Banana Bread Scones

These Banana Scones with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with a sweet glaze, these banana bread scones are just right for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-morning snack!

Over the years, I’ve sampled more scones than I can count. Each time I see them in a bakery, I hesitate because I know scones can be really hit or miss. Sometimes they’re too dry, crumbly, or just missing that pop of flavor. I’m pretty picky when it comes to sweets like this.

That’s why I started making my own banana bread scones at home. If I’m going to enjoy one, it’s got to be just right. And since I’m a huge fan of banana bread, I knew these banana bread scones with a cinnamon cream cheese glaze were going to be a hit.

They come out golden and crisp on the outside, tender and soft on the inside, and that sweet glaze on top seals the deal. Seriously, they taste just like banana bread—but in scone form!

If you adore banana bread but crave something a little more bakery-style, these banana bread scones with cinnamon cream cheese glaze might just become your new favorite. They solve all the typical scone problems—crispy, golden crusts with soft, fluffy insides, and a tangy-sweet glaze that truly tastes like your favorite banana bread, just in scone form.

This recipe is super simple and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. It breaks down into three easy parts: the dough, a quick egg wash for that lovely golden shine, and the cinnamon cream cheese glaze. The whole process is straightforward with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends.

• Texture: a bakery-style crisp crust with a tender center that melts in your mouth.
• Flavor: bursting with real banana flavor, warm cinnamon, and creamy sweetness from the glaze.
• Time & ease: handful of simple steps, a short chill in the freezer, and under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• What’s ahead: you’ll get the full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, handy storage tips, and easy ways to customize your scones.

What Makes Them Irresistible

These scones take everything you love about banana bread and mix it with the best bakery-style scone qualities: a crisp, golden outside and a soft, cake-like inside full of real banana flavor. Then the cinnamon cream cheese glaze adds a layer of sweet and tangy goodness (similar to the tangy finish on this banana cake with cream cheese frosting) that makes these scones stand out.

They come together quickly, using simple pantry staples, and are perfect whenever you need a breakfast treat (pair them with banana bread cinnamon rolls for a cozy brunch), a sweet dessert, or just a little boost during the day.

• Crispy outside meets soft inside — bakery-quality texture made right at home.
• Bright banana flavor that really makes these taste like your favorite banana bread.
• A sweet cinnamon cream cheese glaze that adds richness and balance.
• Simple to make with everyday ingredients and quick hands-on time.

Ingredients for Scones and Glaze

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
• 2 ripe bananas mashed
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (any kind)
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Scone Method

1. Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
2. Cut cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mash the ripe bananas, then mix them with milk and vanilla Greek yogurt until smooth in a large bowl.
4. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Lightly flour your countertop or work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
6. Pat the dough gently into an 8-inch circle.
7. Transfer the dough circle to a small plate or a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes.
8. While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl.

10. Remove the chilled dough from the freezer, cut it into 8 wedges, and place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet.

11. Brush each scone lightly with the egg wash.
12. Bake the scones for 15–18 minutes until lightly browned and golden.
13. Let the scones cool completely.
14. Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth to make the glaze.
15. Drizzle the cinnamon cream cheese glaze over the cooled scones.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

• Always use cold butter when cutting it into your flour. Warm butter won’t give you those nice crumbly bits that make scones fluff up perfectly.
• Choose ripe bananas with some golden brown speckles—not black ones; that’s the sweet spot you’d use for Banana Bread Donuts.
• Let your scones cool before you drizzle glaze on them so it sticks instead of sliding off—a step you’ll also see in classic glazed donuts.

• Use butter straight from the fridge—cold and firm—so it cuts into peasized crumbs. This traps air and gives you flaky scones.
• Choose bananas that are ripe with pretty brown spots but not mushy black ones. They deliver perfect sweetness and moisture.
• Wait until scones have mostly cooled before drizzling the glaze on. This keeps the glaze from running off your perfect scones.

Flavor Swaps and Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? These banana bread scones are a great base to play with flavors or textures. Here are some easy switches you can try:

• Add-ins: fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or ½ cup chocolate chips for some extra fun (chocolate-banana lovers might also enjoy our Super Chocolate Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread).
• Spice it: boost cinnamon or add a pinch (¼ teaspoon) of ground ginger or cardamom for a different warm spice vibe.
• Yogurt swap: use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk instead of vanilla Greek yogurt if you prefer (results may change slightly).
• Glaze variations: skip the cinnamon for plain cream cheese glaze, or swap cream cheese for mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter finish.
• Sweetener swap: replace some sugar in the dough with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like note (think our Southern Bananas Foster).

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Here’s the best way to keep your banana bread scones fresh, depending on whether they’re glazed or not:

• Unglazed scones: store in an airtight container on your countertop for up to 4 days. They’ll stay nice, but will slowly get a little less crunchy.
• Glazed scones: keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days because of the cream cheese in the glaze. The same guideline applies to cream-cheese–frosted bakes like these gluten-free banana bread cinnamon rolls.

Freezing and reheating:

• To freeze baked scones: wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature, then warm before eating.
• To freeze unbaked dough: cut into wedges, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.

When it’s time to enjoy, warm your scones in a 300°F oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes to revive their crust and softness. If you’re in a hurry, microwave for 10 to 20 seconds, then pop them in the toaster oven briefly for a little crispness.

Common Questions Answered

• Can I use very ripe or black bananas? I recommend bananas that are ripe with brown speckles. Black, mushy bananas can make the dough too wet and affect texture, so try to avoid those. If yours are beyond that point, put them to good use in these 2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes.
• Do I have to chill the dough? Yes! Chilling the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes firms the butter so your scones hold their shape and bake fluffy instead of spreading flat.
• Why do you brush with egg wash? The egg wash gives your scones a shiny, golden brown crust and helps them bake evenly.
• Can I make these dairy-free? You can try dairy-free butter, a non-dairy cream cheese for the glaze, and non-dairy milk for the dough. It might change the texture and flavor slightly, but should still be tasty!
• How can I avoid dry scones? Don’t overmix your dough—stir just until combined. Use ripe bananas for moisture, keep your butter cold, and don’t overbake.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and work in batches when cutting and chilling the dough so your butter stays cold.