Scones have always been a symbol of comfort—a warm, flaky treat perfect for breakfast, tea time, or an afternoon snack. If you’re plant-based or simply looking for a dairy-free option, you might have thought truly delicious scones were off the table.
Not so! This best vegan scone recipe is delightfully tender, golden on the outside, and bursting with flavor, all without dairy or eggs.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just dabbling, these scones will surprise you with their simplicity and classic taste. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, share tips for perfect texture, and suggest creative add-ins.
Ready to enjoy scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee, knowing they’re 100% plant-based? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky & Tender: These scones have that irresistible crumbly texture you crave, without any dairy or eggs.
- Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for obscure vegan products. This recipe uses pantry staples and easy-to-find plant-based alternatives.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, or customize with fruit, nuts, or spices.
- Quick to Make: Prep to table in under 35 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
- Family Approved: Even non-vegans love these! Ideal for sharing at brunch or tea time.
Looking for more plant-based baking inspiration? Try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a wholesome sweet treat, or pair your scones with a fresh, savory spread like our Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Recipe for Fresh Spreads.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of perfectly fluffy vegan scones:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups (280g) |
Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup (65g) |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Vegan butter (cold, cubed) | 1/2 cup (113g) |
Non-dairy milk (unsweetened, such as soy, oat, or almond) | 3/4 cup (180ml), plus extra for brushing |
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Optional add-ins: dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, currants), chocolate chips, lemon zest | 1/2 cup (75g) |
Pro tip: For sweet scones, stick to classic add-ins like raisins or blueberries. For savory, try herbs or vegan cheese!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork (to cut in the butter)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Bench scraper or sharp knife
- Pastry brush (for brushing with non-dairy milk)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
-
Prep your oven and baking sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Prepare the vegan “buttermilk”:
In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup non-dairy milk with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
-
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
-
Cut in the vegan butter:
Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
-
Add wet ingredients:
Pour in the vegan “buttermilk” and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together.
Don’t overmix—it’s fine if it’s a bit shaggy.
-
Add your mix-ins:
Gently fold in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins (like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or lemon zest) if using.
-
Shape the dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 3/4-inch thick and 7-8 inches in diameter.
If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on top to help shape it.
-
Cut and arrange:
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
-
Brush and sprinkle:
Brush the tops with a little non-dairy milk for a golden finish. If you like, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.
-
Bake:
Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and enjoy:
Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
“For the flakiest scones, keep your vegan butter as cold as possible! If your kitchen is warm, pop the cubed butter in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before adding to the flour.”
Tips & Variations
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a quality gluten-free flour blend (1:1 swap) for all-purpose flour. Check out our Gluten Free Soy Free Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Meals for more inspiration.
- Flavor Twists: Try orange zest and cranberries for a festive scone, or add a handful of vegan chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Savory Scones: Omit the sugar, add chopped fresh herbs (like chives or thyme), and fold in vegan cheese or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Storage: Scones are best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled scones for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
- Mix-in Ideas: Blueberries, walnuts, chopped dates, or even a swirl of cinnamon-brown sugar.
- Healthier Options: Swap half the flour for whole wheat, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
“Don’t overwork the dough—gentle mixing is the secret to tender, fluffy scones!”
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per scone (based on 8 scones, plain, without add-ins):
Nutrient | Amount per scone |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Total Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 7g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 290mg |
Note: Values will vary based on the brand of vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and any add-ins you choose. For more ways to keep your plant-based meals light and nutritious, see our Low Cal Vegan Recipes for Easy and Healthy Meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve warm with vegan butter, fruit preserves, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
- Brunch Board: Arrange scones with fresh fruit, vegan cream cheese, and a pot of tea for an elegant brunch spread.
- Sweet & Savory: Try a savory scone with a bowl of soup—our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating is a perfect partner.
- Picnic-Ready: Pack scones with seasonal fruit and iced tea for an easy picnic treat.
- Fancy Finish: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a bakery-style touch.
“A warm scone and a cup of tea is the ultimate comfort—perfect for cozy weekends or impressing guests at brunch!”
Conclusion
Vegan scones prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent, satisfying, and easy as traditional recipes. With just a handful of familiar ingredients and a simple process, you’ll have a batch of golden, flaky scones on your table in about half an hour.
Whether you stick to the classic version or play with your favorite flavors and add-ins, these scones are sure to become a staple in your home.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—swap in seasonal fruits, experiment with savory combos, or try new glazes for a personal touch. And if you’re looking for more vegan baking adventures, explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or enjoy a slice of our Vegetarian Date Cake for dessert.
Plant-based treats like these make every day a little sweeter, and a lot more delicious.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Scone Recipe
Description: Fluffy, tender vegan scones perfect for breakfast or tea. Quick to make and easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT18M
Total Time: PT33M
Servings: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh berries or vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add almond milk and vanilla; stir until just combined.
- Fold in berries or chocolate chips if using.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 16-18 minutes, until golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 32g
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