Easy Carrot Cake Mix Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat
Prepare to be delighted with these incredible Carrot Cake Mix Scones! Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of shredded carrots and crunchy pecans, each scone is generously topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They offer all the beloved taste of a classic carrot cake but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-handle scone format. What makes them truly stand out is their remarkable simplicity, all thanks to the clever use of a carrot cake mix. This recipe transforms a beloved dessert into an accessible breakfast or brunch delight that’s sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.
When you think about underrated desserts, what comes to mind? For many, including myself, it’s undoubtedly a classic carrot cake, especially when adorned with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Carrot cake often gets an unfair reputation, perhaps because the inclusion of “healthy” carrots makes some believe it’s less indulgent than other sugary treats. I distinctly remember my elementary school self thinking that anything disguised as a “health food” couldn’t possibly be as good as a pure sugar bomb. However, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to a well-made carrot cake, or even better, these exquisite dessert-inspired scones.
Let me assure you, these carrot scones are a world away from any notion of overly “healthy” baked goods trying to masquerade as something they’re not. They strike the perfect balance between delightful sweetness and savory crunch, thanks to the addition of toasted pecans. The brilliance of this recipe lies in using a boxed carrot cake mix, which not only infuses them with authentic carrot cake flavor but also streamlines the baking process, making this breakfasttreat incredibly simple to whip up. Even the most skeptical carrot-averse individuals will find themselves reaching for a second scone, won over by their irresistible taste and tender texture. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum impact.
For those who already cherish a good, old-fashioned carrot cake recipe, these breakfast scones are an absolute must-try. They capture the essence of your favorite dessert in a convenient scone form. With fresh carrots grated directly into the dough and a super simple, homemade cream cheese glaze lovingly coating each one, these scones are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. They are ideal for serving at a leisurely Sunday brunch, impressing guests with minimal fuss, but they are equally perfect for satisfying your sudden sweet tooth craving at any time of day. Imagine a warm scone with your morning coffee, or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up – these fit the bill perfectly.
As you might have gathered, scone recipes hold a special place in my heart when it comes to baking. Their inherent quickness, ease of preparation, and utterly delicious results make them a constant favorite. There’s something so satisfying about transforming a few simple ingredients into a flaky, tender pastry in a relatively short amount of time. If you’re interested in joining the ranks of scone enthusiasts, I highly recommend exploring some of my other beloved variations. You could try my vibrant Strawberry Cake Mix Scones for a fruity twist, the sophisticated Earl Grey Scones for a hint of tea-infused elegance, or the delightfully decadent Banoffee Scones (you get three guesses what those are made of!). And for all you muffin aficionados out there – don’t be afraid to branch out! Expanding your culinary horizons is always a good idea. Take a peek at my savory-sweet McGriddle Muffins or my wholesome Banana Carrot Muffins for more breakfast inspiration.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Carrot Cake Mix Scones
These carrot cake mix scones aren’t just a recipe; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. Here’s why they’re destined to become a firm favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to the ingenious use of carrot cake mix, much of the flavoring and sweetness is already taken care of. This cuts down on ingredient measuring and simplifies the entire process, making them perfect for beginner bakers or busy mornings.
- Irresistible Flavor: They encapsulate all the iconic tastes of carrot cake – the moistness from carrots, the warmth of spices (often pre-mixed in the cake mix!), and the nutty depth of pecans. The cream cheese glaze takes them over the top, mirroring that classic frosting.
- Perfect Texture: Achieving tender, flaky scones is easier than you think with this recipe. The cold butter and minimal handling ensure a light crumb that melts in your mouth, offering a satisfying contrast to the crunchy pecans.
- Versatile Treat: While phenomenal for breakfast or brunch, these scones are also wonderful as an afternoon tea accompaniment, a delightful dessert, or a sweet snack any time you need a pick-me-up.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Carrot cake is a universally loved flavor, and these scones deliver that familiar comfort in a charming, individual portion. They’re guaranteed to impress guests and disappear quickly from any spread.
What Do I Need To Make Carrot Cake Scones?
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful carrot cake scones is straightforward. The beauty of using a cake mix is that it streamlines the spice blend and sugar content, ensuring consistent flavor every time. For the freshest taste and best texture, make sure your butter is very cold, and your carrots are finely grated. Here’s a concise list of what you’ll need to create this breakfast masterpiece:
- 1 1/4 cup carrot cake mix (standard box cake mix is usually 15.25 oz, you’ll use a portion of it)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or heavy whipping cream for a richer scone)
- 1 egg white (helps with binding and adds tenderness)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots, packed (freshly grated is best for flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor, optional)
For the irresistible Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best results)
- 1 Tablespoon milk (or a touch more for desired consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla is recommended)
Step by Step Instructions for Perfect Carrot Cake Mix Scones:
Making these scones is a delightful process, and following these steps will ensure you get flaky, flavorful results every time. Remember, the key to great scones is working with cold ingredients and not overmixing the dough.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the scones bake evenly, allowing for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cold Butter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the carrot cake mix and the all-purpose flour. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly to combine them well. Next, introduce the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, quickly cut the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to work the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pieces no larger than a small pea. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for creating flaky scones.
Step 3: Incorporate Carrots, Pecans, and Wet Ingredients
Stir the finely grated carrots and chopped pecans into your flour-butter mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup milk and one egg white. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands until all the flour mixture is just moistened and incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. A slightly shaggy dough is what you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Lightly Knead and Shape the Dough
Lightly sprinkle a bit of extra flour onto a clean work surface. Turn the scone dough out onto the floured surface. Sprinkle a tiny bit more flour over the top of the dough. Gently bring the dough together and shape it into a cohesive ball. Minimal handling is best here to maintain the tender texture.
