If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy warmth of carrot cake with the tender flakiness of scones, this Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Bursting with tender shredded carrots, aromatic spices, and topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack any time of day.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Comfort in every bite: These scones marry the familiar flavors of carrot cake with a delightfully flaky texture you won’t be able to resist.
Quick and easy: Made from everyday pantry staples and ready in under half an hour, they’re perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Perfectly spiced: A harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives a warm depth that sings through each scone.
Glaze makes it special: The cinnamon glaze isn’t just a pretty topping—it adds a sweet, silky finish that elevates these scones from good to unforgettable.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in this Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and rich color. From the shredded carrots that keep the scones moist to the mix of warming spices and buttery dough, each element shines and plays its role beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your scone dough, providing structure—but you can swap in half whole wheat for a nuttier twist.
- Cold butter: Key for that tender, flaky crumb. Remember to keep it chilled to create pockets of buttery goodness.
- Shredded carrots: Fresh and finely shredded adds moisture and subtle sweetness; avoid pre-shredded options to keep it fresh.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice: The magical trio that gives these scones their signature cozy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough; half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative but expect a slightly different texture.
- Chopped walnuts: Provides delightful crunch, but pecans or even toasted almonds make excellent substitutes.
- Powdered sugar glaze: Sweetens and adds a smooth finish; you can adjust sweetness or swap vanilla extract for almond for a twist.
How to Make Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by warming up your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick. In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and those fantastic warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This blend is what will infuse every bite with that signature carrot cake flavor.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter for Flakiness
Using a cheese grater or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into your flour mixture until you achieve a coarse, sandy texture. This step is crucial! Those little chunks of butter melt during baking to create the perfect flaky and tender crumb that scones are known for.
Step 3: Mix in the Cream, Carrots, and Walnuts
Pour in the heavy cream, then fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped walnuts. Gently mix just until the dough starts to come together—over-mixing can make scones tough, so treat this step with care. Your dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Shape and Slice Your Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Form it into a 2-inch thick disk and slice into eight even wedges, like cutting a pie. This classic shape lets these scones bake up with crisp edges and soft centers that are absolute perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your scones on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t too crowded. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes, until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. That smell? It’s pure magic, your kitchen is about to become the coziest place on earth.
Step 6: Whisk Up the Cinnamon Glaze
While your scones are baking, quickly whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth cinnamon glaze. This glaze is the final touch of sweetness and spice that makes these scones truly irresistible.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Once your scones have cooled on a wire rack, drizzle them generously with the cinnamon glaze. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving to get that perfect glossy finish that snaps beautifully when you bite in.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze. A little dollop of cream cheese or a smear of honey butter on the side can also take these scones to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement their spice notes. A fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait on the side adds a refreshing contrast for a well-rounded brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your scones on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra glaze, whipped cream, or softened butter. For a festive touch, add edible flowers or a scattering of microgreens for color and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these scones stay fresh for up to two days. To keep them soft, layering a paper towel underneath helps absorb any moisture and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed scones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing and serving.
Reheating
Reheat scones in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and aroma. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven preserves the texture better.
FAQs
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Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly more crumbly, but the flavor will still shine wonderfully.
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Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work beautifully and bring their own unique crunch and flavor to the scones. Toasting them lightly first will add extra depth.
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What is the best way to shred carrots for the recipe?
Using a fine grater or microplane ensures carrots integrate well into the dough without making it overly wet or chunky, resulting in moist and tender scones.
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Can I make the scones dairy-free?
You can substitute cold butter with a dairy-free vegan butter and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a delicious dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with the warmth and cozy happiness it brings. Whether for weekend breakfast or a special afternoon treat, these scones combine comfort and elegance in the tastiest way possible. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!
Print
Carrot Cake Scones with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Cake Scones combine the rich flavors of classic carrot cake with the tender, flaky texture of scones. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and studded with shredded carrots and chopped walnuts, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. A cinnamon glaze on top adds a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole, 2%, or 1%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Incorporate Butter: Grate the cold butter using a cheese grater or cut it into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal or sand, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins: Stir in the heavy cream, finely shredded carrots, and chopped walnuts gently until the dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing to maintain tender scones.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a clean countertop and shape it into a ball. Press the dough into a thick circle about 2 inches high. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Bake the Scones: Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between. Bake in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes or until the tops turn a golden brown color.
- Make the Glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm scones and allow them to cool before serving to let the glaze set.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve the best flaky texture in your scones.
- Shredding the carrots finely ensures even distribution and a soft texture in the scones.
- Chopped walnuts add delightful crunch, but you can substitute with pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and milk in the glaze with a plant-based alternative.
- Serve freshly glazed scones warm with a cup of tea or coffee for the best experience.
