Healthy Chocolate Chip Scones are a low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free treat made with chocolate chunks. They're easy to make and perfect for both breakfast and dessert!
Delicious and healthy chocolate chip scones
The classic debate lives on: Are scones a dessert or a breakfast food? Personally, I think a scone is a dessert that doubles as a breakfast by disguising itself as an acceptable pastry option. They're perfect when eaten alongside coffee in the morning, and who doesn't love enjoying chocolate with their coffee?!
Whether you agree with me or you're a firm believer that scones should be kept as an after dinner treat, you're going to love this healthy rendition.
These gluten-free chocolate chip scones are absolutely delicious and perfectly sweet! They're made with chocolate chunks and are both a low-carb and a dairy-free option!
After baking these, you can also make my Healthy Blueberry Scones for a fruity paleo and gluten free variation.
Ingredients needed to make gluten-free scones
This dark chocolate scone recipe requires very simple ingredients. All are available at your local grocery store, and no special ingredients are needed. You most likely have most of these items on hand!
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Coconut oil
- Maple syrup
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Dark chocolate
Kitchen tools used to make low-carb scones
To make low-carb gluten-free scones, you won't need a ton of kitchen tools. In fact, you'll only need five! Here's a quick list:
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Knife
How to make healthy chocolate chip scones
For this recipe, don't worry about carving out a huge chuck of your day. You'll only need 30 minutes from start to finish! That includes prep and baking time.
To start making chocolate scones, preheat the oven to 350F.
Then, in a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pour the coconut oil into the dry ingredients, followed by the maple syrup, whisked egg, and vanilla. Stir until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
Next, fold in the chocolate.
Place the dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and form into a round shape. Flatten slightly into a disk.
Next, cut into 6 equal pieces and separate on the baking sheet.
Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until slightly golden brown.
Finally, let cool before eating, and enjoy!
Scone baking tips and tricks
Here are some tips that should make your scone baking experience even easier!
- How to mix the dough: The level that the dough is mixed should depend on the type of scones you're looking for. Lightly mix the dough for flakier scones, and over mix the dough for a tougher result.
- Chilling the dough: Many scone recipes will instruct the cook to chill the ingredients and the dough before baking. Because we are using different ingredients in this recipe (aka no butter or cream), this won't be necessary.
- How to tell when the scones are finished baking: The scones will be slightly golden brown when finished, and a toothpick should come out clean.
- How to store scones: Scones should be stored in an airtight container and kept between two paper towels. Keep at room temperature and reheat before eating.
Available substitution options
If you prefer slightly different ingredients than those included in this healthy dessert recipe, feel free to use them. Here are some commonly substituted ingredients.
- Almond flour: If you have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use that in place of the almond flour. To do so, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour in place of the 2 cups of almond flour. You will still need the coconut flour.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil can be substituted with any similar fat. You could use vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, or the oil/fat of your choice. Use a 1:1 ratio.
- Dark chocolate: If you prefer milk or white chocolate to dark, feel free to use that instead at a 1:1 ratio.
For a vegan scone recipe, the only ingredient to omit is the egg! In place of 1 egg, you can use a vegetable oil mixture. Mix the following ingredients to substitute the egg in this recipe:
1 ½ tablespoon vegetable oil + 1 ½ tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon baking powder
Then, prepare and bake as directed, and enjoy your vegan scones!
A healthier chocolate scone recipe
When I set out to make these scones, I knew that I wanted to make them a bit healthier than what you'd find with a typical recipe. I swapped a few ingredients and achieved exactly what I wanted!
Here are the ingredients that I used that make this recipe a better option nutritionally:
- Almond flour: Almond flour is a great alternative to use in place of all-purpose flour. It's low in carbs and doesn't include as much fat as all-purpose. Plus, it adds extra protein!
- Coconut flour: Coconut flour is another great ingredient that's used int his recipe. It's a low-carb, gluten-free flour that adds a perfect touch of sweetness.
- Coconut oil: Instead of olive, canola, or vegetable oil, I used coconut oil. Coconut oil has a bunch of benefits, as it's great for cholesterol, blood sugar, and more.
- Maple syrup: I used maple syrup to sweeten this recipe, as opposed to using sugar. This is a low-glycemic option that tastes wonderful!
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has more nutritional benefits than milk or white chocolate. It has less sugar and less calories, and it contains more fiber!
