13 Light Scones Recipes for Afternoon Tea

There’s something utterly magical about afternoon tea—those quiet moments with a steaming pot of Earl Grey, clinking china, and warm scones that melt in your mouth. I still remember my childhood visits to my grandmother’s English countryside cottage, where she’d whip up scones fresh from the oven, slathered with clotted cream and jam. They were indulgent, but as I’ve grown older and more health-conscious, I’ve experimented endlessly in my own kitchen to recreate that joy with lighter versions. Using ingredients like Greek yogurt, almond flour, and fresh fruits, I’ve perfected scones that are fluffy, tender, and guilt-free.

Recently, during a rainy weekend lockdown, I turned my tiny apartment kitchen into a scone laboratory. I tested dozens of recipes, swapping butter for yogurt and heavy cream for sparkling water, all while sipping tea and dreaming of garden parties. These 13 light scones recipes are the result—perfect for modern afternoon tea, where elegance meets everyday wellness. They’re low in calories, packed with flavor, and pair beautifully with your favorite spreads.

Lemon Yogurt Light Scones

These zesty lemon yogurt light scones are a bright, refreshing twist on the classic, clocking in at under 150 calories each. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups self-rising flour, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sparkling water, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp honey, pinch of salt. Steps: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix dry ingredients with lemon zest, then stir in yogurt, water, and honey to form a soft dough. Pat into an 8-inch round, cut into 8 wedges, bake 12-15 minutes until golden. Benefits: The yogurt keeps them moist and light without butter, while lemon adds vitamin C for a digestion-boosting treat.

Blueberry Almond Light Scones

Bursting with juicy blueberries and nutty almond flavor, these scones use almond flour for extra lightness and crunch. Ingredients (makes 8): 1.5 cups flour, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp baking powder, pinch salt. Steps: Combine flours, baking powder, and salt; fold in blueberries. Mix in buttermilk and syrup gently. Shape into 8 scones, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18 minutes. Benefits: Antioxidants from blueberries support heart health, and almond flour adds protein for sustained energy during tea time.

Strawberry Basil Light Scones

Fresh strawberries and aromatic basil create a summery vibe in these herb-infused scones, perfect for light afternoon indulgence. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp agave, 1 tsp baking soda. Steps: Blend flour, baking soda, strawberries, and basil. Stir in yogurt, milk, and agave. Drop into 8 rounds on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) 15 minutes. Benefits: Strawberries provide fiber for gut health, basil aids digestion, and whole wheat keeps them filling yet light.

Raspberry Coconut Light Scones

Tropical coconut flakes meet tart raspberries for a chewy, low-fat scone that’s dairy-free and delightful. Ingredients (makes 8): 1.75 cups oat flour, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup coconut yogurt, 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted), 1 tsp vanilla. Steps: Mix flour and coconut, fold in raspberries. Add yogurt, oil, and vanilla to form dough. Cut into 8 triangles, bake 375°F (190°C) 16-18 minutes. Benefits: Raspberries are low-glycemic for blood sugar control, coconut adds healthy fats for satiety without heaviness.

Orange Ginger Light Scones

Spicy ginger and citrusy orange make these scones warming and invigorating, ideal for cooler afternoons. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups flour, zest/juice of 1 orange, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/2 cup kefir, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder. Steps: Whisk flour, baking powder, zest, and ginger. Stir in kefir, juice, and sugar. Shape and bake at 400°F (200°C) 14 minutes. Benefits: Ginger soothes digestion, orange boosts immunity with vitamin C, and kefir probiotics support gut health.

Cinnamon Apple Light Scones

Autumnal flavors shine in these scones with diced apples and warming cinnamon, using applesauce for moisture. Ingredients (makes 8): 1.5 cups spelt flour, 1 cup diced apple, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp honey. Steps: Mix flour and cinnamon, add apple. Combine with applesauce, milk, honey; form 8 scones. Bake 375°F (190°C) 20 minutes. Benefits: Apples provide pectin for cholesterol control, cinnamon regulates blood sugar for steady energy.

Matcha Green Tea Light Scones

Earthy matcha powder gives these scones a vibrant green hue and antioxidant punch, perfect for mindful tea rituals. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp matcha powder, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup green tea (brewed, cooled), 2 tbsp agave. Steps: Blend flour and matcha, stir in yogurt and tea. Pat into rounds, cut 8 ways, bake 400°F (200°C) 12 minutes. Benefits: Matcha is rich in catechins for metabolism boost and calm focus.

Lavender Honey Light Scones

Delicate lavender and sweet honey evoke a Parisian tea garden in these floral, low-calorie scones. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp dried lavender, 1/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp baking powder. Steps: Infuse flour with lavender, mix in honey and buttermilk. Shape and bake at 375°F (190°C) 15 minutes. Benefits: Lavender reduces stress, honey offers natural sweetness with antibacterial properties.

Dark Chocolate Chip Light Scones

Indulgent yet light, with dark chocolate chips and oat milk for a healthier chocolate fix. Ingredients (makes 8): 1.75 cups flour, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup oat milk, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 1 tsp vanilla. Steps: Combine flour and chips, add milk, sugar, vanilla. Bake scones at 400°F (200°C) 13-15 minutes. Benefits: Dark chocolate provides flavonoids for heart health, oat milk keeps it vegan and light.

Pumpkin Spice Light Scones

Cozy fall vibes in a light form, using pumpkin puree for moisture without extra fat. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups whole grain flour, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 cup almond yogurt, 1 tbsp maple. Steps: Mix flour and spice, blend in puree, yogurt, maple. Form and bake 375°F (190°C) 18 minutes. Benefits: Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene for eye health and immunity.

Cranberry Orange Light Scones

Tangy cranberries and orange zest create a festive, antioxidant-loaded scone for holiday teas. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, zest of 1 orange, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup orange juice. Steps: Fold cranberries and zest into flour, add yogurt and juice. Bake at 400°F (200°C) 14 minutes. Benefits: Cranberries support urinary health, orange adds fiber.

Almond Poppy Seed Light Scones

Nutty almonds and crunchy poppy seeds make these scones textural and satisfyingly light. Ingredients (makes 8): 1.5 cups almond flour, 1/2 cup flour, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1/2 cup almond milk, 2 tbsp honey. Steps: Mix all, form dough, cut 8 scones, bake 375°F (190°C) 16 minutes. Benefits: Almonds offer vitamin E for skin health, poppy seeds add calcium.

Earl Grey Infused Light Scones

Tea-infused dough with black tea leaves for the ultimate afternoon tea companion. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp loose Earl Grey tea, 1/2 cup tea (brewed), 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp sugar. Steps: Grind tea into flour, mix with wet ingredients. Bake at 400°F (200°C) 12-14 minutes. Benefits: Tea polyphenols aid antioxidants, low-cal for guilt-free snacking.

Whether you’re hosting a fancy tea party or treating yourself solo, these 13 light scones recipes bring elegance and ease to your table. Whip up a batch this weekend—your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you! Pair with jam, cream, and your favorite brew for pure bliss.