Ah, the holiday season! There’s something truly magical about baking during this time of year. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the house, wrapping you in warmth and cheer. These Christmas scones are a delightful addition to any festive gathering, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I remember the joy of making scones with my grandma; we’d laugh and swap stories while the dough came together. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm scone straight from the oven, slathered with a bit of butter or jam. It’s a tradition that brings us all together, and these scones are sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients for Christmas Scones
Gather these simple, yet delightful ingredients to create your Christmas scones. Each component adds its own special touch to the flavor and texture!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your scones, giving them that lovely structure.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Just the right amount to add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the festive flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps your scones rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Make sure it’s cold for that perfect flaky texture!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a pop of tartness and a beautiful festive color.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cranberries.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that instantly brings the holiday spirit to your scones.
- 1/2 cup milk: This moistens the dough and brings everything together.
- 1 egg: For richness and to help bind the ingredients together.
How to Prepare Christmas Scones
Now, let’s dive into the joy of making these scrumptious Christmas scones! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, fluffy treats ready in no time. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as you want your scones to bake perfectly and rise beautifully!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly blended. The smell of cinnamon will start to get you in the holiday spirit!
- Add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy; that’s part of the fun!
- Next, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens—those festive ingredients will really shine through!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. Then, pour this mixture into your dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; we’re going for light and fluffy scones here!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a couple of times until it holds together. Remember, less is more!
- Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into wedges. You can make as many or as few as you like—just keep in mind that they’ll puff up a bit while baking!
- Place the wedges onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a little apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, they’re worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these Christmas scones are going to steal the show this holiday season! First off, they’re super quick to whip up. Seriously, you can have a warm batch ready in just about 35 minutes, and that includes baking time! So, if you’re in a pinch or just want something delicious on the table fast, these scones are your go-to.
Next, the flavors are absolutely festive! With the sweet tartness of cranberries and the warm hint of cinnamon, every bite is like a cozy hug. They’ll fill your kitchen with that delightful holiday aroma that makes it feel like Christmas morning, no matter what time of year it is!
Plus, they’re perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to surprise your neighbors, these scones are a treat everyone will adore. Trust me, nothing brings people together like freshly baked goodies!
And let’s not forget how versatile they are! You can serve them plain, or get creative with toppings like clotted cream, butter, or even a drizzle of icing. Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits or nuts. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Christmas scones turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my favorite pro tips that I swear by:
- Keep your butter cold: This is crucial for achieving that flaky texture we all love! I like to cut my butter into cubes and even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing it in. Trust me, your scones will thank you!
- Don’t over-knead the dough: When you’re bringing everything together, be gentle! Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones. Just knead it enough to combine the ingredients, and then stop. We want them light and fluffy!
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting your scones into wedges, a sharp knife or pizza cutter works wonders. This helps create clean edges that bake evenly. No squishing allowed!
- Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm, don’t hesitate to chill the dough for about 15 minutes before cutting it into wedges. It helps keep everything nice and cold for that perfect rise!
- Check for doneness: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your scones as they bake. You want them golden brown and a toothpick inserted should come out clean. If they’re a little under, don’t worry—they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set for success! Enjoy every bite of your delicious Christmas scones!
Variations of Christmas Scones
One of the best things about these Christmas scones is how easily you can make them your own! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients and flavors to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are some delightful variations that I absolutely love:
- Fruit Fusion: Swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries. Each fruit brings a unique sweetness that can change the whole vibe of your scones!
- Nutty Goodness: If pecans aren’t your thing, try using walnuts or almonds instead. You could even toast them lightly for an extra layer of flavor. The crunch will add a lovely texture!
- Spice It Up: Want to take your scones to the next level? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced kick that screams holiday cheer!
- Citrus Zing: Grate in some orange or lemon zest for a bright, zesty touch. It pairs beautifully with the cranberries and gives your scones a refreshing twist!
- Chocolate Delight: For the chocolate lovers out there, fold in some mini chocolate chips or chunks. The melty chocolate adds a rich sweetness that’s hard to resist!
- Herb Infusion: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. It makes for a savory scone that’s perfect for pairing with cheese or spreads!
These variations allow you to customize your Christmas scones to your heart’s content. So, go ahead and experiment! You might just discover your new favorite twist on this festive treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a delightful batch of Christmas scones, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty! I want you to enjoy every crumb, so here’s how to store and reheat your scones like a pro.
First off, if you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let the scones cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together—just a little tip to help maintain that lovely texture!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Simply wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw. It’s that easy!
As for reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the scones on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crispness. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but keep in mind they might lose a bit of that delightful texture. So, if you can, go for the oven!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, your Christmas scones will be just as delicious as the day you made them. Enjoy every last bite, my friend!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of these Christmas scones, I want to give you a little heads-up about the nutritional information. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the values I’m sharing here are just estimates. Always good to keep that in mind while enjoying these festive treats!
Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 scone):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! Enjoy your Christmas scones knowing that they can be a delightful part of your holiday indulgence. Just remember, everything in moderation—especially when it comes to festive treats!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze the scones?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to keep your Christmas scones fresh for longer. Just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the oven to warm them up!
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If dried cranberries aren’t your thing, no problem! You can swap them out for other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries. Each will add its own unique flavor and sweetness to the scones, so feel free to get creative!
How do I know when they are done baking?
You’ll know your scones are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as every oven is a bit different. You want that perfect balance of a soft inside and a lovely, lightly crisp exterior!
Christmas Scones: 9 Ways to Enjoy Festive Flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas scones perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries and pecans.
- In another bowl, whisk milk and egg.
- Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and combine.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with jam or cream.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas scones, holiday baking, festive treats