Gluten Free Almond Scones on a plate

Light and Moist Gluten Free Almond Scones

Grain free and dairy free scones perfect for your afternoon tea.

Do you see those delicious scones in the coffee shop display counter?  Miss being able to have one with your coffee or tea and feel like any scones that you make just turn out like hockey pucks? These almond scones are grain free and dairy free, just right for your afternoon snack.  The flavoring is flexible regarding the extracts that you choose so don’t feel pinned down by any one flavor. 

Almond scones on a plate pin

As with all gluten free baking, the main success of your item depends on two things:

  • The binding:  the ingredient/s that replaces the gluten to hold it all together.  In most gluten free recipes you will see xantham gum and eggs being used the most.  Xantham gum is included at about ½ tsp. per cup of flour in order to replace the gluten.  Alternatively, flax gel has been used in place of xantham and eggs.  Aquafaba can also be used to replace eggs as well but be aware that it leads to a denser fudgier texture.  Others have used gelatin and whey protein. Learn more about gluten free baking with our quickstart reference.
  • Moisture of the dough.  All gluten free baking dough is softer and wetter than regular gluten dough.  Instead of thinking along the lines of kneading and dough balls, think more of drop style dough, spatula dough, and wet dough that is just dry enough to hold together and not run out of shape but not solid enough to hold with your hands in a dough ball.  Usually, if the dough is that dry, your baked item will not have the desired outcome.  Exception to this rule:  using modified tapioca starch.  This modified tapioca will make the dough resemble regular gluten dough and can be used the same.  Gluten Free on a Shoestring is a great place to check out recipes using modified tapioca starch. 

Ingredients for gluten free almond scones are simple:

  • Almond flour (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)
  • Tapioca starch
  • Sugar
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Xantham gum
  • Dairy Free Butter alternative (I use Country Crock or Earth Balance plant based alternative “butter”)
  • Eggs
  • Dairy free “milk”  (I use almond milk or coconut milk)
  • Almond and Rum extracts (I have also used banana and vanilla)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Raisins
Gluten free almond scone ingredients

NOTES:

scone dough in mixing bowl
The scone dough should be like thick brownie batter. Sticking together to stay in shape but not so dry that it can be held in a ball in your hands.
Cutting scone dough with an ulu knife
Spread dough with a spatula about an inch thick in a large round. Score the raw dough with a knife and put any stuck on dough into the middle. I make a decorate mound and put raisins on top.
Baked scones to golden brown
Bake until golden and set. The flavor will be stronger just out the oven and will soften in flavor as they cool.

Light and Moist Gluten Free Almond Scones

Recipe by Cedarbirchmusings.comCourse: DessertCuisine: ScottishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Delicious and moist gluten free and dairy fee almond scones, perfect for that afternoon tea.

Ingredients for Dough:

  • Dough:
    2 C. Almond flour (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)

  • 2 C. Tapioca starch

  • 1/2 C. Sugar (or confection style Swerve)

  • 1 Tbs. Baking Powder

  • 1/2 tsp. Salt

  • 1 1/2 tsp. Xantham gum

  • 1/2 C. Dairy Free Butter alternative, chilled. (I use Country Crock or Earth Balance plant based alternative “butter”)

  • 3 Eggs

  • 1/2 C. Dairy free “milk”  (I use almond milk or coconut milk)

  • 1/2 tsp. each of Almond and Rum extracts (I have also used banana and vanilla)

  • 1/2 C. Raisins

  • Icing:
    1 C. Powdered sugar

  • 1/2 tsp. Almond extract

  • 3-4 Tbs. Almond milk

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Mix the ingredients listed: almond flour through xantham gum thoroughly.
  • Add in dairy free butter and mix until crumbly and well distributed.
  • Add eggs, extracts, and almond milk until dough is mixed.
  • Stir in raisins. Dough should resemble brownie batter, dry enough to not be runny but not thick enough to be play dough.
  • Spread dough with spatula onto ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch thick in a large round.
  • Cut slice marks with a knife (I use an Ulu knife). Any dough stuck to the knife by the end mound in the middle and decorate with raisins.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
  • Allow to cool on pan. Mix the powdered sugar, extract, and milk alternative to make a thin icing. Drizzle over the dough evenly. Slice and serve warm or cold. Store extras in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes


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    4 thoughts on “Light and Moist Gluten Free Almond Scones”

    1. Avatar of commentor

      These are delicious! I left out the raisins and icing to use them for topping individually with strawberries and whipped cream for a strawberry shortcake dessert. Perfect!

      1. Avatar of commentor
        Cedarbirch-Jessica

        So glad they worked for you! What a great idea, I will have to remember to try the scones that way come strawberry season;)

    2. Avatar of commentor

      These look so yummy. I’m always looking for gluten free recipes to make for myself. This looks like a must try!!

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