As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the scents of warmth and delight. One blissful afternoon, as I watched snowflakes dance outside, I decided it was time to whip up a batch of Christmas Scones. These delightful treats, with their rich hints of orange zest and festive dried fruits, are perfect for a cheerful brunch or as an accompaniment to afternoon tea.
Each bite offers a tender crumb, perfectly balancing sweetness and spice, all while taking less than half an hour from mixing bowl to table. Whether you enjoy them warm with a dollop of butter, a smear of creamy jam, or just by themselves, these Christmas Scones will bring joy not just to your taste buds but also to your holiday gatherings. So, grab your apron and let’s make this seasonal favorite together—your home will thank you for it!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Scones
- These Christmas Scones are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking time, making them a perfect last-minute holiday treat.
- You’ll be delighted by the wonderful explosion of flavors from the sultanas, dried cranberries, and orange zest that creates a festive taste sensation in every bite.
- Their versatility means they can be served at any holiday occasion, whether it’s a brunch gathering, an afternoon tea, or even as a cozy snack by the fire.
- Visually, these scones are a showstopper, with a golden-brown exterior and a lovely dusting of flour that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Christmas Scones Ingredients
These Christmas Scones will fill your home with festive cheer!
For the Scones
• 225g self-raising flour – a must for achieving that light, fluffy texture.
• 40g caster sugar – adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
• 1 tsp baking powder – ensures your scones rise perfectly for a delightful bite.
• ½ tsp mixed spice – a warm blend that beautifully enhances the festive flavor profile.
• 50g cold unsalted butter – helps to create a tender crumb when rubbed into the flour.
• 50g sultanas – these little gems offer bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
• 50g dried cranberries – provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness and add a festive touch.
• Zest of 1 orange – infuses a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the dried fruits.
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together for a luscious scone structure.
• 90ml milk – adds moisture to the dough; reserve a bit for brushing the tops for a glossy finish.
These delightful ingredients come together to create the perfect Christmas Scones for your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Christmas Scones
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Preheat oven: Begin by heating your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F. This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and come out beautifully golden brown.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and mixed spice. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, creating a fragrant and festive base.
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Rub in butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This is key for achieving a tender scone!
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Mix in fruits and zest: Fold in the sultanas, dried cranberries, and orange zest. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
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Whisk egg and milk: In a separate jug, whisk together the large egg and the milk until well combined. This will add richness to your dough.
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Form the dough: Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Shape the scones: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 2cm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out your scones, pressing straight down without twisting.
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Prepare for baking: Place your cut scones onto the lined baking tray. Brush the tops with a little extra milk to give them a lovely golden finish while they bake.
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Bake and cool: Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they have risen and are lightly golden. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Serve warm with a generous spread of butter or your favorite jam.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Scones Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Christmas Scones and make them uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Replace self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 tsp of xanthan gum for the perfect texture.
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Nutty Delight: Add 50g of chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruits.
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Citrus Burst: Swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime zest to brighten up the flavor profile with a fresh twist.
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Spiced Up: Include a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the mixed spice for a warm, cozy kick that sings of the holidays.
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Decadent Chocolate: Fold in 50g of mini chocolate chips along with the dried fruits for a sweet and indulgent treat.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed egg for an equally delightful vegan option.
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Berry Bliss: Substitute the sultanas and cranberries with fresh or frozen blueberries and raspberries for a beautiful burst of flavor and color.
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Sweet & Savory: Incorporate a little crumbled feta or goat cheese to the dough for a surprising savory element, making these scones a sophisticated choice for brunch.
The beauty of these variations is that you can easily tailor them to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring that every batch of scones is a comforting delight!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Scones
Room Temperature: Store uncut, cooled Christmas Scones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, perfect for enjoying any time.
Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, wrap the scones in cling film and place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore warmth and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze extras in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy your Christmas Scones again, pop them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and slightly crisp on the outside.
What to Serve with Christmas Scones?
