Carrot Cake Scones
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Carrot cake scones combine the cozy warmth and spice of carrot cake with the crumbly texture of a classic scone. This flaky, buttery goodness is topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
👩🏻🍳 Why This Recipe’s a Keeper
- Unique Flavor Combination: The grated carrots add natural moisture to the scones, ensuring they are tender and moist, reminiscent of classic carrot cake. And combining the flavors of carrot cake with the crumbly texture of scones creates a unique and irresistible treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting takes these scones to the next level, adding richness and decadence to each bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance, these scones are relatively easy to make with simple ingredients. You can even prep the scone dough in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, allowing for convenient make-ahead baking.
- Versatility: Carrot cake scones are a favorite for Easter brunch. But they can also be enjoyed any time of year for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee. They’re a versatile addition to any menu or occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These carrot cake scones with cream cheese frosting will impress family and friends with their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone will be coming back for more!
🛒 Ingredients
🥕 For Carrot Cake Scones
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the scones.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the scones and balances the flavors.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the scones, reminiscent of carrot cake.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle nuttiness and spicy-sweet aroma that complements the sweetness of the carrots and other spices. It also balances the sweetness of the scones by providing a slightly bitter undertone that ensures a harmonious flavor balance.
- Ground Ginger: Similar to nutmeg, ginger contributes warmth to the scones, imparting a comforting sensation reminiscent of classic carrot cake.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the scones.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the scones, while also contributing to their flakiness.
- Carrots: Infuses the scones with moisture, sweetness, and a vibrant orange color, characteristic of carrot cake.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Provides texture and a hint of sweetness to the scones, complementing the flavors of carrot and cinnamon.
- Chopped walnuts: Add crunch, texture, and nutty flavor to the scones, reminiscent of traditional carrot cake.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the scones, adding depth and warmth, and a delicious bakery aroma.
- Large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the scone dough together.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds moisture and richness to the scone dough, resulting in tender and flavorful scones.
- Egg wash: One large egg whisked with a splash of heavy cream. We brush it on top of the scones before baking to create a golden-brown crust and add a bit of glossy shine.
🥣 For Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese: Forms the base of the creamy and tangy frosting, providing richness and a tangy flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting, creating a smooth and spreadable texture.
📖 Recipe Steps
🥕 Make Carrot Cake Scones
Recipe Prep: Place the cold grated butter the freezer for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper (or a reusable silicone baking mat).
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. Use a whisk to combine. Add in the cold grated butter. With clean hands, toss to coat. Add in the grated carrot, shredded coconut, and walnuts. Stir to incorporate.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and heavy cream. Stir and fold the dough until it’s just moistened.
- Turn the dough onto a heavily floured surface. With well-floured hands, knead it for one minute (about 8-10 times). Pat down the dough and shape it into an 8-inch circle. With a bench scraper or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal-sized wedges. Arrange the scones on the baking tray, 2 inches apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Brush this egg wash over the tops and sides of each scone.
- Bake the scones for 12-15 minutes, or until golden blonde. Transfer them to a cooling rack.
🥣 Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Starting on a low setting and gradually increasing the speed, whip the cream cheese frosting until it’s beautifully smooth.
- Drizzle frosting onto the scones from a spoon, or use a piping bag with a round metal tip. If desired, sprinkle the frosting with some chopped walnuts.
🧑🏼🍳 Recipe FAQ
📝 Expert Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold when incorporating it into the dry ingredients. Cold butter helps create a flaky texture in the scones by creating pockets of steam as it melts during baking. As you prepare this recipe, your butter will naturally start to soften. To combat this, stick the butter into the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you need it.
- Grate the Butter: This makes it easier to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
- Grate Carrots Finely: Grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the scone dough and distribute evenly throughout each bite. This also helps the carrots release their moisture more effectively, keeping the scones moist and flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the scone dough until it just comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense scones. It’s okay if the dough is slightly shaggy; this will result in tender scones with a crumbly texture.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Before baking, brush the tops of the scones with an egg wash made of beaten egg and a splash of heavy cream, milk or water. This gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds shine to the finished product.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the scones. A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and helps the scones rise properly.
- High Oven Temp: The baking powder in these carrot cake scones can provide a powerful lift during the first few minutes of baking! The secret is using the right temperature to maximize lift. Here’s how to do it: Set your oven to 500°F. Once you stick the scones into the oven, immediately lower the heat to 425°F. The initial higher heat will compensate for heat lost when opening the oven. Your scones will bake at the perfect temperature!
- Let Scones Cool Completely: Allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them. Frosted scones should also be cooled before serving to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: For the cream cheese frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and result in a smoother frosting.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a little milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until thickened.
- Store Properly: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If storing for longer, refrigerate the scones and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
☀️ More Delicious Morning Treats
- Lemon Blueberry Scones
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins
- Italian Easter Bread
- Hot Cross Buns
- Lemon Pop Tarts
- Bran Muffins
- Mom’s Zucchini Bread
Rate This Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recipe review from a flavor tester: “Absolutely divine! These carrot cake scones with cream cheese frosting are heavenly. The scones are moist and loaded with carrots and spices, while the creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. A must-try for any carrot cake lover!”
If you agree this recipe’s a keeper, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero. Share it with friends. 📌 Pin it to Pinterest.
PrintCarrot Cake Scones
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 8 Scones 1x
Description
These carrot cake scones are tender and delicious, bursting with grated carrots and warm spices. They’re finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. If desired, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top.
