Christmas Scones
Festive and flavorful, these cranberry orange scones are perfect for holiday mornings, offering a sweet-tart taste with a buttery, flaky texture that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature (typically 400°F or 200°C).
- Combine self-rising flour, sugar, baking soda, and grated orange peel in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add chopped cranberries to the mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
- Pour in buttermilk and vanilla, then gently mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- On a floured surface, work each ball into a 6-inch circle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut each circle into 6 wedges to make 12 scones in total.
- Place the wedges on a non-stick baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake until lightly brown, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm with whipped cream and orange marmalade.
Tips & Substitutions
For a festive touch, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the orange flavor, use fresh orange juice in place of some of the buttermilk. Remember to handle the dough gently to keep the scones tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Christmas scones warm, topped with whipped cream and a dollop of orange marmalade for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for holiday brunches or afternoon gatherings. For an elegant touch, consider serving alongside Deviled Cream Sauce to spread over the scones.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped individually in plastic wrap, for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Scones contains roughly 165 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour by adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of flour used to mimic the leavening effect of self-rising flour.
What can I use instead of cranberries?
If cranberries are not available, you can substitute with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste of the scones.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Scones are done when they are lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).