Gingerbread Scones

I hope everyone has had a lovely 2014 so far and is keeping up with their new year's resolutions. Hopefully this recipe won't derail your efforts, but it is so delicious I simply had to share. These scones are the perfect winter treat, and they aren't too bad for you. It also helps to make them the size I recommend because they are small enough to not kill you or your resolutions but also big enough to satisfy you.

Now scones usually aren't good for you. They're basically mounds of lightly sweetened buttery dough drowned in a sweet, sticky glaze. These scones follow those basic rules of sconedom, but they aren't quite as awful as other recipes since they have (some) whole wheat flour! Yes, I know, that doesn't instantly transform them into the latest superfood. Nevertheless, it lets you eat one (or two) of them without feeling as if you have completely failed your goal to be healthier, eat fewer calories, etc.

You can also choose to skip the glaze if you want to reduce your sugar intake, though I do recommend making at least a few spoonfuls just to taste. This recipe isn't particularly sweet without the glaze, and the pop of orange or the sweetness of maple compliments it perfectly. You can try other flavors, too: anything that would taste good if you dunked a bite of gingerbread in it would work well here as well; maple and orange just happen to be my personal favorites.

If you have held tight to your resolutions so far, congratulations! I'll be sure to post a few more recipes to keep you on track. If not, don't worry; some sinfully delicious recipes are coming soon!

2 Cups Flour
¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour
¼ Cup Sugar
¾ tsp Salt
1 T Baking Powder
¾ tsp Cinnamon
½ tsp Ginger
¼ tsp Cloves
1 Stick Butter, Chilled & Cubed
2 Eggs
¼ Cup Molasses
½ Cup Milk
Orange Glaze or Maple Glaze (See Below)

Combine the flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Cut in the butter. Combine the eggs, molasses, and milk, then stir into the dough.

Shape the dough into 3 rounds. Cut each round into quarters and freeze until firm.

Heat oven to 425°F and line cookie trays with parchment. Place the scones on the prepared trays and bake until golden, 12-14 minutes.

To glaze, combine 1 T orange juice or maple syrup with 1/3 cup powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth, adding more orange juice/maple syrup or powdered sugar as necessary. Drizzle on the scones once cool.

Makes 12
Recipe Adapted from Sugar & Grace