Looking to add a festive touch to your holiday baking? These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are just what you need! With their light and fluffy texture, paired with the invigorating flavor of peppermint and the sweetness of white chocolate, these scones are sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, or served as a delightful breakfast treat, these scones are quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal choice for last-minute festivities.
The combination of fluffy dough and rich chocolate creates a delightful contrast, while the crushed peppermint candy canes add a sparkling crunch and holiday cheer. These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are not only delicious but also simple to whip up, making them accessible for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Plus, with just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can easily make them for unexpected guests or your family’s weekend brunch.
Embrace the holiday spirit and fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of freshly baked scones. With their unique flavor profile and easy preparation, these scones will surely warm hearts and bring smiles to your loved ones. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
- Perfectly fluffy and tender texture that’s easy to achieve.
- Refreshing peppermint flavor paired with sweet white chocolate makes for a holiday treat everyone loves.
- Quick preparation and baking time, ready in just 35 minutes.
- Fun to customize with additional toppings or variations.
- Great for sharing at festive gatherings, parties, or morning coffee breaks.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start making these Peppermint White Chocolate Scones, it’s important to have your kitchen and workspace prepared. Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients.
- A pastry blender or two butter knives for cutting in the butter.
- A lightly floured surface to knead and shape the dough.
- A parchment-lined baking sheet for even baking without sticking.
- A small plastic bag and kitchen hammer or rolling pin for crushing peppermint candy canes.
Having these tools ready will set you up for success. Preparing your ingredients and workspace beforehand will minimize any last-minute rush and help you enjoy the baking process. Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 Tablespoons granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 6 Tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup Half-and-half, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup white chocolate melting wafers
- 2–3 mini peppermint candy canes, crushed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help achieve that golden-brown exterior. Take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure everything is combined well to create a uniform dry mixture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Next, it’s time to add in the butter. Use a pastry blender or two butter knives to cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which indicates that the butter is adequately incorporated. This step is crucial as it ensures the scones remain tender by not overworking the butter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the 2/3 cup of Half-and-half, along with the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Stir gently until just moistened; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. This gentle mixing is key to keeping the scones light and airy!
Step 4: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently about 5 to 10 times. This helps bring the dough together without making it dense. Once kneaded, pat the dough into a round shape about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place these scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing about 2 inches of space between them for expansion during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
To give the scones a nice golden finish, brush the tops with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Half-and-half, then sprinkle each scone with the extra teaspoon of granulated sugar. This will create a delightful crust while baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the tops. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This cooling process ensures that they set perfectly and are easy to handle.
Step 7: Finish with Chocolate and Peppermint
While your scones are cooling, prepare the peppermint topping. Place the mini peppermint candy canes in a small plastic bag and crush them gently using the back of a spoon or a rolling pin. Set these aside for later use. Next, in a small bowl, add the 1/4 cup of white melting wafers and follow the package instructions to melt them. Once melted, use a teaspoon to drizzle the chocolate over the top of each scone. Finally, sprinkle the crushed peppermint over the warm, chocolate-drizzled scones. This not only adds sweetness but also enhances the holiday aesthetic!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding some crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of cooked sausage to give an unexpected savory twist to your scones.
- Vegetables: For a more complex flavor profile, try incorporating finely chopped spinach or zucchini in the dough.
- Spices: Enhance the seasonal flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your butter is very cold; this is vital for achieving flaky layers in your scones.
- Don’t overmix the dough; you want to avoid developing gluten, which can make the scones tough.
- For the best results, serve scones warm on the day they’re baked, as they taste freshest when they are just out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream or butter on the side.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for an unforgettable holiday breakfast.
Tips
- Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts; almond extract can provide a lovely twist to the flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract slightly.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 230 per scone
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
FAQs
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint, you can also use semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag, and just reheat them in the oven before serving.
What if I don’t have Half-and-half?
If you don’t have Half-and-half on hand, you can make a substitute with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. This will work just as well for your scones.
Conclusion
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are a delightful addition to any holiday table, bursting with flavor and festive spirit. The combination of refreshing peppermint and creamy white chocolate creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love. They are quick to prepare, and with a few easy steps, you can have delicious scones ready to impress your guests or enjoy with family. Don’t hesitate to try out the variations and tips shared above for a unique twist. We hope you enjoy these scones as much as we do! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and share your own variations to inspire others!
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Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are a delightful addition to any holiday table, bursting with flavor and festive spirit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 Tablespoons granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 6 Tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup Half-and-half, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup white chocolate melting wafers
- 2–3 mini peppermint candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help achieve that golden-brown exterior. Take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure everything is combined well to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Next, it’s time to add in the butter. Use a pastry blender or two butter knives to cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which indicates that the butter is adequately incorporated. This step is crucial as it ensures the scones remain tender by not overworking the butter.
- Pour in the 2/3 cup of Half-and-half, along with the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Stir gently until just moistened; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones. This gentle mixing is key to keeping the scones light and airy!
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently about 5 to 10 times. This helps bring the dough together without making it dense. Once kneaded, pat the dough into a round shape about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place these scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing about 2 inches of space between them for expansion during baking.
- To give the scones a nice golden finish, brush the tops with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Half-and-half, then sprinkle each scone with the extra teaspoon of granulated sugar. This will create a delightful crust while baking.
- Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the tops. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This cooling process ensures that they set perfectly and are easy to handle.
- While your scones are cooling, prepare the peppermint topping. Place the mini peppermint candy canes in a small plastic bag and crush them gently using the back of a spoon or a rolling pin. Set these aside for later use. Next, in a small bowl, add the 1/4 cup of white melting wafers and follow the package instructions to melt them. Once melted, use a teaspoon to drizzle the chocolate over the top of each scone. Finally, sprinkle the crushed peppermint over the warm, chocolate-drizzled scones. This not only adds sweetness but also enhances the holiday aesthetic!
Notes
These scones are quick to prepare, and with a few easy steps, you can have delicious scones ready to impress your guests or enjoy with family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal per scone
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Protein: 3 g