Ingredients
For Carrot Cake Scones
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold butter, grated
- 1 cup finely-grated carrots
- 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
For Brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
For Carrot Cake Scones
Recipe Prep: Place the cold grated butter the freezer for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper (or a reusable silicone baking mat).
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. Use a whisk to combine. Add in the cold grated butter. With clean hands, toss to coat. Add in the grated carrot, shredded coconut, and walnuts. Stir to incorporate.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and heavy cream. Stir and fold the dough until it’s just moistened.
- Turn the dough onto a heavily floured surface. With well-floured hands, knead it for one minute (about 8-10 times). Pat down the dough and shape it into an 8-inch circle. With a bench scraper or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal-sized wedges. Arrange the scones on the baking tray, 2 inches apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Brush this egg wash over the tops and sides of each scone.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top of the scones are golden blonde. Transfer them to a cooling rack.
For Cream Cheese Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Starting on a low setting and gradually increasing the speed, whip the cream cheese frosting until it’s beautifully smooth.
- Drizzle frosting onto the scones from a spoon, or use a piping bag with a round metal tip. If desired, sprinkle the frosting with some chopped walnuts.
Notes
Can I omit nuts from the recipe? Yes, you can omit the chopped walnuts if you prefer or if you have nut allergies. The scones will still be delicious without them, or you can substitute them with an equal amount of raisins, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Expert baking tip: The baking powder in these scones can provide a powerful lift during the first few minutes of baking. The secret is using the right temperature to maximize lift. Here’s how to do it: Set your oven to 500°F. Once you stick the scones into the oven, immediately lower the heat to 425°F. The initial higher heat will compensate for heat lost when opening the oven. Your scones will bake at the perfect temperature!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Carrot Cake Scones 👉🏻 Join the Conversation
Are you excited to make this easy recipe? Will it be for breakfast, brunch, snacking, or for Easter Sunday? Share your thoughts on these carrot cake scones in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Can these be frozen over night after baked and icing? Or only put in the fridge.
Good morning Anna. Yes! You can freeze the scones after baking, but preferably without the icing. After you defrost and warm them in the oven, drizzle the icing on top!
I love carrot cake but never had it in a scone. Looks good maybe with a side of ice cream too!
This sounds so delicious. I love carrot cake but in a scone version I bet it is so amazing!
These look so good! I cant say I’ve had a scone before–so this would be a new experience and I’m excited! Thanks for the new recipe. :)
This looks so good! I have never heard of carrot cake scones before! My mother is obsessed with Carrot Cake, so I bet she would love these
That’s interesting that you use cold butter. My first instinct is always to thaw the butter. These look super tasty!
Not a fan of scones, but carrot cake…Yeah! I will definitely try these!
These look absolutely delicious, and so easy to make! I had no idea to use cold butter to make scones. You learn something new everyday.
These sound so incredible and they look mega scrumptious. Love how easy they are to come together my mom would adore these for mothers day
Oh, this looks super yummy. I will definitely have to try this. I love trying new recipes!!
Wow these look amazing! Like the ones we see in the store! I bet they taste divine too!
Yummm cream cheese frosting…yes please! These look so tasteful & fancy. Perfect for a potluck.
OMG I LOVEEE CARROT CAKE AND LOVEEE SCONES! never put the two together. I can’t wait to try this recommendation.
Carrott Cake Scones! What an amazing idea, I have to admit I really want to play with scones as they are just so versatile.
I love all things carrot cake, so I imagine I’d be a fan of these. They sound and look delicious.
These look so delicious. I love the look of the frosting ane need to make it.
Carrot Cake scones, yum! I may just making these for our mother’s day brunch! I’ll let you know how it turns out!
carrot cake + Scones= YUM! These look amazing i can taste them already
LOVE this, and love the idea of grating the butter. I always cut it into cubes, which makes it really difficult to work with – but grating it is geeenius. I’ve never had scones before. I wonder if I could tweak these a bit to make them gluten-free..
This looks so delicious, am not the baker in the family but I would definitely have my sister make this
Your blog has a lovely design and layout! This recipe looks amazing! I’ve never tried scones but definitely worth the wait for these!
These look so delicious! Scones are my weakness – maybe I can get away with saying they are good for me because of the carrots in them? :)
These look SO good! I may need to attempt this recipe sometime in the near future!
These look scrumptious! They would be the perfect fall time snack!
These look so good! I haven’t made scones in a while and I’ve been wanting carrot cake lately too! Perfect!
I usually don’t like carrot cake but these look delicious! I cant wait to give them a try.
Amazing. What a great recipe, am bookmarking this!
Nicole
NicoleParise.com
This looks so delightful and tasty. This is so good, this will be a huge hit! I will try making this for sure.
I love carrot cake and a version of that in scone form is even better. These look incredible.
I love scones and this variation was fantastic. It was much lighter than a carrot cake but still delicious. The glaze – I think my eldest licked it off the top he loved it so much.
Ooh! Yummy! I love carrot cake! I bet these are great!
I’m in love with everything and anything carrot cake, and these are beautiful scones! This time of year these will be such a treat for holidays and family fun!
OOh, carrot cake is one of my favorite things, as are scones. And now, you have combined them, I am in love!
well, I am officially starving! These look so great. I’m a sucker for anything carrot cake, especially in scone form!
Oh how good do these look. Definitely going to make them next weekend! And I LOVE your spatulas too – where are they from?
These look delicious! Cream cheese frosting is my favourite