Enjoy these recipes from Erin Lives Whole
I love dessert foods that can be disguised as acceptable breakfast options. These chocolate scones definitely fall into that category. Looking for more options like that? Here are a bunch of ideas!
- Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
- Vegan Banana Bread (Gluten-Free)
- Healthy Peanut Butter Granola
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Healthy Chocolate Chip Scones (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour coconut oil into dry ingredients, followed by maple syrup, whisked egg, and vanilla.
- Stir until dough like consistency.
- Fold in chocolate.
- Place dough on parchment lined baking sheet and form into round shape. Flatten slightly into a disk.
- Cut into 6 equal pieces and separate on baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes.
- Let cool before eating.
Leticia Anzaldua says
My whole family loved it. Delicious and healthy! Thank you for sharing
Erin says
Hi Leticia, so happy you all enjoyed them!!
Holly says
These are the best scones!! I’ve made them a few times and they are always amazing! Thank you so much for creating these!
Erin says
Hi Holly, so happy you loved them!!
Keeley says
Absolutely delicious. Perfect texture and the taste was simply incredible. I’m pretty useless at baking but these scones came out far better than expected.
Erin says
Hi Keeley, so glad you loved them!! 🙂
Abbie says
Best scones and so easy to make!
Erin says
Hi Abbie, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Ashley says
Ok Erin - I just made these with my 3 year old with a mixture of mini MnM’s and chocolate chips. Incredible!!!!
Erin says
Hi Ashley, so happy you both loved them and how fun! 🙂
Bianca says
I love these scones! So easy to make and has been one of my go-to recipes for years.
I just made them for the millionth time last night but they ended up softer and chewier than usual- not sure what I did differently this time. Any ideas?
Erin says
Hi Bianca, so glad you love them and hmm, good question. Was it a different brand of flour?
Nolagal says
These were absolutely delicious! I have to admit, I used melted unsalted butter instead of coconut oil and dark chocolate chips--so not quite as healthy as your recipe. Nonetheless, very grateful that I can serve an indulgent but somewhat healthy dessert! Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Nolagal, so happy you loved them!!
Siobhan says
These were so good! Surprisingly quick and easy to make, too. My husband is currently GF so I've been experimenting with different flours, but I'd recommend these for anyone 🙂
Erin says
Hi Siobhan, so happy you both loved them!! I have tons of GF recipes too so hope you can both cook and bake some more GF meals and desserts soon!
Jessica says
Simple to make! Delicious to eat!
Erin says
Hi Jessica, so happy you loved them!!
danielle says
These are so amazing!!! They’re dense, the perfect amount of sweetness and the chocolate chips are everything. Can’t wait to make them again! Thank you Erin!!🤍
Erin says
Hi Danielle, so glad you loved the scones!!
Joanne says
They are the perfect quick delicious treat that you can feel good about indulging in. Thanks for this recipe!
Erin says
Hi Joanne, so happy you loved them!!
Nicole says
Yum!! Just made these and they were so quick and easy! I added half vanilla extract and half almond extract and dusted the tops with a little cinnamon sugar. I’ll definitely be making these again 🙂
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so glad you loved them and great idea!!
Katie S says
Delicious!!!! I make these at least once a week! I’ve made orange cranberry and cinnamon chip ones too! Thank you Erin for perfecting the gluten free scone consistency!
Erin says
Hi Katie, so glad you loved it! Thanks for your support! 🙂
vanessa Lutkenhaus says
these are wonderful! are they 450 calories each?
Erin says
Hi Vanessa, thanks and yes per scone!
Carrie says
My first time making scones and these are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Love the simple ingredients, and my husband couldn’t get enough of them either!
Erin says
Hi Carrie, I am so glad you both enjoyed them!
Clay Finn says
So good!
I would suggest more like 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup of chocolate chips to make it more breakfast-y and less like a big cookie!
Also definitely resist the urge to eat right out of the oven! Still good but they become much more crumbly and scone-like once they have cooled!!
Erin says
Hi Clay, I am so glad you liked them and great idea. Always okay to adjust the chocolate amount- for me you can never have too many!
April says
Thank you for the recipe, we loved them!
Erin says
Hi April, thank you so much for your support!!
Cait says
Is the serving size 1 scone? So, 498 calories per scone?
Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Cait, yes and yes. Let me know how yours come out!