Delightful Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Treat

Discover the irresistible flavor of these Gingerbread Scones, perfectly spiced with warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, clove, and molasses. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they are the ideal breakfast indulgence, transforming the classic gingerbread cookie into a delightful morning pastry!

Embracing the Holiday Spirit with Homemade Gingerbread Scones

The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity, isn’t it? As Christmas approaches, my days have been a delightful chaos of preparations. Between last-minute gift wrapping, unexpected visits from loved ones – like my dear brother dropping by – and the looming promise of a snowstorm, it’s been quite the festive scramble. It’s during these bustling times that I find immense joy in simple pleasures, especially baking. While my husband was unfortunately under the weather, I still managed to get all my Christmas shopping done. Now, with just the wrapping and trip planning left (and that mountain of laundry, sigh!), I can finally focus on the truly important things: creating delicious holiday memories.

And what better way to do that than with a batch of freshly baked Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting? These scones are more than just a breakfast item; they are a warm, spiced hug on a chilly morning, perfect for Christmas day or any festive gathering. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender scone, rich with the quintessential flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, all crowned with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a magical combination that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

These festive gingerbread scones are designed to pair wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage. Picture yourself on Christmas morning, a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a decadent hot chocolate in hand, alongside one of these irresistible treats. The balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness makes them truly special and an indulgent start to any day. They offer a comforting aroma that will fill your entire home, setting the perfect holiday mood.

Looking for more delightful breakfast inspiration? Don’t miss these other fan favorites:

• Bean and Cheese Breakfast Tacos (a savory hit with my kids!)
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
• This stunning Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake

Why These Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this simple gingerbread scone recipe. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or an impromptu holiday brunch. Here’s what makes them truly exceptional:

• Irresistibly Warm and Spicy: Each bite delivers a comforting blend of classic gingerbread spices, perfectly balanced and not overpowering.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: From mixing to baking, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack with tea, or even a light dessert.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will adore, especially with that sweet cream cheese frosting!
• Amazing Aroma: The scent of baking gingerbread will fill your home, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, wonderfully tender and moist on the inside – exactly what a scone should be.
• Festive & Beautiful: These scones look as good as they taste, especially with a scattering of holiday sprinkles!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gingerbread Scones and Cream Cheese Frosting

Crafting these delectable gingerbread scones requires a few key ingredients, each playing an important role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Using high-quality ingredients will elevate your scones from good to truly exceptional. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of our scones, providing a tender crumb. While I use all-purpose, feel free to experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.
• Brown Sugar: Critical for that deep, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the gingerbread spices. Its moisture also contributes to a tender scone. I strongly recommend sticking with brown sugar for this recipe; white sugar won’t provide the same depth of flavor or texture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents are essential for giving your scones their characteristic rise and light, airy texture. They work together to ensure a perfectly fluffy scone.
• Classic Gingerbread Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, and clove are the stars here. They provide the warm, aromatic, and slightly peppery notes that define gingerbread. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor!
• Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the scone. Don’t skip it!
• Cold Butter (Cubed): This is perhaps the most vital ingredient for flaky scones. Cold butter, cut into small cubes, creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in those desirable layers. Avoid using softened or melted butter.
• Large Eggs: Eggs add richness, moisture, and help bind the dough together, contributing to a more tender scone texture compared to traditional biscuits.
• Molasses: For an authentic gingerbread flavor, molasses is non-negotiable. It adds a deep, earthy sweetness and a beautiful dark hue to the scones.
• Milk: Used in both the scone batter and the cream cheese frosting, milk provides moisture and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of aromatic sweetness to both the scones and the frosting.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): The creamy, tangy base for our irresistible frosting. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Essential for creating a smooth, sweet frosting that dissolves beautifully without a grainy texture.
• Maple Syrup (Optional for Frosting): You can use either milk or maple syrup to thin your frosting. Maple syrup adds an extra layer of warm, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with gingerbread. I highly recommend it!
• Sprinkles (Optional): For a festive touch, especially during the holidays! They add a pop of color and fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Delicious Gingerbread Scone Recipe

Making these gingerbread scones is a rewarding process, and following these steps will ensure you achieve perfectly spiced and tender results. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing holiday aromas!

Gingerbread Scones:

1. Recipe Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to a precise 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set this aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground clove, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as this is what creates the flaky texture. (Pro tip: For super flaky scones, you can briefly freeze the stick of butter and then grate it directly into the flour mixture before mixing.)
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs, molasses, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage; overworking leads to tough scones.
5. Shape the Scones: Transfer the scone dough to a clean, lightly floured work surface. Knead it very gently, about 10-15 times. This light kneading helps to fully incorporate any remaining dry streaks of flour without developing the gluten too much. Then, pat the dough out into an 8-inch (20 cm) circle, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal triangles, like cutting a pizza. Carefully transfer each gingerbread scone triangle to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones are ready when they have risen beautifully and turned a light golden brown on top and around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before frosting, as warm scones will melt the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Prepare the Frosting: While the scones are cooling, prepare your luscious cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or maple syrup. Start with 1 tablespoon of liquid and add more gradually until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Whisk or beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Frost and Enjoy: Once the gingerbread scones are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over each scone. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles before the frosting sets. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Gingerbread Scones

Achieving bakery-quality scones at home is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you create the most tender, flaky, and flavorful gingerbread scones every time:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: This cannot be stressed enough! Cold butter is essential for creating those delightful pockets of steam that result in flaky layers. Cold milk and eggs also help prevent the butter from melting too soon. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your flour for 10-15 minutes before starting.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough develops the gluten, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and knead minimally (10-15 gentle turns). A shaggy dough is perfectly fine!
• Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, and clove lose their potency over time. For the most vibrant gingerbread flavor, make sure your spices are fresh and aromatic.
• For Extra Moist Scones: The ratio of fat (cold butter) and liquid (milk, eggs, molasses) in this recipe is designed for moist results. If you prefer an even moister scone, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of milk, or even a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to the wet ingredients.
• Make-Ahead & Storage Tips: While scones with cream cheese frosting are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers. Keep frosted scones in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing for Later: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted scones for up to 3 months. Once baked and cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely on the counter or in the refrigerator before applying the cream cheese frosting.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! Applying frosting to warm scones will cause it to melt and slide off, making a sticky mess. Ensure your scones are fully cooled before adding the cream cheese topping.
• Alternative Frosting: If cream cheese isn’t your preference (though we might have to agree to disagree!), you can easily make a simple glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed, for desired consistency)

  Whisk these ingredients together until smooth, then drizzle over cooled scones.

• Adjust Molasses to Taste: If you prefer a milder gingerbread flavor, you can slightly reduce the amount of molasses, or if you love a bolder taste, you can add a touch more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Scones

Scones are a beloved pastry, but many home bakers have questions about how to get them just right. Here are answers to some common queries to help you master this delicious gingerbread scone recipe:

Explore More Delicious Scone Recipes to Try

If you’ve enjoyed these gingerbread scones, you’ll love exploring other delightful scone variations. From seasonal favorites to classic fruit combinations, there’s a scone for every palate and occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
• Lemon Blueberry Scones
• Savory Ham and Cheese Scones
• Banana Pecan Scones with Caramel Icing

Thank you for joining me on this baking adventure! I hope you absolutely adore this gingerbread scone recipe and that it brings a little extra warmth and spice to your holiday season. Your feedback means the world to me!

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