Vanilla Scones

This bakery-style Vanilla Scones recipe makes the fluffiest and moistest tea treats with crisp, golden edges. They are dairy-free, eggless, and come together very quickly and taste absolutely amazing! The scones are simply flavored with vanilla but can be topped with lime zest and coconut flakes for more flavor and texture. Make a big batch to enjoy with your morning tea or coffee or any time of the day you feel like it.

Homestyle Vanilla Scones

There’s nothing like freshly baked scones just pulled from the oven on a chilly morning. Especially partnered with your favorite hot tea or coffee! Utter bliss, I call it. They have a slight crunch on the outside and a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. This homemade scone recipe is super simple and is one of those recipes that use basic baking staples only. Even novice bakers will find it a breeze to make them!  So next time you are craving one, skip out on buying those pricey pieces from the bakeshop or bakery, make them from scratch and save yourself some bucks.

Vanilla Scones Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – this flexible, all-around flour is perfect for making soft-baked crumbs. Note that some extra flour is needed to cover your work surface when you form the dough.
• Vanilla plant-based milk – Almond, soy, or oat milk are the best types for baking, but you can use other non-dairy milk too. If you can’t find them in vanilla flavor, just buy plain plant-based milk and add a teaspoon of vanilla instead.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens and adds more moisture to the pastry. If you don’t have any granulated sugar, brown sugar will work. It will add a richer taste due to the molasses content.
• Coconut oil – Using oil will keep the scones moist for days! You can use vegan butter as a substitute. 
• Coconut shreds (optional) – Adds texture and makes the scones more crumbly.
• Lemon juice – is mixed with plant-based milk to make homemade vegan buttermilk.
• Baking powder and Baking soda – It aids in the rise and fluffy texture of our scones.
• Vanilla extract – is the primary source of flavoring for this scones recipe. It gives a delicate aroma and taste to the dough.
• Salt – just a pinch enhances the vanilla flavor without making it salty.

How to Make Vegan Scones from Scratch

• Preheat.  Set your oven to 375 degrees F.  Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silicone mat.
• Combine Wet Ingredients.  In a bowl, add your plant-based milk and lemon juice and mix together.  This will act as your vegan buttermilk.  Set aside.
• Combine Dry Ingredients. Whisk all of the ingredients; all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly distributed.
• Combine wet and dry mixtures. Add the oil and vegan buttermilk mixture with the dry ingredients and whisk well. Gently fold the ingredients with your hands.

• Shape your dough.  Work on the dough by dividing it in half on a lightly floured countertop. Place the dough on the counter, plop and shape it into a circle.
• Prep dough for baking. Cut into 8 triangles that are all the same size. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then repeat with the remaining dough half.

• Bake.  In the preheated oven, bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Midway through, switch baking sheets.

• Serve.  Top of with coconut flakes and lime zest.  I like pairing the vanilla scones with a cup of coffee or tea.

Helpful Tips!

1. Measure your flour. Use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Having too much flour can result in a dry and crumbly dough.
2. Don’t overwork the dough.  Mix just until the dough holds together. An overmixed dough will result in dense and tough scones.
3. Form the dough evenly. Make an evenly round dough and keep the thickness as consistent as possible. Also,  slice them into equally sized pieces. This ensures that everything bakes evenly.
4. Slice easily. To keep the dough from sticking to your knife or cutter, lather it in plain flour before using.
5. Space them apart.  If you want the vanilla scones to be really moist but still get that crusty edge, space them an inch apart from each other.
6. Make it gluten-free! Use a gluten-free flour, baking powder and vanilla extract brand.

Variations and Toppings

Coconut flakes and lime zest are used for this recipe. But there are so various ways to top and enjoy your scones!

