Easy Carrot Cake Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

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Delicious carrot cake scones with cream cheese glaze on a plate
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Last updated on May 30, 2025

Baking brings a special joy into the kitchen, especially when the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. If you’re looking for something sweet, satisfying, and wonderfully delicious, look no further than Easy Carrot Cake Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze. These delightful scones combine the warm flavors of carrot cake with the delightful texture of scones, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is accessible and straightforward. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll create tasty scones that’ll impress your family and friends. Plus, who can resist a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top?

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of baking these scrumptious scones!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Carrot Cake Scones Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Easy Carrot Cake Scones. Here are just a few:

  1. Bursting with Flavor: Each scone is packed with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, along with the sweetness of grated carrots and the richness of raisins and nuts.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed to be straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh scones ready in under an hour.
  3. Versatile: These scones can be enjoyed anytime of the day. Serve them warm for breakfast, take them on a picnic, or enjoy them as a snack with your afternoon tea.
  4. Perfectly Sweet: The cream cheese glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, complementing the flavors of the scones without overwhelming them.
  5. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or adjust the spices to suit your taste. These scones are easy to make your own!
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Delicious carrot cake scones with cream cheese glaze on a plate

Easy Carrot Cake Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze

  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Carrot Cake Scones bring all the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake into a tender, flaky breakfast treat. Packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, raisins, coconut, and nuts, they’re finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The structural base of the scones.
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds subtle sweetness and a caramel undertone.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the scones rise and stay fluffy.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Warm, comforting spice.
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds complexity to the spice mix.
  • ⅛ teaspoon cloves – Offers a hint of rich spice.
  • 1 cup grated carrots – Moisture and sweetness, carrot cake’s signature.
  • ½ cup raisins (golden or regular) – Sweet, chewy bites in every scone.
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut – For texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional) – A spicy-sweet zing.
  • ½ cup heavy cream – Adds richness; also used for brushing tops.
  • 1 large egg – Binds everything together.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Aromatic sweetness.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, frozen – Ensures flakiness when grated in.
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar – For a crunchy, sparkly topping.

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened – Creamy and tangy base.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened – For smooth texture.
  • ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream – To thin the glaze for drizzling.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Grate in the frozen butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the grated carrots, raisins, coconut, nuts, and crystallized ginger (if using).
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead just until it comes together. Shape into an 8-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
  8. Place wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with extra cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
  9. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
  10. While scones cool, make the glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in cream until drizzling consistency is reached.
  11. Drizzle glaze over warm scones and serve.

Notes

  • Grating the butter and keeping it cold is key to flaky scones.
  • These freeze well—wrap cooled scones tightly and store for up to 2 months.
  • You can use whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier twist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast / Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone (with glaze)
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: undefined
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: undefined
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: Carrot Cake Scones, Easy Scones, Breakfast, Cream Cheese Glaze, Carrot Recipes, Spring Brunch

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Carrot Cake Scones:

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your scones, providing the necessary structure.
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: This adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A classic spice that complements the carrot flavor beautifully.
  • ⅛ teaspoon cloves: Offers a subtle richness to the overall taste.
  • 1 cup grated carrots: The star ingredient! Fresh carrots provide moisture and sweetness.
  • ½ cup raisins (golden or regular): These add chewy sweetness.
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut: For a touch of tropical flair.
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (we used pecans): Adds a nice crunch; walnuts or almonds are great alternatives too.
  • 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional): For those who enjoy a hint of zing.
  • ½ cup heavy cream + more for brushing the scones: This ensures a tender crumb.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the ingredients.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides an aromatic sweetness.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, frozen: Creates flaky textures when incorporated.
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse (turbinado) sugar for topping: Adds a bit of sparkle and a slight crunch to the tops.

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened to room temp: Adds richness and creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temp: A smooth base for the glaze.
  • ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the glaze pourable and easy to drizzle.

How to Make Easy Carrot Cake Scones: Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s hot when the scones are ready to bake.

ding" id="step-2-combine-dry-ingredients">Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these together will ensure that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout your flour.

Step 3: Mix in the Add-Ins

Add the grated carrots, raisins, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and optional crystallized ginger into the flour mixture. Toss everything together gently to make sure all the dry ingredients coat the add-ins evenly.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your scone dough.

ding" id="step-5-grate-the-frozen-butter">Step 5: Grate the Frozen Butter

Using a box grater, grate the frozen butter directly into the bowl with the flour mixture. This method helps to evenly distribute the butter without overworking it. Gently mix using a spatula or your hands, but be careful not to over-mix.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the heavy cream mixture to the flour mixture and gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. It’s perfectly fine if the dough looks a bit rough! Avoid over-mixing; you should still see bits of butter throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, shape the dough into a roughly 10-inch disk. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, cut the disk into 8 triangle wedges.

ding" id="step-8-chill-the-scones">Step 8: Chill the Scones

Place the cut scones onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. For best results, place the scones in the freezer for about 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the scones maintain their shape while baking.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Before baking, brush the top of each scone with heavy cream. If you like a little crunch and sparkle, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are light golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.

ding" id="step-11-make-the-cream-cheese-glaze">Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the scones are cooling, whisk together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream in a bowl. Mix until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 12: Drizzle the Glaze

Let the scones cool completely before drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top. This allows the glaze to set slightly and adds a delightful finish to each scone.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Carrot Cake Scones

These Easy Carrot Cake Scones are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your serving game with some creative ideas:

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  • Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your scones with a hot cup of coffee or a comforting cup of tea. The spiced flavors complement most drinks beautifully!
  • Serve with Fresh Fruit: A side of sliced fruit, such as oranges or berries, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones.
  • Create a Breakfast Spread: Serve these scones alongside a cheese platter, yogurt, and spreads like honey or jam for a delightful brunch.
  • Add Whipped Cream: For a dessert-like treat, serve the scones with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    • Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Carrot Cake Scones

    Delicious carrot cake scones with cream cheese glaze on a plate
    1. Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the butter and cream cold. Cold butter will give your scones that beautiful flaky texture.
    2. Don’t Over-Mix: Mix until just combined. Overworking the dough will lead to tough scones.
    3. Grate the Carrots Finely: Fine grated carrots blend better into the dough and keep the texture light.
    4. Freeze the Dough: If you want freshly baked scones another day, shape the scones and freeze them before baking. You can bake directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
    5. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different spices or ingredients like chocolate chips, zest of an orange, or nuts for a unique twist.

    Easy Variations for Easy Carrot Cake Scones

    While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, you can play around with ingredients to create your perfect version:

    Storage Tips for Easy Carrot Cake Scones

    To keep your scones fresh and tasty, here are some simple storage tips:

    ding" id="conclusion">Conclusion

    Easy Carrot Cake Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze are truly a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of carrot cake with the comforting texture of a scone. They’re simple enough for beginners yet celebratory enough for special occasions.

    With just a handful of ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can create a batch of delectable scones that will surely brighten anyone’s day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor the deliciousness!

    FAQs About Easy Carrot Cake Scones

    1. Can I make these scones gluten-free?

    Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure the blend has xanthan gum to help with texture.

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    2. How can I make the scones healthier?

    Consider reducing the sugar or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also switch to whole wheat flour for more fiber.

    3. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze?

    If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute available in stores.

    4. Can I add fresh fruit to the dough?

    Yes! Chopped fresh fruits like apples or crushed pineapple can add moisture and flavor. Adjust the flour slightly to account for the extra moisture.

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    5. How do you know when the scones are done baking?

    Scones should be golden brown on the top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the scones are ready!

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