Craving warm, fluffy scones but need to skip the dairy and eggs? You’re not alone. Whether you’re vegan for health, ethics, or allergies, you don’t have to give up that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. In this guide, we’ll show you how to bake plant-based scones with simple swaps, reliable results, and flavor options that rival the classic versions.

Why Bake Vegan Scones?

Vegan scones are perfect for:

• Dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
• Egg-free baking (for ethical or allergy reasons)
• Lower-cholesterol baking
• Sustainable and plant-based diets

You can make them just as fluffy and flavorful as traditional recipes, no eggs, no dairy, no compromise.

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Ingredient Swaps for Vegan Scones

Let’s break down how to replace the usual suspects in scone recipes: butter, milk, and eggs.

1. Replacing Butter

Best vegan substitutes:

• Vegan margarine or plant-based butter (Earth Balance, Flora, Miyoko’s)
• Coconut oil (solid, not melted, for flakiness)
• Chilled olive oil (for a softer texture)

Tip: Freeze and grate vegan butter for the best scone lift, just like you would with dairy butter.

2. Replacing Milk or Cream

Great non-dairy options:

• Soy milk (high protein, most neutral)
• Oat milk (sweet and rich)
• Almond milk (light and nutty)
• Coconut milk (rich and tropical, great in berry scones)

Pro Tip: Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to your plant milk to create a tangy, buttermilk-like reaction that works better with baking powder.

3. Replacing Eggs

Common vegan egg alternatives:

• Flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (let sit 5–10 min)
• Chia egg: Same as flax, but with chia seeds
• Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup = 1 egg)
• Aquafaba (3 tbsp = 1 egg) the liquid from canned chickpeas

Use a flax or chia egg for structure, applesauce for moisture, and aquafaba for fluffiness.

Vegan Scones Recipe Formula

Here’s a basic formula to build your own vegan scones:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 6 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil (cold)
• 3/4 cup plant-based milk (plus 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 flax egg (optional for structure)
• Add-ins: fruit, spices, chocolate chips, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar.
3. Cut in cold butter until the mix looks like breadcrumbs.
4. Add flax egg and milk mixture, mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
5. Fold in add-ins (e.g., blueberries, raisins, chocolate chips).
6. Shape into a round disc and cut into wedges, or drop spoonfuls for rustic scones.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before eating.

Flavor Variations for Vegan Scones

1. Lemon Blueberry

Add lemon zest and 1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries.

2. Maple Pecan

Use maple syrup instead of sugar, and stir in chopped pecans.

3. Chocolate Chunk + Sea Salt

Use vegan dark chocolate and top with flaky sea salt.

4. Cinnamon Raisin

Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup raisins.

Can You Freeze Vegan Scones?

Absolutely!

To Freeze Raw:

• Shape scones, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Bake from frozen, just add 2–3 minutes to bake time.

To Freeze Baked:

• Cool completely, wrap in foil or parchment, then store in an airtight container.
• Reheat at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes or microwave 15–20 seconds with a damp towel.

More freezing tips in our scone freezing & reheating guide.

Troubleshooting Vegan Scones

Problem	Solution
Dry / crumbly	Add more milk or try applesauce for moisture
Too dense	Don’t overmix; make sure baking powder is fresh
Greasy	Reduce oil if using coconut or olive oil
Not rising	Ensure oven is hot; baking powder must be active

Related Recipes & Articles

• Fruit Scones Recipe
• Freezing & Reheating Scones
• Keto Scones: Low-Carb Variants

Wrap-Up

Vegan scones are surprisingly simple once you know the right swaps. With the right plant-based fats, non-dairy liquids, and egg substitutes, you can bake up soft, fluffy, golden scones without any animal ingredients.

Start with the base recipe above, pick your favorite add-ins, and be sure to explore our full Ultimate Guide to Scones for more techniques, dietary options, and flavor inspiration.

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