When do sweets and giving back come together? In the DC area, you’ll find that delightful combination at Dog Tag Bakery, a mission-driven bakery that runs an educational fellowship program for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers. The program functions as a “living business school,” offering hands-on training and mentorship to help participants build business skills and transition into the civilian workforce. Located in Georgetown, Dog Tag Bakery sells an array of freshly baked pastries and breads, many prepared by the fellows themselves.
If you can’t visit the bakery in person, try making their signature, nut-free Trail Mix Scones at home. These hearty scones are allergy-conscious and packed with texture and flavor—an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or a bake sale supporting veteran-centered programs. Learn more about Dog Tag Bakery in the July/August issue.
- 1½ cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
- 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup (28 grams) sweetened or unsweetened flaked coconut
- ¼ cup (36 grams) roasted, salted pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup (36 grams) roasted, salted sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup (32 grams) chopped dried apricots
- ¼ cup (32 grams) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup (32 grams) raisins
- 1¼ cups (300 grams) heavy whipping cream
- ⅛ cup (42 grams) honey
- ½ teaspoon (2 grams) vanilla extract
- Garnish: turbinado sugar
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, and raisins until evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, and vanilla extract. Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula until the mixture is just moistened—being careful not to overmix.
- Using a ⅓-cup measure, scoop portions of dough onto a nonstick or parchment-lined sheet pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake until the scones are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
Dog Tag Bakery combines high-quality baked goods with meaningful workforce development. Whether you visit their Georgetown location or bake these Trail Mix Scones at home, you’ll enjoy something delicious while supporting a program that empowers veterans and their families.