategically: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to maintain small, unmelted butter pieces for creating flakier, more tender scones.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Mix ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent tough, dense texture and preserve delicate crumb structure.
  • Create Perfect Wedges: Use a sharp knife to cleanly divide dough into even wedges, ensuring uniform baking and consistent golden-brown coloration.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Add milk gradually and stop mixing the moment ingredients are incorporated to prevent sticky or dry scone consistency.
  • Glaze with Precision: Drizzle icing while scones are still warm to help it spread smoothly and absorb slightly into the surface for maximum flavor absorption.

Storage and Reheating for Soft Results

  • Refrigerator Storage: Wrap cooled scones individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer Preservation: Seal scones in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
  • Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed scones in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior and soft interior, bringing back that freshly baked taste and texture.

Sips and Sides That Match the Flavor

  • Brew Rich Espresso Companion: A bold, dark espresso cuts through the sweet, spicy gingerbread scones, creating a balanced flavor harmony that awakens your taste buds with warm, complementary notes.
  • Pair with Creamy Maple Latte: A smooth maple latte echoes the scone's maple icing, amplifying the warm winter spices and creating a comforting, indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Serve alongside Cinnamon-Spiced Chai: A spicy, creamy chai tea perfectly matches the gingerbread's warming spices, enhancing the scone's aromatic ginger and cinnamon profile with its complementary blend of herbs and milk.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy hot chocolate with real vanilla bean provides a decadent backdrop to the scone's spicy-sweet character, offering a luxurious and comforting flavor experience.

Flavor Swaps You Might Like

  • Spiced Pumpkin Scones: Replace molasses with pumpkin puree and add extra warm spices like nutmeg. Enhance the seasonal flavor profile with a cream cheese glaze instead of maple icing.
  • Chocolate Ginger Crunch: Mix in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger on top before baking. Use a rich chocolate drizzle for the final touch.
  • Citrus Ginger Scones: Incorporate orange zest into the dough and replace maple syrup with fresh orange juice in the glaze. Add a light dusting of ground cardamom for complexity.
  • Savory Herb Gingerbread: Transform the recipe by reducing sugar, adding rosemary and thyme. Top with sea salt and serve with soft goat cheese for a sophisticated breakfast or brunch option.

All the Gingerbread Scone FAQs

  • Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and refrigerate them overnight. Simply bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

  • How do I store leftover gingerbread scones?

Store the cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 weeks and reheat gently before serving.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Absolutely! You can use alternative spices like nutmeg or allspice, replace milk with buttermilk, or swap maple syrup with honey in the icing for similar delicious results.

  • Are these scones good for holiday gatherings?

These gingerbread scones are perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or as a festive dessert. Their warm spices and sweet glaze make them a crowd-pleasing seasonal favorite that everyone will love.

Warm Gingerbread in Scone Form

  • These gingerbread scones pack a flavor punch with warm, aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that instantly wake up your taste buds and transform an ordinary breakfast into a cozy winter treat.
  • Whipped up in under 30 minutes, these scones are perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions, requiring minimal ingredients and simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
  • Crisp golden edges give way to a tender, soft interior, while the maple glaze adds a luxurious sweetness that elevates these scones from ordinary to extraordinary, making each bite a perfect balance of crunch and softness.
  • Versatile enough for holiday gatherings or casual weekend breakfasts, these scones bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia that connects people through the universal love of delicious, freshly baked goodness.

What You’ll Need for the Dough

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the scones, providing structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Signature spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the scones.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter: Ensures flaky, tender scones when cut into dry ingredients.
  • Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and dark color characteristic of gingerbread.
  • Milk: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Melted Butter, Maple Syrup, Vanilla: Combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the spiced scones.
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Gingerbread Delight Scones Recipe

Gingerbread Delight Scones Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Spiced warmth fills kitchen spaces with these magical Gingerbread Delight Scones that blend classic holiday comfort and delicate pastry perfection. Crumbly edges and rich molasses notes invite bakers to savor winter’s most enchanting breakfast companion.


Ingredients

Scale

Gingerbread Delight Scones Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (8 ounces/240 grams) unbleached white flour
  • ½ cup (4 ounces/115 grams) cold cubed butter or vegan butter
  • ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Liquid and Glaze Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (3 ounces/85 grams) molasses
  • 1 teaspoon milk (for brushing)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gather all essential ingredients and equipment, ensuring precise measurements and a clean workspace.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a fragrant blend of spices that will infuse the scones with warmth.
  3. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, using swift cutting motions to create a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Gently fold molasses and milk into the dry ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a light, tender dough consistency.
  5. Transfer the delicate dough onto a prepared baking surface, shaping it into a uniform circular disk approximately three-quarters of an inch thick.
  6. Enhance the scones’ exterior by applying a delicate milk wash and sprinkling with a light dusting of sugar for a golden, crisp finish.
  7. Carefully segment the circular dough into eight symmetrical wedges, creating individual portions for even baking.
  8. Position the scones in a preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden-brown delicacies with crisp edges and soft interiors.
  9. While the scones bake, craft a luxurious maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla into a silky-smooth consistency.
  10. Remove the freshly baked scones and immediately drizzle with the prepared glaze, ensuring an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Spice Blend Magic: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a warm, aromatic flavor profile that transforms these scones into a cozy winter treat.
  • Butter Technique: Cold, cubed butter is crucial for achieving a flaky, tender texture; work quickly to keep the butter from warming up.
  • Mixing Matters: Gentle mixing prevents tough scones; stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just combined for the most delicate crumb.
  • Shaping Secrets: Flatten the dough into a thick circle and cut into wedges before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect portioning.
  • Icing Elegance: The maple-vanilla glaze adds a luxurious sweetness that complements the deep, spicy notes of the gingerbread.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for a quick morning baking experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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