The Essential Vegan

  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
×
Home

Chocolate Cherry Scones

Updated: Feb 28, 2025 · Published: Feb 10, 2025 by Allie · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these pillowy-soft chocolate cherry scones. Made with wholesome ingredients, these gluten-free and dairy-free treats are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional scones.

rectangular marble tray of chocolate cherry scones next to a cup of coffee
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Jump to:
  • Why you’ll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Variation: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Related

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • A sweet treat: Studded with chocolate chips and tart, chewy dried cherries, these scones are seriously addictive.  
  • Dairy-free and gluten-free: Chocolate cherry scones are 100% dairy-free and gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Healthier than traditional scones: Traditional scones are typically made with white flour, butter, milk or cream, and sometimes egg. All that adds up to a lot of cholesterol and empty calories. This version relies on nutrient-dense ingredients with lower cholesterol and healthier fats, making it a nice occasional indulgence that won’t derail your healthy eating habits.

Ingredients

overhead view of bowls of ingredients for chocolate cherry scones on a white marble background
  • Water: For making the flax egg.
  • Ground flaxseed: For the flax egg.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness. Applesauce is rich in fiber and antioxidants. 
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle warmth and sweetness.
  • Oat flour: A gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour. Oat flour contains fiber and helps maintain heart health. 
  • Almond flour: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet flavor and structure. Almond flour is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. 
  • Organic coconut sugar: Measure the sugar by packing it into the measuring cup, as you would with brown sugar. Coconut sugar adds sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, causing a slower rise in blood sugar levels. 
  • Baking soda: A leavening agent.
  • Baking powder: A leavening agent.
  • Dried cherries: Contributes a tart, sweet flavor and a chewy texture. Cherries are high in fiber and antioxidants. Their health benefits include reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.
  • Nondairy dark chocolate chips: In addition to adding a rich, sweet flavor, dark chocolate helps support heart health and contributes antioxidants that protect against cell damage.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

    ingredients for flax egg mixed in a glass bowl on a marble background

    Step 2: Make a flax egg by adding water and ground flaxseed to a small bowl and stirring to combine. Let the mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, until thick and congealed.

      wet ingredients mixed in a glass bowl on a white marble background

      Step 3: Add the flax egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract to a large bowl and stir to combine. 

        wet and dry ingredients combined in a glass bowl on a white marble background

          Step 4: Add the oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and baking soda to the bowl containing the wet ingredients. Stir well to evenly incorporate.   

          glass bowl containing wet and dry ingredients with cherries and chocolate chips added

          Step 5: Gently fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.  

            dough in a circle on a cutting board

            Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rough circle. Try to avoid flattening it out too much as you do so—the dough should stay thick and somewhat puffy. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 triangles.   

              chocolate cherry scones on the prepared baking sheet

              Step 7: Gently transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone. If any scones break apart during the transfer, reshape them into triangles on the baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the scones have puffed up and have some structure. They will be somewhat soft when you remove them from the oven. 

                chocolate cherry scones on a cooling rack

                Step 8: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Continue to cool them until they are slightly warm or have reached room temperature. Enjoy!  

                  overhead view of chocolate cherry scones on a marble serving tray, a plate with a scone, and a mug of coffee on a light pink cloth
                  closeup of a chocolate cherry scone with a bite out of it on a marble tray with a coffee mug in the background

                  Variation: Chocolate Cherry Cookies

                  This recipe can also be used to make soft chocolate cherry cookies. Simply follow the recipe as written except do not shape or cut the dough. Instead, spoon the dough into 8 or 9 balls on the baking sheet and bake as instructed. You’ll end up with pillowy-soft cookies. 

                  Equipment

                  • Baking sheet
                  • Parchment paper
                  • Measuring cups
                  • Measuring spoons
                  • Small bowl
                  • Spoon
                  • Large bowl
                  • Sharp knife
                  • Cooling rack

                  Storage

                  Chocolate cherry scones may be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They may also be frozen for up to 1 month (be sure to let them cool completely before freezing).

