Rosemary, Almond, and Honey Scones aka “Lembas Bread”

Submitted by Sierra Jensen - added 8/21/26

⏱ 1.5 hours 🍽 Serves 10-12

I created this recipe for a Medieval Fantasy Thanksgiving we threw with a bunch of ward members in 2025! Since our ward was our family, we loved celebrating Thanksgiving in a new and fun way with so many good friends!

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
• 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (add 3 tsp xanthan gum, if not included) [recommend cup4cup or King Arthur’s measure for measure]
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1-2 tsp. dried rosemary)
• Fat:
• 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• Wet Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2–4 Tbsp. cold water, as needed
• Finishing:
• 2–3 Tbsp. heavy cream (for brushing tops)
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, xanthan gum (if needed), baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, almonds, and rosemary.
2. Add cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small butter pieces.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix heavy cream and honey.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently mix until combined. Add 2–4 tbsp cold water as needed until dough is cohesive but not wet.*
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 portions and press each into a 3/4–1 inch thick rectangle. Do not over-knead.
6. Wrap and freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F
8. Cut into squares or diamonds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score an X on top, if desired.
9. Brush tops with heavy cream.
10. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and lightly browned on edges.
11. Cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle lightly with honey, if desired.
12. Notes:
13. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not crumbly.
14. Add water slowly—too much will make dough sticky.
15. Best served same day; store loosely covered at room temp.
16. Optional second honey drizzle before serving enhances flavor.