1. Add some fresh fruits to make the perfect breakfast treat.  Just chop, top, and eat. You can also use fruit jams and marmalades.
2. Keep it simple by dusting the tops of the scones with powdered sugar.
3. A dollop of whipped coconut cream or vegan ice cream makes it into a perfect dessert!
4. Make a simple sugar glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until thick. Drizzle on top of the scones to add more sweetness with a touch of tang!
5. Maple syrup. Drizzle it as you would your pancakes!
6. Add some cinnamon powder to add some festive fall flavor to your scones!

Frequently Asked Questions for Vanilla Scones

• How do I make my scones moister? If you notice that the dough crumbles too much when placed on the cutting board then, add a little extra vegan buttermilk. If it becomes too sticky then you can add more flour.  This recipe has been tried and tested, so I suggest sticking with the measurements provided.
• Why are my scones not rising enough? To begin, make sure you’re using new baking powder, preferably one that hasn’t been opened for more than six months. Also, if you over-knead the dough, the scones will not rise as high.  Also, do not use too much flour when dusting, excess flour stops the dough from rising.
• Why do my scones crack on top? It’s possible that the oven is too hot, causing the cake to rise too quickly and crack once it’s done. It may be helpful to invest in an oven thermometer to double-check that your heat settings are correct.

Storing your Vanilla Scones

• At room temperature. To keep your vanilla scones from drying out, store them in an airtight container, bread box, or large freezer bag. They’ll keep for 1-2 days at room temperature. Microwave them for 5-10 seconds at a time and enjoy them as soon as they come out.
• In the fridge. Storing vanilla scones in the fridge will make them last for about a week in an airtight container.
• In the freezer.  Scones freeze nicely so storing them for a longer amount of time is no problem! You can freeze them before or after baking, depending on your preference. You should be able to store them for up to three months.

Try these other scones recipes – they’re all tried and true!

1. Vegan Walnut Oat Scones – These walnut oat scones are hearty and filling, and they’re great with a cup of tea or coffee!
2. Berry Lemon Scones – They are the ideal snack for a lovely afternoon tea party with friends or family.

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

Vanilla Scones

4.96 from 46 votes

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 16 scones

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This bakery-style Vanilla Scones recipe makes the fluffiest and moistest tea treats with crisp, golden edges. They are dairy-free, eggless, and come together very quickly but taste absolutely amazing!

Equipment

• Measuring Cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking tray
• Silicone Mat
• Cooling Rack
• Whisk
• My favorite knives

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 ½ cups vanilla plant-based milk
• ▢ 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ cup coconut oil
• ▢ 3 tablespoons coconut shreds optional
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ▢ Pinch salt

Instructions 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Measure out your plant-based milk and lemon juice, mix together, and set aside. This combo will act as your 'buttermilk'.
• In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Whisk together till everything is evenly dispersed. Add in your oil and 'buttermilk' and mix till fully combined. You might want to use your hands.
• Lightly flour a countertop and divide your dough in half, evenly. Plop your dough onto the counter. you want to start forming the dough into a circle. Keeping the thickness as even as possible so everything cooks the same.
• Cut into 8 even triangles. Line your baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart from each other. Then repeat with the other half of the dough. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternating baking sheets midway through.
• Finish off with extra coconut flakes, lime zest or a cup of coffee 🙂 Enjoy!

Notes

• Measure your flour. Use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Having too much flour can result in a dry and crumbly dough.
• Don’t overwork the dough.  Mix just until the dough holds together. An overmixed dough will result in dense and tough scones.
• Form the dough evenly. Make an evenly round dough and keep the thickness as consistent as possible. Also,  slice them into equally sized pieces. This ensures that everything bakes evenly.
• Slice easily. To keep the dough from sticking to your knife or cutter, lather it in plain flour before using.
• Space them apart.  If you want the vanilla scones to be really moist but still get that crusty edge, space them an inch apart from each other.
• Make it gluten-free! Use a gluten-free flour, baking powder and vanilla extract brand.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 92mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg

Additional Info

Author: Margaret Chapman

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Method: Oven

Diet: Vegan

Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