If you’ve ever longed for a bakery-style treat that fits your sugar-free lifestyle, these Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones are a dream come true. Imagine biting into a tender, golden scone that’s bursting with melty chocolate chips, finished with a sweet glaze — all with zero added sugar! Whether you’re serving these at brunch, packing them for a quick breakfast on the go, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this easy recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or comfort to enjoy a truly satisfying dessert.

Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component is chosen to deliver the best crumbly texture, rich taste, and those gorgeous golden edges you just can’t help but love.

Flour: The foundation for that classic scone structure, helping each wedge hold its shape and crumb.
Brown Sugar Alternative: Gives authentic sweetness and the depth of flavor you expect with none of the sugar spike.
Baking Powder: Creates flakiness by giving the scones a nice lift as they bake.
Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk to make everything extra tender.
Butter (cold & cubed): The secret to those airy, flaky layers — always use it cold for best results!
Buttermilk: Adds rich tang and softness, making each bite moist without heaviness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and subtle floral notes for that delicious, home-baked aroma.
Sugar Free Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Splashes of chocolate in every bite without a speck of sugar.
Whole Milk (for topping): Helps the scones turn gorgeously golden as they bake.
Granular Sugar Alternative (for topping): A sweet, slightly crunchy finishing touch on top.
Sugar Free Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Makes a dreamy drizzle that sets beautifully.
Heavy Cream (for glaze): Lends richness and the perfect texture for drizzling.
Extra Vanilla Extract (for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with a hint of warmth.

How to Make Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Let’s start by setting the scene for scone success! Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little prep step ensures your Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones will lift right off the sheet and their bottoms won’t over-bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, brown sugar alternative, baking powder, and baking soda. If your butter is unsalted, sprinkle in a pinch of salt too. This initial mix distributes everything nicely, so your leaveners and sweeteners are perfectly incorporated.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the very cold, cubed butter to your bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The goal? Little pockets of butter that will melt while baking for flaky scone heaven. A food processor can do the trick too if you like less mess.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Vanilla

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk and vanilla extract together. Slowly pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. The dough might look a bit shaggy and that’s exactly what you want — don’t overmix!

Step 5: Fold In the Chocolate Chips

Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in those sugar free chocolate chips. Try to keep a light hand here; the less you work the dough, the softer and flakier your Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones will be.

Step 6: Shape the Scones

Lay a piece of parchment paper on your counter and turn out the dough. With your hands, gently pat it into a thick round disc about 1.5 to 2 inches tall. Grab a large knife or bench scraper, cut the disc in half, then quarters, then eighths. Suddenly, you’ve got scones!

Step 7: Chill and Top

Transfer your scone wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Use a pastry brush to give the tops a milk wash, then sprinkle each with a little granular sugar alternative for a crisp finish. Pop the whole tray in the fridge for at least 15 minutes — this helps keep the butter in the dough cold, which translates to flakier scones.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your scones for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and tempting. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 9: Glaze

Whisk together your sugar free powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla, and heavy cream until you have a silky, drizzly glaze. Spoon or drizzle it over the cooled scones and try not to dive in before it sets!

How to Serve Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Try a light dusting of extra sugar free powdered sugar just before serving, or garnish each scone with a handful of fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a brunch-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

To round out your breakfast spread, pair your Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones with fresh fruit, a dollop of sugar free whipped cream, or even a simple Greek yogurt parfait. Coffee, black tea, or a velvety matcha latte also make delightful companions for these treats.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, pile your scones high on a tiered stand for a stunning afternoon tea display. For breakfast on the go, wrap individual wedges in parchment or serve with tiny pots of sugar free jams. They’re beautiful plain, but you can also cut them open and add a swipe of cream cheese or nut butter for a luxurious twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them a bit longer, pop the container in the fridge to extend their life to about a week — just let them come to room temp before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

One of the best things about scones? They freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap each Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scone individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months — perfect for sudden cravings or last-minute guests!

Reheating

To bring your scones back to bakery-fresh, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes (or until warmed through). You can microwave them as well, but the oven preserves their crusty edge and tender interior best. If you’re glazing after freezing, wait until the scone is reheated before drizzling on the glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten free blend. Just keep an eye on dough consistency; some blends may require a touch more buttermilk if the dough seems dry.

What kind of sugar free chocolate chips work best?

Go for a quality brand of sugar free chocolate chips that melts well, like Lily’s or ChocZero. Dark, semi-sweet, or even mini chips all work — use your favorite to make these scones your own!

My dough seems too sticky or too dry. How do I fix it?

If your dough is sticky, dust your hands and work surface with a little extra flour while shaping. If it’s too dry and crumbly, drizzle in a bit more buttermilk (a tablespoon at a time) until it just comes together. Scone dough is very forgiving!

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dough, shape, and cut your scones, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just bake as directed. They’ll be even flakier!

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Sure thing! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free buttermilk (like almond milk with a splash of lemon juice). Swap out the heavy cream in the glaze for coconut cream or more of your favorite milk alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Free Chocolate Chip Scones are truly a treat you can feel good about sharing with everyone you love. Soft, chocolatey, and every bit as satisfying as the traditional version, they’re a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy every bite of bakery-quality bliss — sugar free and utterly delicious!