Christmas Morning Scones Recipe

Nothing says cozy holiday mornings quite like the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the house. Whether you’re waking up early to begin the day’s festivities or looking for a special treat to enjoy with your loved ones, these Christmas Morning Scones are sure to bring warmth and comfort to your home. Packed with festive flavors and a touch of sweetness, these scones are the perfect way to start your day off right during the holiday season.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of one orange

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

4. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Slowly pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be a bit sticky, but not too wet.

6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.

7. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into eight equal wedges. Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each wedge.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

9. Remove from the oven and let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve the Christmas Morning Scones warm with a pat of butter, a dollop of clotted cream, or your favorite jam.

Enjoy these delightful scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a festive and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday brunch spread or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. With their heavenly aroma and irresistible taste, these Christmas Morning Scones are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home during the holiday season.