Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! These Christmas cranberry scones are not just a treat; they’re a cheerful celebration of flavors that instantly bring the festive spirit into your kitchen. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of fresh cranberries mingling with the buttery, flaky goodness of the scone, all while the warm aroma fills your home. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm scone with a pat of butter and a cup of tea on a chilly winter morning or sharing them with loved ones during a cozy gathering. They’re easy to whip up, and the vibrant red cranberries make them look as delightful as they taste. So, let’s dive into this merry baking adventure together and fill the air with the spirit of Christmas!
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Scones
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these festive scones to life! Gather these ingredients, and let’s get baking:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your butter is really cold—it’s a game changer for that flaky texture we all love! And don’t skimp on those fresh cranberries; they’re the stars of this recipe, bursting with flavor and color. Now, let’s get ready to combine these ingredients into something magical!
How to Prepare Christmas Cranberry Scones
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and make these delightful Christmas cranberry scones! I promise, it’s a straightforward process that’ll fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have scones ready to impress in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, your scones will bake perfectly as soon as they hit the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Next, add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about it being perfect; a few larger pieces of butter are great for that flaky texture!
- Now, gently fold in the chopped cranberries. The more the merrier—those little jewels of tartness are what make these scones special!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This is your wet mixture, and it’ll bring everything together.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the dough is a bit shaggy.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just enough to bring it together. Then, shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into wedges (like a pizza!), and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
- Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, preferably with a generous pat of butter!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of Christmas cranberry scones, ready to spread joy and sweetness during the holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these Christmas cranberry scones! They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile and perfect for the holiday season. Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch (or two!):
- Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have these scones ready in about 35 minutes—perfect for those busy holiday mornings!
- Festive Flavor: The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with the buttery, flaky scone base is a match made in heaven that screams holiday cheer.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a Christmas brunch, a cozy tea party, or a sweet addition to your holiday cookie platter, these scones are sure to impress your guests.
- Great for Breakfast or Snacks: Enjoy them warm with butter and jam for breakfast, or have them as a delightful afternoon snack—either way, they’re a treat!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, so when you’re ready to bake, you can just pop them in the oven for a fresh batch!
Who wouldn’t love having these festive delights around during the holidays? Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cranberry scones turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve that ideal flaky texture and delightful flavor:
- Keep Your Butter Cold: This is key! Make sure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it in with the dry ingredients. Cold butter creates those lovely flaky layers we all adore, so don’t let it warm up too much!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that! It’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy.
- Flour Your Surface: When you’re turning out the dough, flour your work surface well. This will prevent sticking and help you knead the dough gently without adding too much extra flour.
- Uniform Size: Cut the dough into even wedges to ensure they bake evenly. If they’re all different sizes, some will be overbaked while others are underbaked. Aim for consistency!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your scones as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 15-minute mark. You want them golden brown on top, but not too dark.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your scones warm right out of the oven. A little butter or jam will make them absolutely irresistible!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create scones that are not just good, but truly magical! Happy baking!
Variations of Christmas Cranberry Scones
If you’re feeling adventurous (and I know you are!), there are so many fun ways to change up these Christmas cranberry scones while keeping that festive spirit alive. Here are some ideas that’ll take your scone game to the next level:
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries are a fantastic substitute! They’ll add a lovely sweetness and chewy texture—just be sure to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before mixing.
- Nuts: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can give your scones a delightful crunch! Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts along with the cranberries for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spices: Want to spice things up? Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. You could even try a pinch of ginger for a bit of zing!
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, mix in some dark or white chocolate chips! The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, making for a deliciously indulgent scone.
- Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavor profile by adding the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough. It adds a refreshing zing that complements the cranberries perfectly!
- Herbs: For a savory touch, consider adding some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This is a great way to create a unique flavor combination that’s perfect for brunch gatherings.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these scones your own! The beauty of baking is that it’s all about creativity and personal touches. Let your imagination run wild, and enjoy every bite of your scrumptious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful Christmas cranberry scones, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Luckily, storing and reheating them is super easy! Here’s how to do it:
To store your leftover scones, let them cool completely on a wire rack (this prevents sogginess!). Then, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option! Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Now, for reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely flaky texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the scones on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-baked goodness! If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can become a bit rubbery if heated too long.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor the joy of Christmas cranberry scones whenever the mood strikes! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! It’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious Christmas cranberry scone:
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like different brands of butter or cream. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste preferences. So, enjoy your scrumptious scones without any guilt—they’re a delightful treat that you can feel good about sharing during the festive season!
FAQ About Christmas Cranberry Scones
Got questions about these delightful Christmas cranberry scones? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers to help you on your baking journey:
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine in this recipe. They might be a bit softer after baking, but they’ll still provide that delicious tartness. Just toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
How do I make the scones sweeter?
If you like your scones on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. You can also add a drizzle of icing on top after they cool for an extra touch of sweetness and festive flair!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that using milk will yield a slightly less rich scone. If you have sour cream or yogurt on hand, those can also work well for a tangy twist!
Can these scones be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into a circle, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just cut and pop them in the oven as directed. It’s a fantastic way to save time during the busy holiday season!
What should I serve with these scones?
These scones are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with clotted cream or a rich butter spread. A dollop of cranberry jam or even a fruit preserve can take them to the next level. Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee for the ultimate treat!
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Of course! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples for a fun twist. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully. The possibilities are endless!
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you create the best Christmas cranberry scones ever!
Visit our blog for more delicious recipes!
Check out this cranberry orange bread pudding recipe for another festive treat!
You might also enjoy our peach cobbler recipe for a sweet dessert option!
Christmas Cranberry Scones: 5 Steps to Perfect Festivity
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cranberry scones perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 chopped cranberries.
- In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- 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 before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with butter.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use dried cranberries for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, Cranberry, Scones, Holiday Baking