Healthy Chocolate Chip Scones (Gluten-Free)

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 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil + 1 1/2 tbsp water + 1 tsp 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)