There is nothing quite like the cozy charm of Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze to brighten up a chilly morning or add a festive touch to your holiday brunch table. These tender almond flour scones are bursting with warm gingerbread spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors, while the luscious cream cheese glaze adds a silky finish that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to scones, this recipe promises a delightful treat that’s both comforting and elegant in every bite.

Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful scones truly shine. Each item plays an important role—from the almond flour that ensures a tender crumb to the rich cream cheese that brings a luscious texture to both the scones and the glaze.

Almond Flour: Provides a moist and tender base with a subtle nutty flavor perfect for gluten-free baking.
Swerve Brown Sweetener: Adds natural sweetness and a caramel-like depth without the sugar spike.
Coconut Flour: Helps lighten the texture and absorb moisture for perfectly shaped scones.
Cocoa Powder: Contributes a hint of chocolatey richness that complements the gingerbread spices beautifully.
Ground Ginger: Infuses warmth and signature spice essential to gingerbread flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with ginger.
Ground Cloves: Offers a pungent, slightly sweet spice punch that elevates every bite.
Baking Powder: Ensures these scones rise just enough to be light and fluffy without being cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices in the scones.
Cream Cheese (softened): Adds moisture and richness for tender scones and a creamy glaze.
Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the scone’s structure.
Vanilla Extract: Brings sweet warmth and depth to both the dough and glaze.
Powdered Swerve Sweetener: Sweetens the cream cheese glaze smoothly without graininess.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the perfect silky consistency in the glaze.
Water: Used sparingly to thin the glaze to a lovely drip-worthy texture.

How to Make Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line your baking sheet with either a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking, and lightly dust it with almond or coconut flour to ensure the scones don’t lose their perfect shape during baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a food processor, pulse together the almond flour, Swerve brown sweetener, coconut flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly incorporates all the flavors and the rising agent for a consistently spiced dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Wet Ingredients

Add softened cream cheese in small dollops over the dry mixture and pulse a few times; this breaks down the cream cheese into pea-sized pieces that will melt into the scones, creating their characteristic tenderness. Then add the egg and vanilla extract. Pulse on high until the dough clings together in a cohesive ball – this means your scone dough is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and pat it into a 7-inch circle. Use a very sharp knife to slice the circle into 8 equal wedges. Carefully lift and space out the wedges using an offset spatula to prevent sticking. Spacing allows air to circulate for even baking and a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake the Scones

Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes or until they are lightly browned and firm to the touch. The scent of spices wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure magic. Remove the pan from the oven and let the scones cool completely right there, which helps them set and finish baking internally.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered Swerve sweetener and vanilla until smooth and combined. Add heavy whipping cream and beat until silky. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water, teaspoon by teaspoon, until you achieve a lovely drizzle that’s neither too thin nor too thick. Drizzle generously over your cooled Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor of your Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped crystallized ginger or a dash of ground cinnamon right over the glaze. Freshly grated nutmeg or a light dusting of cocoa powder also add a beautiful, fragrant touch that’s perfect for holiday vibes.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a warming breakfast spread. For a brunch option, pair them with spiced fruit compote or a dollop of whipped crème fraîche to add creamy contrast to the spiced cakiness of the scones.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze on a rustic wooden board with seasonal accents like evergreen sprigs, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. For an elegant touch, serve them on a tiered cake stand at your holiday gathering, inviting guests to indulge in this cozy treat alongside other festive goodies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Storing them this way maintains their tender texture without drying out. For best flavor, add the cream cheese glaze just before serving to prevent it from softening the scones too much.

Freezing

These scones freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen scones stay fresh for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the frozen scones in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as the texture can become tough. After warming, drizzle the cream cheese glaze fresh for the best taste and appearance.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of Swerve?

Absolutely! You can substitute an equal amount of light brown sugar or granulated sugar in the scones and powdered sugar for the glaze. Keep in mind the flavor and carb content will change slightly, but the scones will remain delicious.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No food processor? No problem! You can mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and then cut in the cream cheese with a pastry cutter or two forks. Finally, stir in the egg and vanilla to form the dough. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but it works beautifully.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the heavy whipping cream to make these scones dairy-free. The texture might be a little different, but the spices and structure will still shine.

How spicy are these gingerbread scones?

These scones have a warm, gentle spice from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves without being overpowering. You can always adjust the spices to your preference for more or less intensity.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Doubling the recipe is easy and perfect if you’re baking for a crowd. Just mix double the ingredients and divide the dough into two circles on separate baking sheets. They bake the same amount of time, so keep an eye on doneness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze that brings comfort and joy in every bite. The harmonious blend of warming spices, tender almond flour texture, and sweet, creamy glaze makes these scones a must-try during cozy mornings and festive gatherings. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl and enjoy them as much as I do – they’re guaranteed to become a cherished favorite!