Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that brings all the warm spices of the season together with a luscious touch of sweetness, then these Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze are about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, almond flour-based scones bursting with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, crowned with a smooth, sugar-free cream cheese glaze that adds just the right amount of tang and indulgence. These scones are perfect for chilly mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want to feel wrapped in a comforting hug of classic gingerbread goodness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze come together with simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role—from the base to the finishing glaze. Every component adds depth, texture, or flavor to create a scone that’s perfectly spiced, tender, and irresistibly glazed.

• Almond flour: Provides a tender, moist texture and nutty flavor, perfect for gluten-free baking.
• Swerve Brown sweetener: Adds subtle caramel sweetness without any sugar, helping keep these scones keto-friendly.
• Coconut flour: Helps absorb moisture to create the perfect crumb without weighing down the dough.
• Cocoa powder: A touch of richness that deepens the gingerbread spices without making the scones chocolatey.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: Classic, aromatic spices that bring the warm gingerbread feeling in every bite.
• Baking powder and salt: Essentials for lift and balanced flavor.
• Cream cheese: Used both in the dough to add moisture and richness and in the glaze to deliver creamy, sweet tang.
• Egg and vanilla extract: Bind everything together and add a hint of warmth and sweetness.
• Powdered sweetener and heavy whipping cream: Form the smooth, drizzle-worthy cream cheese glaze that crowns these scones perfectly.

How to Make Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for a non-stick surface. Lightly dust the surface with almond or coconut flour to prevent sticking. In a food processor, combine the almond flour, Swerve Brown sweetener, coconut flour, cocoa powder, the trio of gingerbread spices, baking powder, and salt, pulsing a few times until everything is evenly mixed and fragrant.

Step 2: Cut the Cream Cheese into the Dry Mix

Next, add softened cream cheese in small dollops over the dry ingredients and pulse a few times. This step is crucial because it creates a tender crumb by distributing the cream cheese throughout the flour mixture, creating little pockets of richness without needing extra butter.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and pulse on high speed until the dough forms a cohesive ball. It should stick together easily when pressed, not crumbly or overly wet. This ensures your scones hold their shape and remain tender once baked.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Scones

Turn the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Pat it gently into a 7-inch circle—try to keep it even in thickness for balanced baking. Using a very sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 even wedges. Carefully lift and separate each wedge with an offset spatula, spacing them out on the pan to allow even heat circulation and avoid scones sticking together while baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Bake the scones for about 18 to 23 minutes until they are lightly browned on the edges and firm to the touch. They should feel set but still tender inside. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely right on the pan. Cooling is essential so the glaze can set beautifully without melting off.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your scones cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sweetener and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the heavy whipping cream, mixing thoroughly to create a luscious glaze. If it feels too thick to drizzle, beat in water a teaspoon or two at a time until it reaches that just-right consistency. Drizzle generously over the tops of fully cooled scones for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkling of finely chopped crystallized ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese glaze adds a festive touch and an extra hint of spice. For a little crunch, finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds pair delightfully with the scones’ tender crumb.

Side Dishes

These scones are a lovely centerpiece to a winter brunch spread. Serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or your favorite warm apple cider. Fresh berries or a simple fruit compote also create a bright balance against the rich, spiced scones.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze on a festive platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a holiday vibe. For a fun treat, serve warm with a small bowl of whipped cream or mascarpone for dipping. Even wrapping a couple in parchment tied with twine makes an adorable gift that any friend will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store the Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a great option, but be sure to bring the scones back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place unglazed scones on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Freeze the cream cheese glaze separately in a small container or prepare fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated scones by warming gently in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the scones rubbery. After reheating, drizzle with fresh cream cheese glaze or add a touch more if desired.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of Swerve?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular brown sugar for Swerve Brown, using the same quantity. Keep in mind this will add sugar and carbs, so it won’t be keto-friendly, but the flavor will remain deliciously authentic.

Is almond flour necessary or can I use all-purpose flour?

Almond flour gives these scones their signature moist texture and nutty flavor. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the amounts and expect a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

How can I make these scones dairy-free?

To make the Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for the glaze. The texture might vary slightly but the scones will still be lovely.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Makes these scones vegan-friendly is a bit tricky due to the egg and cream cheese, but you can experiment with flax or chia egg substitutes and vegan cream cheese. The texture might not be quite the same, but still tasty.

Why do the scones sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are lightly browned and firm to the touch to ensure tenderness. Also, make sure your cream cheese is softened well to mix evenly.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the cozy warmth and delightful spice of these Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze. Whether you’re starting a chilly morning, entertaining guests, or just craving a comforting snack, these scones deliver both flavor and elegance. Give this recipe a try, and I promise they’ll become a beloved classic in your baking rotation that everyone looks forward to sharing.

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