Looking to create a delightful holiday spread? Pairing is everything when it comes to elevating your scone experience!
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Clotted Cream: A luxurious accompaniment that adds rich creaminess, balancing the sweetness of the scones beautifully.
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Homemade Jam: The fruity goodness of a tangy raspberry or strawberry jam pairs perfectly with the zesty scone flavor, bringing joy to every bite.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and kiwi adds a burst of color and complements the scones’ richness.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to enhance the festive atmosphere; its warmth and spices mirror the comforting flavors of the scones.
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Herbal Tea: A fragrant cup of chamomile or mint tea is a soothing pairing that provides a lovely contrast to the scones’ sweetness.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of sharp cheeses tangy blue cheese or creamy brie creates a delightful savory contrast to the sweet, fruity scones.
With these pairings, your Christmas Scones will shine among your holiday festivities, creating a memorable and heartwarming experience for all!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Scones are ideal for those bustling holiday mornings when time is tight! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, mixed spice) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re feeling organized, you can also mix in the butter, creating the breadcrumb texture, and refrigerate this mixture for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the remaining ingredients, shape, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, delectable Christmas Scones with minimal effort, saving you precious time during the festive rush while still savoring every delicious bite!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Scones, ensure your butter is cold for the best tender crumb; warm butter will lead to dense scones.
- Avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients, as this can make the scones tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Use a sharp cutter and press straight down to get clean edges for well-risen scones, avoiding any twisting motion.
- Bake your scones for 12-15 minutes at 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F to achieve that perfect golden color and a soft interior.
Christmas Scones Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best fruits for my Christmas Scones?
Absolutely! When selecting your sultanas and dried cranberries, look for bright, plump berries without any dark spots. Ideally, opt for dried fruit that feels soft and moist, as overly dry or hard fruit may not yield that delightful burst of flavor in your scones.
What’s the best way to store Christmas Scones?
For room temperature storage, place cooled, uncut Christmas Scones in an airtight container where they will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days. If you wrap them in cling film and put them in the fridge, they’ll remain fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Christmas Scones?
Yes! To freeze your Christmas Scones, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for best results.
What if my dough feels too sticky while making Christmas Scones?
Very! If your dough is sticky, you can gently sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface while kneading or rolling. But take care not to add too much flour, as this can lead to dense scones. The key is to keep the dough soft and manageable, so it retains that lovely fluffiness.
Are Christmas Scones suitable for people with nut allergies?
Great question! These scones are naturally nut-free; however, always check your ingredient labels to ensure there are no traces of nuts if you’re serving anyone with allergies. For a gluten-free version, substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that includes a rising agent.
How can I tell when my Christmas Scones are done baking?
To determine if your scones are perfectly baked, look for a lovely golden-brown color on the top and sides. They should feel firm to the touch and have risen nicely. When tapped lightly, they should sound hollow. If they’re not quite there, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes while keeping a close eye on them.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Round cutter
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 225 g self-raising flour a must for achieving that light, fluffy texture.
- 40 g caster sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder ensures your scones rise perfectly for a delightful bite.
- 0.5 tsp mixed spice a warm blend that beautifully enhances the festive flavor profile.
- 50 g cold unsalted butter helps to create a tender crumb when rubbed into the flour.
- 50 g sultanas these little gems offer bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
- 50 g dried cranberries provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness and add a festive touch.
- 1 zest orange infuses a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the dried fruits.
- 1 large egg binds the ingredients together for a luscious scone structure.
- 90 ml milk adds moisture to the dough; reserve a bit for brushing the tops.
Instructions
Steps to Prepare
- Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, add self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and mixed spice. Stir to combine.
- Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and rub in until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Fold in sultanas, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
- In another jug, whisk together egg and milk, then gradually mix into dry ingredients.
- Form a soft dough and roll out to about 2cm thick, cutting out scones with a round cutter.
- Place scones on a lined baking tray and brush tops with extra milk.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until risen and lightly golden, then cool on a wire rack.
