Description
Homemade gingerbread delight scones combine warm spices with sweet molasses for an irresistible winter treat. Crumbly pastry edges and rich holiday flavors invite comfortable indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (8 oz/240 g) unbleached white flour
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) cold cubed butter or vegan butter
- ¼ cup (3 oz/85 g) molasses
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps melted butter or vegan butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tsp milk (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preparation: Arrange all ingredients and tools meticulously, creating an organized baking environment with precise measurements.
- Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of aromatic spices.
- Texture Development: Cut cold butter into the spiced flour using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs with minimal handling.
- Dough Formation: Create a well in the center of the mixture, pour in molasses, milk, and egg, then gently fold until just combined, avoiding overmixing to preserve the scones’ delicate texture.
- Shaping: Transfer the slightly sticky dough onto a flour-dusted surface, gently pat into a circular disk about 1-inch thick, then slice into eight equal wedges using a sharp knife.
- Finishing and Baking: Brush scone tops with milk, sprinkle with raw sugar, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick emerges clean.
- Glaze Preparation: While scones cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth, creating a glossy, rich drizzle.
- Serving: Generously drizzle warm maple glaze over slightly cooled scones, allowing it to cascade down the sides, creating an irresistible, glistening finish.
Notes
- Butter Technique: Cut cold butter into tiny pieces to create a flaky, tender scone texture that melts in your mouth.
- Minimal Mixing Magic: Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense scones; overmixing develops gluten and ruins the delicate crumb.
- Chill for Success: Refrigerate shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape and create a more defined, crisp exterior.
- Glaze Application Pro: Drizzle warm glaze over slightly cooled scones to prevent immediate absorption while ensuring a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg