If you want an alternative to the endless sea of cinnamon rolls and Christmas cookies this year, try these gingerbread scones for your holiday brunch instead! They can be made easily in your air fryer (or oven) and are filled with warm, cozy seasonal spices for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread scones combine the cozy warmth of holiday spices with the tender, buttery texture of a classic scone (with a similar texture to biscuits). It’s everything you love about the classic cookie, but in a form perfect for starting your morning – comfort food at its finest!
They’re quick to make yet feel special, making them perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch boards, or gifting. Plus, their molasses-rich flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, giving you an instant taste of the season with every bite.
I love to make mine in the air fryer since they are quick and come out perfectly golden brown. However, you can definitely make this festive treat in a normal oven too if you don’t have an air fryer waiting under the tree!
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Ingredients List
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp allspice (or ground cloves)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 6 Tbsp cold butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
For the Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla or maple extract
- 1 Tbsp milk or heavy cream (or as needed for a drizzling consistency)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- The milk can be swapped for buttermilk, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or almond milk for a non-dairy alternative
- I like brown sugar (you can use light or dark brown sugar) for the gingerbread flavor pairing, but you can also use granulated sugar
- While the glaze is optional, it adds a nice finishing touch! You could also pipe on some vanilla or cream cheese frosting too, or sprinkle with some coarse sugar right before baking for another option
- Optional add-ins could include toasted chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even some white chocolate chips if you like!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and all the spices to a large bowl, and stir to evenly distribute
- Cut your butter into cubes (or grate it, which makes it even easier), then mix the butter pieces into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. I like to use my hands, as the heat helps to melt the butter a bit, but you can use a pastry cutter, fork, or anything similar
- Add the liquid ingredients (molasses, egg, and milk), and stir until a shaggy dough forms
- Line a flat work surface with wax paper or a thin layer of flour, then turn the dough out onto it. Pat it into a round disc that’s about 1” thick (it doesn’t need to be perfect), and then cut the scone dough into approximately 8 equal wedges. Try not to knead the dough, as that can make your scones tough – patting it should be enough to bring it together. Use extra flour on the top if your hands are sticking
- Place the scones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing at least ½” space between them for expansion. You can line your baskets with perforated parchment for easier cleanup if desired!
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. If you are cooking in batches, subsequent batches should take about 2 minutes less. While the scones bake, whisk together the glaze ingredients (assuming you are making a glaze) together in a small bowl. Add more milk slowly as needed to get a drizzling consistency
- Remove the cooked scones to a wire rack to cool, then drizzle with the glaze (if using). Enjoy!
Oven Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Add the cut scones to a parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving about 1” of space between them for expansion
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown
Pairing Suggestions
Drinks
- Chai Tea – The warm spices echo the gingerbread flavors perfectly! For a boozy option, try my Chai Cocktails too
- Gingerbread Latte – Doubles down on the cozy spice profile for a festive breakfast pairing. Alternatively, grab a Gingerbread Martini for an adult version!
- Spiced Black Tea – Strong enough to balance the sweetness without overpowering
- Hot Apple Cider – Apple and gingerbread make a classic, comforting winter combo
- Iced Coffee – The bitterness helps cut the sweetness of the scones
- Vanilla Cold Brew – Smooth, creamy notes complement the ginger and molasses
- Cranberry Spritzer – Bright acidity keeps each bite feeling fresh!
Spreads & Toppings
- Honey Butter – Adds richness while enhancing the warm spice
- Cinnamon Butter – Doubles the spice in a soft, buttery way!
- Orange Marmalade – Citrus lifts the dense gingerbread flavor
- Maple Butter – A natural match for winter baking, sweet but not too heavy
- Clotted Cream – A luxurious pairing that mellows the spices
Breakfast Pairings
- Scrambled Eggs – Savory balance to a sweet, spiced scone
- Bacon or Sausage – Salty, smoky flavors contrast beautifully with gingerbread. You can make some quick Air Fryer Frozen Sausage Patties!
- Winter Fruit Salad – Bright fruits like apples, pears, and berries lighten the plate
- Yogurt with Granola – Creamy-tangy yogurt plays well with the warm spices
Desserts
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Melts into the scone for a warm-and-cold treat!
- Spiced Whipped Cream – Keeps things light while reinforcing the holiday spice
- Caramel Drizzle – Adds buttery sweetness that pairs naturally with gingerbread
- Baked Pears or Apples – Soft fruit and warm spices make a perfect winter duo
- Date Scones
- Caramel Apple Scones
Recipe FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Keep Scones Soft?
Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. Adding a small piece of parchment between layers helps protect their texture and glaze. If they start to feel firm, a quick 5–10 second microwave warm-up brings back softness.
Can I Make Scones Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Bake fresh in the morning for best texture, or partially bake and finish later; either way, you’ll save prep time while still getting fresh scones.
Do Gingerbread Scones Need A Glaze?
A glaze isn’t required, but it does enhance the warm spices and adds a nice bakery-style finish. If you prefer a less sweet scone, you can skip it or brush with a little melted butter instead. A citrus or maple glaze works especially well with gingerbread flavors.
Tips For the Best Gingerbread Scones
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, and cooking times are based on my Ninja Dual Zone model. Other air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust by a few minutes depending on your specific unit. If you do choose to preheat, never do so with the parchment in the air fryer by itself (only add it with food on top of it when ready to cook)
- When adding the glaze, add a sheet of wax paper, parchment paper, or a baking sheet underneath your cooling rack to catch drips and make for easier cleanup!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store baked leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them soft
- Refrigeration: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, but will benefit from a quick warm-up before serving
- Freezing: Wrap unglazed scones tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add glaze before serving
Serving Tips
- Warm Them Up: A few seconds in the microwave or a quick oven/air fryer warm-up brings back freshness
- Plating: Serve on a festive platter or tiered cake stand for a holiday feel
- Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Final Thoughts
These tender gingerbread scones are such a fun and delicious option that’s perfect for your holiday brunch (or just anytime throughout the winter season honestly). They come together quickly and easily in the air fryer, though you can also bake them in the oven, depending on what you have.
I love them as a grab and go breakfast option, but they pair perfectly with your classic bacon and eggs, fruit and yogurt, and more for a complete option. They’re also easy to freeze, so you can make them ahead and defrost when ready, for a low stress holiday option.
So, grab a nice warm mug of cocoa, coffee, or tea, and a delicious gingerbread scones for all the cozy feelings of the holiday in a golden brown baked treat!
Easy Gingerbread Scones (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (or oven)
- Spatula (or spoon)
- Baking sheet (oven only)
- Wax paper (optional, but helpful)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp allspice (or cloves)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 6 Tbsp cold butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
For the Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla or maple extract
- 1 Tbsp milk (or as needed for a drizzling consistency)
Instructions
- Add all dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and stir to evenly distribute2 cups all purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, ¾ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Cut your butter into cubes (or grate it, which makes it even easier), then mix it into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. I like to use my hands, as the heat helps to melt the butter a bit, but you can use a pastry cutter, fork, or anything similar6 Tbsp cold butter
- Add the wet ingredients, and stir until a shaggy dough forms¼ cup molasses, 1 large egg, ¼ cup milk
- Line a flat work surface with wax paper or a thin layer of flour, then turn the dough out onto it. Pat it into a round disc that’s about 1” thick (it doesn’t need to be perfect), and then cut the dough into approximately 8 even wedges. Try not to knead the dough too much, as that can make your scones tough – patting it should be enough to bring it together. Use extra flour on the top if your hands are sticking
- Place the scones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing at least ½” space between them for expansion. You can line your baskets with perforated parchment for easier cleanup if desired!
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown (times can vary slightly between air fryers and scone sizes, so add extra time in small increments if needed). If you are cooking in batches, subsequent batches should take about 2 minutes less. While the scones bake, mix all the glaze ingredients (assuming you are making a glaze) together in a bowl. Add more milk slowly as needed to get a drizzling consistency½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar, ½ tsp vanilla or maple extract, 1 Tbsp milk
- Remove the cooked scones to a wire rack to cool, then drizzle with the glaze (if using). Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Add the cut scones to a parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving about 1” of space between them for expansion
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown
Notes
- The milk can be swapped for buttermilk, or almond milk for a non-dairy alternative
- Brown sugar is great for the gingerbread flavor pairing, but you can also use granulated sugar
- While the glaze is optional, it adds a nice finishing touch! You could also pipe on some vanilla or cream cheese frosting instead
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, size of cuts, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
