There’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The smell of warm spices wafting through the house, the laughter of loved ones gathered in the kitchen—it all brings back the sweetest memories. My absolute favorite holiday treat has to be Christmas scones. They’re buttery, slightly sweet, and bursting with festive flavors like cranberries and pecans. I remember my grandmother whipping up a batch as we decorated the tree, the scones disappearing almost as quickly as she could make them! These delightful treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a holiday brunch. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported straight to a winter wonderland of joy and warmth!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delightful Christmas scones. You’ll find that they come together beautifully, making it easy to bake up a batch that fills your home with holiday cheer!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your scone, providing structure and a lovely crumb.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Just the right amount to add a hint of sweetness without overpowering the festive flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is your leavening agent, ensuring your scones rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter is key for that tender, flaky texture we love in scones!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – These add a festive pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor that’s simply delightful.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans – For a bit of crunch and nuttiness that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that brings the essence of Christmas right into your scones.
- 1/2 cup milk – This adds moisture to the dough, helping everything come together.
- 1 egg – A binding agent that enriches the scones and gives them a lovely golden color.
How to Prepare Christmas Scones
Let’s get baking! Making these Christmas scones is a joyful experience, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Don’t worry; it’s straightforward and so rewarding when you see your beautiful scones come out of the oven. Let’s dive in!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your scones bake evenly and rise nicely. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This step is crucial for distributing the baking powder evenly, which helps our scones rise perfectly!
Incorporate Butter
Now it’s time to add the cold, cubed butter. I like to use my fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for getting that tender, flaky texture we all love in scones!
Add Mix-Ins
Next, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each bite should be a delightful mix of flavor and texture!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. This mixture will help bring the dough together, so don’t skip this step!
Form the Dough
Now, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as we want our scones to remain light and fluffy!
Shape and Cut Scones
Shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Then, using a sharp knife, cut it into wedges. You can make as many as you like, but I usually aim for 8-12 scones, depending on how large I want them!
Bake the Scones
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. To check for doneness, you can gently press the top; if it springs back, they’re ready!
Cooling and Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let the scones cool for a few minutes. I love to serve them warm with a dollop of jam or a bit of cream. It really elevates the whole experience and makes these Christmas scones utterly irresistible!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these scrumptious Christmas scones, it’s nice to know a bit about their nutritional content! Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per 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, whether you’re indulging during the holiday season or sharing them with friends and family, these scones are a delightful treat that can fit into your celebrations! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have these delicious scones ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for those busy holiday mornings!
- Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberries, pecans, and cinnamon brings the spirit of Christmas straight into every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy brunch, a holiday gathering, or a sweet treat for guests, these scones fit right in!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts, making each batch uniquely yours!
- Great for Sharing: These scones are a hit with family and friends, making them a delightful addition to your holiday festivities.
- Deliciously Indulgent: Serve them warm with jam or cream, and watch everyone smile with delight!
Tips for Success
Getting those perfect Christmas scones is all about a few simple tricks! Trust me, these tips will make a world of difference in your baking adventure.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is cold and cubed. This helps create that flaky texture we all crave. I often pop my butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it—just a little insurance for scone perfection!
- Don’t Over-Knead: When it comes to mixing, remember: less is more! Gently knead the dough just until it comes together. Overworking can lead to tough scones, and we want them to be light and airy!
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients precisely. I like to spoon flour into my measuring cup and level it off for the best results.
- Keep Everything Cold: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling your mixing bowl and utensils. The cooler everything stays, the better your scones will turn out!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the mix-ins to your liking. Try swapping cranberries for dried cherries or adding a touch of orange zest for a citrusy kick!
- Check for Doneness: When baking, keep an eye on those scones! They should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. It’s always better to check a minute or two early than to risk overbaking!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your delicious Christmas scones. Happy baking!
Variations of Christmas Scones
One of the best things about these Christmas scones is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste or the occasion! Here are some fun variations that I’ve tried and absolutely loved:
- Different Dried Fruits: Swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like chopped apricots, cherries, or even figs for a unique twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor and character!
- Nuts Galore: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each nut adds its own crunch and nuttiness, making the scones delightfully diverse!
- Spice It Up: Want to bring in more holiday warmth? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. It adds a cozy, festive kick that’s just perfect for the season!
- Chocolate Delight: For a sweeter treat, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, creating a deliciously indulgent scone!
- Citrus Zing: Add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens up the scones. It’s a lovely contrast to the rich butteriness!
- Herb Infusion: For a savory twist, try incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These add an unexpected element and work beautifully as a brunch option!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas based on what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine while you bake these delightful Christmas scones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Christmas scones fresh and tasty! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to enjoying them later.
First, make sure to let the scones cool completely before you store them. Once they’re cool, you can place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the scones to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, but honestly, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out as many as you need and let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
To reheat, I recommend placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll warm up nicely while regaining that lovely, flaky texture. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but keep an eye on them to avoid making them chewy. Serve them warm, and they’ll taste just like they came out of the oven!