                  Related

                  For other breakfast ideas, try these recipes:

                  • Mango overnight oats in a jar
                    Mango Overnight Oats
                  • glass parfait cup of chai overnight oats with yogurt and cinnamon sticks
                    Chai Overnight Oats
                  • three squares of apple coffee cake stacked on a white plate
                    Apple Coffee Cake
                  • glass of mint chocolate overnight oats garnished with cacao nibs on a white and gold coaster
                    Mint Chocolate Overnight Oats

                  chocolate cherry scones on a marble serving tray next to a cup of coffee

                  Chocolate Cherry Scones

                  The Essential Vegan
                  Satisfy your sweet tooth with these pillowy-soft chocolate cherry scones. Made with wholesome ingredients, these gluten-free and dairy-free treats are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional scones.
                  Print Recipe Pin Recipe
                  Prep Time 20 minutes mins
                  Cook Time 13 minutes mins
                  Cooling Time 10 minutes mins
                  Total Time 43 minutes mins
                  Course Breakfast, Dessert
                  Cuisine American
                  Servings 8

                  Equipment

                  • baking sheet
                  • parchment paper
                  • measuring cups
                  • measuring spoons
                  • small bowl
                  • spoon
                  • large bowl
                  • sharp knife
                  • cooling rack

                  Ingredients
                    

                  • 2½ tablespoons water
                  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
                  • ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
                  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
                  • 1¼ cups oat flour
                  • 1 cup almond flour
                  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons organic coconut sugar packed
                  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
                  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
                  • ⅓ cup dried cherries
                  • ¼ cup nondairy dark chocolate chips

                  Instructions
                   

                  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
                  • Make the flax egg: Add the water and ground flaxseed to a small bowl and stir well to combine. Let the mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, until it has thickened and congealed.
                  • Wet ingredients: To a large bowl, add the flax egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
                  • Dry ingredients: Add the oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and baking soda to the bowl containing the wet ingredients. Stir well until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated. Gently fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.
                  • Cut the scones: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rough circle. Try to avoid flattening it out too much as you do so—the dough should stay thick and somewhat puffy. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 triangles. 
                  • Bake: Gently transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone. If any of the scones break apart while transferring them, simply reshape them into triangles on the baking sheet, as the dough will be quite soft. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the scones have puffed up and have some structure. They should still be somewhat soft when you remove them from the oven.
                  • Cool: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to continue to cool until they are slightly warm or have reached room temperature. Enjoy!

                  Notes

                  • Store leftover chocolate cherry scones in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The scones can also be frozen for up to 1 month in a sealed container (allow scones to cool completely before freezing).
                  Keyword chocolate cherry cookies, chocolate cherry scones, dark chocolate cherry cookies, dark chocolate cherry scones, vegan scones

                  • overhead view of a cream-colored plate holding 3 ginger pear scones next to a festive towel
                    Ginger Pear Scones
                  • two parfait glasses of pumpkin spice overnight oats (without yogurt) and small bowl of shredded coconut
                    Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats (Without Yogurt)
                  • bowl of one-pot apple cinnamon oatmeal garnished with apple slices
                    One-Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
                  • bowl of creamy chocolate peanut butter overnight oats topped with bananas, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and crushed peanuts
                    Creamy Blended Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
                  sliced orange

                  Welcome!

                  I’m Allie and I’m so glad you’re here! In this blog, you’ll find quick, healthy, and delicious plant-based recipes that anyone can make. I hope you find something here to brighten your day!

                  More about me

                  Popular

                  • bowl of mango noodle salad with peanut dressing next to fresh cilantro
                    Mango Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

                  • bowl of Tex-Mex skillet supper next to fresh cilantro leaves
                    Tex-Mex Skillet Supper

                  • plate of quinoa tabbouleh with a side of hummus, pita wedges, and lemon slices
                    Quinoa Tabbouleh

                  • green couscous risotto in a white bowl with a black fork on a marble background
                    Green Couscous Risotto

                  Seasonal

                  • bowl of mango noodle salad with peanut dressing next to fresh cilantro
                    Mango Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

                  • plate of quinoa tabbouleh with a side of hummus, pita wedges, and lemon slices
                    Quinoa Tabbouleh

                  • partial view of a bowl of spring salad with vegan caesar dressing next to a black fork
                    Spring Salad with Vegan Caesar Dressing

                  • closeup of a bowl of Italian chopped salad with a wooden serving bowl in the background
                    Italian Chopped Salad

                  Footer

                  ↑ back to top

                  About

                  • Privacy Policy
                  • Accessibility Policy

                  Newsletter

                  • Sign Up for emails and updates

                  Contact

                  • Contact

                  Copyright © 2025 The Essential Vegan