Step 5: Form and Cut the Scones
Carefully transfer the dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, gently press the dough into an 8-inch round disc, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Then, with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the round into 8 equal wedges, similar to slicing a pizza. Gently separate the wedges slightly on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and browning.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the scones are ready when their edges begin to turn a light golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack immediately to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the scones are cooling, prepare your decadent cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking continuously until the glaze is completely smooth and free of any lumps. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar. Once the scones are fully cooled, use a fork or a spoon to generously drizzle the glaze over each scone. This allows the glaze to set beautifully without melting.
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Carrot Cake Mix Scones
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup carrot cake mix
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy whipping cream)
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots (packed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Cream cheese
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, add the cake mix and the flour. Stir to combine. Then add the cold butter to the mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly and any pieces of butter are pea sized or smaller.
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Stir the grated carrots and pecans into the flour mixture. Add 1/2 cup milk mixed with one egg white and stir gently until all the flour mixture has been incorporated.
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Sprinkle a bit of flour onto your work space and turn the scone dough onto the flour. Sprinkle a bit more over the top of the dough and gently shape the dough into a ball.
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Place the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and press the dough into an 8 inch round. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into wedges and gently separate them.
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Bake at 375 degrees for 22-25 minutes or until the edges begin to slightly brown. Cool on a wire rack.
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Once the scones have cooled, whisk together the milk, cream cheese and vanilla. Then add the powdered sugar and whisk until no lumps remain. Using a fork or a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones.
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Tips for Perfectly Flaky Carrot Cake Scones
Achieving light, tender, and flaky scones is an art, but it’s an art that’s surprisingly easy to master with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your Carrot Cake Mix Scones turn out perfectly every time:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is arguably the most critical rule for scones. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, leading to those desirable flaky layers. Cold milk and egg white also help maintain the butter’s temperature.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough barely comes together. A slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
- Handle Gently: When shaping the dough, use a light touch. Avoid excessive kneading or pressing. The less you handle it, the more tender your scones will be.
- Finely Grate Carrots: For the best texture and even distribution of flavor, ensure your carrots are finely grated. This helps them meld seamlessly into the dough without large, chunky bits.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: When cutting the dough into wedges, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. A dull cutter can drag the dough, sealing the edges and inhibiting the rise.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your scones space to breathe! Arranging them with some distance apart on the baking sheet allows for even air circulation and browning.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: While it’s tempting to glaze warm scones, resist the urge. Glazing warm scones will cause the glaze to melt and run off. Let them cool fully on a wire rack for a beautifully set glaze.
Customizing Your Carrot Cake Mix Scones
While this recipe for Carrot Cake Mix Scones is perfect as written, there’s always room for a little personalization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:
- Spice It Up: If your cake mix feels light on spices, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger to the dry ingredients for a more pronounced spiced flavor.
- Nutty Variations: Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts or chopped almonds would also be delicious, adding a similar crunch and earthy note. For a nut-free version, simply omit them.
- Add Dried Fruit: A small handful of golden raisins, chopped dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut could be folded into the dough along with the carrots and pecans for extra texture and sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully, complementing the carrot and cream cheese.
- Make Them Mini: For smaller portions, press the dough into a thinner round (about 6 inches) and cut into 12 mini wedges. Adjust baking time accordingly (likely 15-18 minutes).
- Ricotta Glaze: For an even richer, tangier glaze, substitute 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese for one tablespoon of cream cheese in the glaze recipe.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
These delicious carrot cake mix scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they can certainly be stored and even frozen to extend their delightful shelf life. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
Storing Baked Scones:
- At Room Temperature: If your scones are glazed, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The glaze will help keep them moist. If unglazed, they can last up to 2 days, but might dry out quicker.
- In the Refrigerator: Due to the cream cheese glaze, refrigerating glazed scones is recommended if storing for more than 2-3 days, or if your kitchen is particularly warm. Place them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best experience.
Freezing Baked Scones:
- Glazed Scones: It’s generally best to freeze scones unglazed, as the glaze can become sticky or watery upon thawing.
- Unglazed Scones: Once completely cooled, wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them gently in the oven (around 300°F/150°C for 5-10 minutes) for a “freshly baked” feel. You can then prepare and add the glaze.
Freezing Scone Dough:
- You can also freeze the scone dough before baking! After cutting the dough into wedges (Step 5), arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once solid, transfer the frozen wedges to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen scones on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes (approx. 27-35 minutes total), or until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Absolutely! While carrot cake mix provides the authentic flavor here, you can experiment with other flavors like spice cake mix (for a similar vibe), or even a yellow cake mix with added cinnamon and nutmeg for a milder version. Adjust mix-ins as needed.
- Do I have to use cold butter?
- Yes, for the best flaky texture, cold butter is highly recommended. It creates steam as it bakes, resulting in those desired layers. Room temperature butter will lead to a more cake-like, dense scone.
- Can I make these without pecans?
- Yes, if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use them, feel free to omit the pecans entirely. The scones will still be delicious! You could also substitute with an equal amount of shredded coconut or golden raisins.
- How do I prevent my scones from being dry?
- The most common culprits for dry scones are overmixing the dough or overbaking. Mix the dough only until just combined, and watch the baking time carefully. The fresh carrots also contribute moisture, so don’t skimp on those!
- Can I use milk alternatives?
- Yes, unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can generally be used as a direct substitute for regular milk in this recipe. The richness might vary slightly, but the scones should still turn out well.
These Carrot Cake Mix Scones are more than just a quick breakfast; they’re a celebration of comforting flavors and effortless baking. Whether you’re a long-time carrot cake aficionado or new to the delightful world of scones, this recipe offers a simple path to a truly satisfying treat. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the flaky, spiced goodness topped with that irresistible cream cheese glaze. Happy baking!
