I still remember the first time I made scones. It all started with a book (like many things in my life). I had been watching tons of TV series and reading book after book, and somehow, scones kept popping up. They seemed to be everywhere – on cozy afternoon tea tables, in charming little bakeries, or as the go-to treat for a relaxing weekend.
At the time, I had no idea what a scone was. I only knew that the word intrigued me, and the way they were described made them sound absolutely delicious. One day, after seeing the word scone in yet another book, I finally gave in to curiosity. I looked them up online, read about their flaky, crumbly texture, and thought, Okay, I need to try this!
I found a quick recipe that seemed easy enough, but it wasn’t quite as healthy as I’d hoped. So, I made a few swaps – switching up some ingredients, adding chocolate (because everything is better with chocolate), and testing out coconut flour. The result? A light, slightly sweet, and perfectly chocolatey treat that instantly became a favorite in my home.
Now, I bake scones whenever I get the chance – usually once a month, when I’m not too tired after work or during a cozy weekend morning. They’ve become one of my go-to healthy(ish) treats because they’re simple to make and taste amazing without loads of sugar or refined flour.
So, if you love trying new healthy baked goods, these gluten-free, low-carb chocolate chip scones are a must. They’re light, slightly crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and packed with melty chocolate chips. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make – perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced ones looking for a quick treat.
What are scones?
Scones are a classic British baked good that falls somewhere between a biscuit and a cake. They have a light, crumbly texture with a slightly crisp outer layer, making them perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee. Unlike American biscuits, which are soft and flaky, scones have a denser texture and a touch of sweetness.
In the UK, scones are often served plain or with dried fruit alongside clotted cream and jam for afternoon tea. But over time, scone recipes have evolved to include countless variations – chocolate chip, nut-filled, spiced, or even savory versions with cheese and herbs. The beauty of scones is that they’re incredibly versatile and can be made to suit any taste preference.
The version I’m sharing today is a modern, healthier take on the classic scone – gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with melty dark chocolate chips. It skips the refined flour and sugar in favor of nut-based flours and natural sweeteners, making it a perfect guilt-free treat. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients!
Whether you’re a longtime scone lover or trying them for the first time like I did, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a light, satisfying, and chocolatey treat.
Why these chocolate chip scones are a healthy option
Looking for a sweet treat that’s also good for you? These gluten-free, low-carb chocolate chip scones are packed with wholesome ingredients that make them a great alternative to traditional pastries. Here’s why:
- Dairy-free option – No butter or milk, making them naturally lactose-free (just use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed).
- Gluten-free and low-carb – Made with almond and coconut flour instead of refined white flour, providing more fiber and healthy fats.
- Naturally sweetened – Uses honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, reducing blood sugar spikes.
- Heart-healthy fats – Coconut oil replaces butter, offering beneficial fats and a light texture.
- More fiber and protein – Thanks to nut-based flours and dark chocolate, these scones help keep you full longer.
- Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate – 70% dark chocolate has less sugar and more health-boosting flavonoids.
Nutritional benefits and macros
These low-carb chocolate chip scones have a lower glycemic impact than traditional baked goods, making them a great option for steady energy levels and better blood sugar control.
- Low Glycemic Index (GI) – Made with almond and coconut flour, which have a lower GI than wheat flour, reducing blood sugar spikes.
- Lower Glycemic Load (GL) – Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup contribute to sweetness but have a lower overall impact on blood glucose when combined with fiber and healthy fats.
- Balanced macronutrients – A mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats helps slow digestion, providing longer-lasting energy and reducing sugar crashes.
Approximate macros per scone (1 of 8 servings):
These scones offer a balanced, blood sugar-friendly alternative to traditional pastries – perfect for breakfast or a snack without the sugar rush!
Gluten-free chocolate chip scones
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 Mixing spoon or spatula
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (or hazelnut flour for a nutty flavor)
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut oil melted (or substitute with another vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 large egg whisked
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% or higher) chopped or as chocolate chips (you can also use milk or white chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, salt, and baking powder).
- In another bowl, mix all wet ingredients (honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the whisked egg.)
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick but sticky – that’s normal!
- Gently mix in the dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and optional nuts.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface (or a parchment-lined board). Use your hands to form it into a round disc about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Using a knife, cut the disc into 8 equal triangles (like slicing a pizza). Carefully transfer the pieces to your lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and firm in the center.
- Let the scones cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and enhances the texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate – the better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough – mix just until combined for light, flaky scones.
- Chill the dough (optional) – if you have time, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before baking – it helps with texture.
- Make them dairy-free – use coconut oil instead of butter and skip the milk chocolate chips.
- Experiment with flavors – try adding cinnamon, orange zest, or shredded coconut for a unique twist!
Final words
These gluten-free, low-carb chocolate chip scones have become a favorite in my home, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too. They’re light, chocolatey, and just sweet enough – the kind of treat that feels indulgent but is actually packed with good-for-you ingredients.
I love that they’re so easy to make and don’t leave me feeling sluggish like traditional pastries sometimes do. Instead, they keep me full and satisfied, making them perfect for breakfast or a quick snack with coffee.
If you’ve never tried baking scones before, give these a shot – you might just discover a new favorite.