I still remember the warmth and joy of Christmas mornings spent with family, and the delicious treats that made those moments even more special. My Christmas morning scones recipe is a tradition I’ve perfected over the years, capturing the flavors and aromas that make the holiday season so magical.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!These fluffy, buttery scones are not only a delight to taste but also a breeze to make, making them perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning. With the addition of aromatic spices, cranberries, and a hint of orange or vanilla, they embody the essence of the holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for a new holiday tradition or just a delicious breakfast treat, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a warm, inviting breakfast with your loved ones without the morning rush.
Key Takeaways
- Fluffy, buttery scones perfect for Christmas morning
- Easy-to-make recipe that’s stress-free
- Aromatic spices and cranberries add festive flavor
- Can be prepared ahead of time for a relaxing holiday morning
- Perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere on Christmas morning
The Magic of Christmas Morning Scones
There’s something truly magical about Christmas morning, and the scent of freshly baked scones is a big part of that charm. On Christmas morning, there’s nothing that will make your house smell more like Christmas morning than these scones.
Starting a tradition of Christmas morning scones can create lasting family memories and a special holiday ritual to look forward to each year. The process of making these scones together can become part of the holiday celebration, involving family members of all ages.
What Makes These Scones Special
These scones fit perfectly into a relaxed Christmas morning schedule – they can be prepared ahead and baked fresh while presents are being opened. This makes them an ideal breakfast recipe for the holiday.
The Perfect Holiday Breakfast Tradition
The aroma of these scones baking creates an immersive holiday atmosphere that enhances the Christmas morning experience. This breakfast tradition pairs well with other Christmas morning activities like opening presents, relaxing by the tree, or enjoying a special holiday drink.
By incorporating this easy scone recipe into your Christmas morning routine, you’ll be creating a new holiday tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
Christmas Scones Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Christmas scones, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously buttery and fluffy treat. The ingredients are divided into dry, wet, and festive add-ins, each playing a crucial role in the final product.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients form the foundation of your scones. You’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients provide structure and a hint of sweetness to your scones.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness to your scones. You’ll need cold unsalted butter, heavy cream, and large eggs. The cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky texture, while the heavy cream and eggs add moisture and richness.
Festive Add-Ins: Cranberries, Orange, and Rosemary
The festive add-ins are what make these scones truly special for Christmas. You’ll need dried cranberries for their tart flavor and festive red color, orange zest for a burst of citrus brightness, and optionally, fresh rosemary for its piney aroma reminiscent of Christmas trees. You can use unsweetened or sweetened dried cranberries, depending on your preference. Other options like chopped cherries or currants can also be used as alternatives.
Equipment Needed for Perfect Scones
To get started with your Christmas scone recipe, gather the essential baking equipment you’ll need. Making scones requires some basic tools, but having the right ones can make the process much smoother.
Essential Baking Tools
The most critical tool for making scones is a good mixing bowl. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements. A pastry cutter or a fork can be used to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients.
Optional but Helpful Items
While not necessary, several tools can make the scone-making process easier. A food processor can quickly cut cold butter into dry ingredients. Simply add the dry ingredients and chopped cold butter to the processor and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Other helpful tools include a pastry brush for applying egg washes or glazes, a kitchen scale for precise measurements, and a cutter or scone pan for shaping your scones.
| Tool | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Food Processor | Cutting butter into dry ingredients | Saves time and effort |
| Pastry Brush | Applying egg washes or glazes | Even application |
| Kitchen Scale | Measuring ingredients | Precise measurements |
| Scone Pan or Cutter | Shaping scones | Uniform shapes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Christmas scones. This section will guide you through preparing the dough, shaping your scones, and baking them to golden perfection.
Preparing the Dough
To start, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. If you’re adding festive ingredients like cranberries or orange zest, fold them in gently at this stage.
Shaping Your Scones
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle that’s about 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones. Transfer the scones to a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little milk and bake in a preheated oven at 400-425°F. The scones are done when they’re puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 14 to 16 minutes. To ensure even baking, rotate the sheet halfway through the time minutes. Once baked, let the scones cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The final touch to our Christmas scones is a delicious glaze that elevates their flavor and appearance. A well-crafted glaze can make a significant difference in the overall taste and presentation of your scones.
Basic Vanilla Bean Glaze
To make a simple yet elegant glaze, start by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Add a small amount of milk or cream gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. This vanilla bean glaze provides a subtle sweetness that complements the scones without overpowering them.
Orange-Spiced Variation
For a more festive twist, try an orange-spiced glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 2 tablespoons of orange juice in a bowl. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a warm, spicy flavor. Drizzle this glaze over cooled scones and sprinkle with chopped nuts or additional orange zest for a beautiful finish. The orange flavor adds a bright and citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the scones.
Pro Tips for Fluffy, Buttery Scones
The secret to fluffy, buttery scones lies in understanding the importance of texture. Achieving the perfect scones requires a combination of the right ingredients and techniques.
The Cold Butter Secret
Using cold butter is crucial for creating the flaky layers that make scones tender and delicious. When the butter is cold, it doesn’t mix fully with the dry ingredients, leaving pockets of butter that melt during baking, creating steam and thus layers in the scones.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough scones. To avoid this, gently fold the ingredients together until they just come together. Also, be mindful of the liquid content; using cream or half-and-half instead of milk can significantly enhance the richness and tenderness of the scones.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To achieve the perfect texture, bake the scones at the right temperature. A hot oven helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior fluffy. The choice of liquid, whether it’s cream, half-and-half, or milk, also affects the final texture of the scones in this recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
When it comes to preparing Christmas scones, flexibility is key, and I’m here to guide you through make-ahead and storage options. Whether you’re planning a big holiday brunch or just want to get a head start on your baking, I’ve got you covered.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
You can make the scone dough up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply bake the scones straight from the fridge on the morning you want to serve them. This flexibility is a huge time-saver during the busy holiday season.
Storing Baked Scones
Baked scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing and Reheating Tips
To freeze scones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen scones can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | N/A |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | 350°F for 5-7 minutes |
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Christmas Morning Scones
Imagine waking up to the delicious smell of Christmas scones on Christmas morning. These fluffy, buttery scones create a special atmosphere, filling your home with festive cheer. Serve them alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast. With make-ahead options, you can enjoy fresh-baked scones without missing any Christmas morning festivities. I wish you warm holiday memories as you start your own Christmas morning scone tradition. Share your experiences and variations with this recipe to make it your own cherished family tradition.
