Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe

If you are looking to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of the holidays, this Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe will quickly become your go-to. These tender, buttery scones bursting with juicy sultanas, cranberries, and a zesty hint of orange are perfect for cozy mornings or charming Christmas teatime gatherings. Soft on the inside yet beautifully golden outside, they are as delightful to make as they are to eat, bringing a festive sparkle to any holiday spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful balance of ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every item from the sweet cranberries to the fragrant mixed spice comes together to deliver irresistible flavor, texture, and that unmistakable holiday cheer encapsulated in a perfect scone.

• 225g self-raising flour: The base that gives structure and a lovely lift to the scones.
• 40g caster sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures your scones rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• ½ tsp mixed spice: Brings that signature festive warmth with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 50g cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates a tender, crumbly texture when rubbed into the flour.
• 50g sultanas: Sweet, plump bursts of juicy flavor in every bite.
• 50g dried cranberries: Adds tartness and a festive pop of color.
• Zest of 1 orange: Infuses a bright, citrusy fragrance that lifts the whole recipe.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together, helping the dough hold shape.
• 90ml milk: Hydrates the dough for softness and also helps with that golden crust when brushed on.

How to Make Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / 425°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked batch of festive fruit scones that will rise and brown beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and mixed spice. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation, and evenly distributing the spices here ensures each scone is laced with that cozy warmth.

Step 3: Rub in the Butter

Add your cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Aim for a texture resembling fine breadcrumbs—this technique creates those tender, flaky pockets that make scones so irresistibly crumbly.

Step 4: Add Fruit and Zest

Gently fold in the sultanas, dried cranberries, and fresh orange zest. These ingredients bring bursts of juicy sweetness, tartness, and a bright citrus aroma, perfectly capturing the festive spirit in each bite.

Step 5: Mix the Egg and Milk

In a separate jug, whisk together the large egg and milk until smooth. This mixture will moisten your dry ingredients, creating the soft dough essential for fluffy scones without overworking it.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together into a soft ball to avoid tough scones, keeping them light and tender.

Step 7: Cut Out Your Scones

Flour your surface lightly, then roll your dough out to about 2cm thickness. Using a biscuit cutter, press straight down without twisting to cut out rounds. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the scones from rising properly, so keep it simple and clean.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the scones on your prepared tray, brush their tops with a little milk for a golden finish, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for risen, lightly golden scones that smell like holiday magic in the making.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy Warm

Place your scones on a cooling rack to rest for a few minutes. Serving them warm maximizes that soft, buttery flavor, especially when paired with your favorite spreads.

How to Serve Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing beats a dollop of clotted cream on a warm scone to create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Add a spoonful of orange marmalade or cranberry jam for a sweet and tangy contrast that highlights the fruity notes of this recipe.

Side Dishes

To round out your festive spread, consider serving your scones alongside a steaming pot of spiced tea or a rich mulled cider. Fresh fruit or a crisp green salad can add brightness and balance for a delightful holiday brunch or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special holiday table, stack your scones on a decorative cake stand surrounded by sprigs of holly or rosemary. Serving them with festive-themed napkins and small pots of assorted jams can turn a simple treat into a festive celebration centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any scones left after the festivities, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap cooled scones individually in cling film and place them in a freezer bag for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy festive flavors long after the holidays.

Reheating

To revive your scones, thaw them at room temperature and warm in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan) / 320°F for about 5 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. They’ll taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried fruit?

Absolutely! You can swap sultanas and cranberries for raisins, chopped dried apricots, cherries, or even mixed peel. Just keep the total amount similar to maintain the right balance of moisture and texture.

What is mixed spice?

Mixed spice is a blend of warming ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. It’s commonly used in British baking and adds that distinctive festive flavor to the scones.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously festive.

Why shouldn’t I twist the cutter when cutting the scones?

Twisting can seal the edges of the dough, which prevents the scones from rising properly. Press straight down for the best lift and fluffy texture.

How do I know when the scones are done?

They should be risen, golden on top, and spring back lightly when touched. If you’re unsure, a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean without wet dough attached.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Scones Recipe – Festive Fruit Scones for the Holidays Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming classics you’ll keep coming back to year after year. Easy to prepare and bursting with holiday flavors, it’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of festive joy to your kitchen and your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try making these delicious scones and share the cozy, celebratory spirit they bring to your holiday table.

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