Name: Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar, light or dark; 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into ½-inch cubes; ¼ cup unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap); ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream, cold; 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk, or more for desired consistency

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 38 reviews

If you're on the hunt for a delightfully cozy treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, look no further than the Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe. These scones boast a tender crumb spiced beautifully with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, enhanced by the deep, rich flavor of molasses. The crown jewel is the luscious maple glaze drizzled generously on top, adding a sweet and silky finish that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it's a weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack, these scones bring warmth and comfort to any table.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a group of six triangular scones arranged on crinkled light brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each scone is golden-brown with a crumbly texture and is drizzled with white icing in thin, uneven lines across the top. There are small crumbs scattered around, along with several whole star anise spices and sugar crystals adding decoration. To the right, there is a white cup filled with very dark black coffee, resting partially on a soft white cloth with thin beige stripes. The scene has a cozy, warm feeling with a simple and clean layout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is both simple and rewarding, giving you a perfect balance of flavors and textures that define these scones. Each component plays a vital role, from the warm spices that infuse cozy aromas to the cold butter which creates that tender, flaky structure.

2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour: The essential base providing structure and tenderness for the scones.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the scones rise to a fluffy, light texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds the signature spicy warmth that defines gingerbread.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
½ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a subtle yet intriguing spice note.
¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar, light or dark: Contributes sweetness and moistness with a slight caramel undertone.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into ½-inch cubes: The cold butter is key for flakiness and that irresistible scone texture.
¼ cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap): Imparts rich, deep sweetness and classic gingerbread color.
¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream, cold: Ensures moistness and binds the dough with a lovely creamy finish.

For the irresistible maple glaze:

1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Creates a silky smooth glaze that sweetens perfectly.
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup): Brings authentic pure maple flavor and natural sweetness.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a rich aromatic warmth to the glaze.
1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed): Helps adjust the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar in a large bowl. This step not only evenly distributes the spices but also ensures your scones will have that perfect blend of flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small crumbs. This creates pockets of butter that melt during baking and give your scones that flaky, tender texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream and molasses. Pour this over the crumbly dry mixture and gently mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until large clumps of dough form. Handling the dough lightly helps to keep the scones tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a thick 8-inch diameter disc. Then cut the disc into 8 equal triangles with a sharp knife or bench scraper. Placing these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze them for 15 minutes. This chill step helps the scones hold their shape and bake beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once fully heated, pop the chilled scones in and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and smell absolutely inviting. The warm spices and molasses fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma that’s hard to resist.

Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Maple Glaze

While the scones bake, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk if needed to achieve a glaze that’s easy to drizzle. As soon as the scones come out of the oven, generously drizzle the glaze over each warm scone for that perfect sweet and silky finish.

How to Serve Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows several triangular brown scones with a rough texture, each drizzled with thin white icing in diagonal lines across the top. The scones have a crumbly surface with small cracks and scattered crumbs around them. There are star anise spices placed near the scones on a light beige crumpled paper surface with some white powdered sugar or flour dusted around. The lighting is bright and warm, highlighting the golden tones of the scones. The scene has a cozy and homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a few crystallized ginger pieces on top of the glaze for a charming visual pop and an extra hint of spice. For a festive touch, add edible gold leaf or tiny star-shaped sugar decorations that catch the eye.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider to complement the spices in the scones perfectly. Creamy butter or a smear of tangy cream cheese also pairs beautifully, adding richness to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and pine sprigs for a cozy holiday centerpiece. You can also stack them in a basket lined with a festive cloth for a charming brunch spread that instantly lifts the mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover gingerbread scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tender crumb and ensures they stay moist without drying out.

Freezing

These scones freeze wonderfully! After cutting them into triangles, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing any of their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy scones fresh from frozen, unwrap them and let them sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. Bake them straight from frozen at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes. For leftovers, a quick 10 to 15 second zap in the microwave or warming them briefly in a toaster oven reawakens their fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for molasses in this Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe?

While molasses is key for the classic depth and color, you could try substituting with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will be milder and less complex. The scones won’t have quite that rich, traditional gingerbread note without molasses.

What is the best way to cut the butter into the dry ingredients?

Using a pastry cutter is ideal because it quickly breaks the cold butter into small pieces without warming them, creating the perfect texture. If you don’t have one, two forks or even your fingers (working fast!) can also do the job.

Can these be made vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan twist, substitute the butter with a plant-based option and use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. The texture might slightly differ, but the spices and molasses still shine beautifully.

How spicy are these scones?

These scones balance warming ginger and aromatic spices without being overly hot. The cloves and ginger add warmth, but nothing overpowering, making them perfect for all palates craving cozy flavors.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! Add more confectioners’ sugar if it’s too thin or a little more milk if it’s too thick. The goal is a glaze that drizzles easily but sets nicely on the scones without running off.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Gingerbread Scones with Maple Glaze Recipe that turns a simple morning into a celebration of cozy, sweet warmth. Whether you're baking for loved ones or treating yourself, the blend of spices, molasses, and luscious maple glaze is guaranteed to brighten any day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen that brings festive joy year after year.

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