Warm gingerbread spices meet protein-rich cottage cheese in these tender, flaky scones. These scones are high in protein, full of holiday flavors, and perfect for cozy mornings.

I love the holiday season. It’s a time I spend with my loved ones.

But one of the best things about the holiday season is the flavors that come along with it. There is something magical about the blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Yes, I am talking about gingerbread flavors!

These scones give you those delicious spices in a flaky, tender format. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of warming spices and tender crumb.

They are the perfect treat for a holiday breakfast, afternoon tea, or any time you crave something comforting but wholesome at the same time.

One of the best things (besides the flavors) of these scones is their nutritional content.

Each scone gives you almost 10 grams of protein per serving. And, it’s all thanks to the cottage cheese.

This protein boost helps you feel fuller longer, making it the perfect treat or breakfast to keep your energy levels steady.

Ingredients and Substitutes

All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups) – You can use whole wheat flour or any other gluten-free option of your choice.

Ground ginger (1 tsp) -Swap with freshly grated ginger if you want a more intense flavor, or you can use ground allspice.

Ground cinnamon (3/4 tsp) – Replace with pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for a different flavor profile.

Ground cloves (3/4 tsp) – You can also use a smaller amount of nutmeg or allspice.

Salt (½ tsp)

Baking powder (1 tbsp)

Light brown sugar
(1/3 cup)– Substitute with an equal amount of dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, or you can use granulated sugar combined with a small amount of molasses.

Cottage cheese blended
(1 1/4 cup)- Ricotta cheese is a great alternative if you don’t have (or like cottage cheese). You can also use Greek yogurt, but it gives you a tangier flavor.

Unsalted butter, very cold (½ cup) – Replace with chilled and grated coconut oil, ghee, or vegan butter.

EGG WASH

Milk (3 tbsp) – You can use any plant-based milk of your choice.

Egg (1)

GLAZING

Greek yogurt (1 tbsp) – Use sour cream or crème fraiche for a similar tanginess.

Milk (1 tbsp) – Here you can also use the desired plant-based option of your choosing.

Powdered sugar (2 tbsp) – If you don’t have powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar in a high-speed blender until it becomes powdery.

How to Make Gingerbread Cottage Cheese Scones

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Grab a large bowl and add the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder, and light brown sugar.

Step 2. Give the dry ingredients a good stir.

Step 3. Add the cottage cheese and mix it using a spoon until it starts to form a crumbly dough.

Step 4. Grab the cold butter and cut it into small cubes. Start adding it slowly to the dough, kneading until the butter is fully incorporated.

Step 5. Once the butter is all mixed, make a ball out of the dough.

Step 6. Take out your rolling pint. Place the dough on top of a floured surface and start forming it into a 7-inch wide circle.

Step 7. Cut the dough into 8 triangles.

Step 8. Transfer each triangle to the baking sheet. Just make sure you give them plenty of room since they expand.

Step 9. Now, take the milk and brush each scone with it. Then, whisk the egg and brush the scone with it.

Place the scones in the oven and bake them for 22-25 minutes.

Step 10. Once they are done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool down and then glaze them with the Greek yogurt, milk, and powdered sugar.

How to Make it Gluten-Free

If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour that has xanthan gum or psyllium husk.

Now, if your blend doesn’t have either option, add ¼ teaspoon per cup of flour. For this recipe, use 5/8 of a teaspoon of xanthan gum.

Also, make sure that the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

My Tips & Tricks

1. Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose potency over time. I’ve found that fresh spices provide the best flavor.
2. Let Them Cool Down: Allow the scones to slightly cool down before adding the glaze. But, do apply it when they are warm for them to soak all the flavors.
3. Keep the Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cottage cheese create flakier scones.

More Scone Recipes

• Cinnamon Roll Protein Scones
• Protein Pumpkin Scones with Cottage Cheese
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Scones