Ah, the holiday season! There’s something magical about it, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the smell of pine, and of course, the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked Christmas scones wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made these scones with my grandmother. We’d gather in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere as we laughed and chatted, all while mixing up a batch of these delightful treats. It’s become a cherished tradition, and now I find myself whipping up these festive scones every year. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm scone filled with dried cranberries and crunchy pecans while sipping on a cup of tea. It’s pure joy on a plate, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!
Ingredients for Christmas Scones
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Christmas scones! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your butter is cold; this helps create those flaky layers we all love! And don’t skimp on the cranberries and pecans—they add a festive crunch and a burst of flavor. Now, let’s get ready to bake these delicious treats!
How to Prepare Christmas Scones
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Christmas scones! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step!
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is vital because we want those scones to bake up perfectly fluffy and golden! While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed. It’s like a little dance in the bowl—just make sure no lumps are lurking around!
Incorporate Butter and Add Fruits
Next, let’s add in that cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for those flaky layers we adore in scones! Once that’s done, stir in the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. The cranberries give a lovely sweetness, while the pecans add that delightful crunch—heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This creamy mixture is what binds everything together. Once it’s well blended, pour it into your dry mix and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender scone, not a brick!
Form and Bake the Scones
Now, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for just a few seconds—think of it as giving it a little love! Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into wedges (like slicing a pizza!). Place the wedges on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be golden brown and smelling divine! Enjoy the anticipation; the aroma will fill your kitchen!
Tips for Success with Christmas Scones
To make sure your Christmas scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Keep it cold: Make sure your butter is really cold when you mix it in. This helps create those flaky layers that make scones so irresistible!
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that!
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting the dough into wedges, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. It helps the scones rise evenly while baking!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the scones as they bake. They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Serve warm: These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, warm and slathered with butter or jam. Trust me, it’s pure bliss!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Scones
While I absolutely love these Christmas scones, it’s good to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following estimates are based on the ingredients listed in this recipe:
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Remember, these figures are just estimates and can change based on how you whip up your scones. Enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive holiday celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas scones are a total game-changer for your holiday baking! Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:
- Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in a flash, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- So easy: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and fun—perfect for all skill levels!
- Festive flavors: The combination of dried cranberries and pecans brings that holiday spirit right to your taste buds!
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy brunch with friends, these scones are a delightful treat that will impress everyone.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite dried fruits or nuts—make them your own!
- Great aroma: Baking these scones fills your home with a warm, inviting scent that’s bound to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
FAQ About Christmas Scones
Got questions about making Christmas scones? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries that pop up when baking these delightful treats:
Can I use different fruits in my scones?
Absolutely! While dried cranberries and pecans are my favorites, you can mix it up with raisins, chopped apples, or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent. Just keep the proportions similar!
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Great question! Your scones should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If they’re still a bit doughy, give them a few more minutes—but keep an eye on them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and shape it into a circle, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just cut and pop them in the oven. It’s a great time-saver!
What’s the best way to serve Christmas scones?
These scones are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can enjoy them plain or with a spread of butter, jam, or even clotted cream for a festive touch. Trust me, they’re heavenly!
Can I freeze leftover scones?
Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful Christmas scones, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for later enjoyment. It’s super simple! Just let the scones cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend wrapping each scone individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftover scones, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to warm them up and bring back that fresh-baked goodness, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but I find the oven method retains that lovely texture best. Enjoy your warm scones with a bit of butter or jam, and let the holiday spirit linger a little longer!
Imprimer
Christmas Scones: 5 Secret Tips for Irresistible Joy
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 8 scones 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas scones perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries and pecans.
- In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with butter or jam.
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Substitute dried fruits as desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Baked Goods
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 35mg
Mots-clés: Christmas scones, holiday baking, festive treats
