As I peeled back the wrapping of holiday cheer, the sweet scent of peppermint wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy winter wonderland. This is the magic of my Peppermint White Chocolate Scones. A delightful treat that combines crispy edges and a soft interior, these scones are the perfect indulgence for your festive gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, they’re surprisingly quick to make yet feel oh-so-special. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to elevate your morning coffee or tea, adding that extra spark of joy to your day. Ready to fill your home with warmth and sweetness? Let's dive into this delightful recipe and make some holiday memories together!
Why are these scones so special?
**Delightful **: Each bite of these Peppermint White Chocolate Scones is a festive hug for your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: Just 35 minutes from start to sumptuous finish, these scones won’t consume your whole day.
Perfectly Festive: The delightful combination of peppermint and white chocolate makes every occasion feel like a celebration.
Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or at holiday gatherings, these scones fit right in everywhere.
Crowd Pleaser: Friends and family will rave about these scones, making them a must-have for all your winter festivities.
Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Ingredients
For the Scones
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups, the foundation of these scones for a fluffy texture.
- Sugar – 5 tablespoons, adding that essential sweetness to complement the flavors.
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon, ensuring your scones rise perfectly and remain light.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, balancing the sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
- Chilled butter – 6 tablespoons, creating a tender crumb and rich taste.
- Half-and-half – ⅔ cup, adding creaminess and moisture for a soft bite.
- White chocolate wafers – ¼ cup, melting into sweet pockets of joy in each scone.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, providing a warm, familiar base note.
- Peppermint extract – 1 teaspoon, infusing that beloved winter flavor into your scones.
- Crushed peppermint candies – ¼ teaspoon, adding a festive crunch to finish.
- Granulated sugar – for sprinkling, giving a sweet sparkle on top of each scone.
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are just waiting to bring comfort and joy to your table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is a crucial preparation step that will ensure your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones bake evenly and beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture sets the base for your scones. Ensure there are no lumps and everything is well combined, creating a fluffy texture once baked.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, take 6 tablespoons of chilled butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter visible. This step is essential for achieving tender, flaky scones that everyone will love.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Pour in ⅔ cup of half-and-half, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Using a spatula, gently stir everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough scones. You want a moist dough that holds together nicely.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and gently knead it about 5 to 10 times. Pat the dough into a round disc about 1 inch thick. This step is important to develop the structure of your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones, ensuring they rise nicely in the oven.
Step 6: Cut and Arrange the Scones
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scone. You want them to have room to expand while baking, creating that lovely golden-brown crust.
Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle
Before baking, brush the tops of each scone with a little half-and-half, then generously sprinkle with granulated sugar. This will create a sweet, crunchy topping that beautifully contrasts the soft interior of the Peppermint White Chocolate Scones.
Step 8: Bake the Scones
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as they bake; a beautiful golden color will indicate they are ready to come out.
Step 9: Cool on a Rack
Once baked, carefully transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing any sogginess. Let them rest for a few minutes while you prepare the final touch of white chocolate drizzle.
Step 10: Drizzle with Chocolate
In a small bowl, melt the ¼ cup of white chocolate wafers in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over each cooled scone, then finish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies for that delightful holiday crunch.
Step 11: Serve Warm
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are best served warm, so gather your loved ones, pour some coffee or tea, and savor the indulgent flavors together. They’ll surely be a hit at any festive gathering this winter!
Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and adapt these delightful scones to suit your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute half-and-half with almond milk or coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free version.
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Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and extra fiber. This keeps the scones hearty while adding a wholesome twist.
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Minty Chocolate Chip: Instead of white chocolate wafers, use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor contrast that adds richness and intensity.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising hint of spice that beautifully complements the sweetness of the scones.
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Orange Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the dough for a refreshing citrusy twist that brightens every bite, making your scones even more festive.
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Glazed: Instead of a chocolate drizzle, create a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk, drizzling it over the cooled scones for a shiny, sweet finish.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and an extra nutty flavor that pairs well with the peppermint.
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Fruity Addition: Fold in ⅓ cup of dried cranberries or cherries into the dough to introduce a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness of the scones wonderfully.
What to Serve with Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
Experience the joy of pairing these festive scones with delightful side dishes and beverages that elevate your winter gathering.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich, velvety mug of hot cocoa is the perfect complement, enhancing the sweetness of the scones with each sip. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top ties the flavors together beautifully.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte harmonize with the peppermint, creating an aromatic experience that warms the heart.
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Citrusy Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with vibrant citrus fruits adds a wonderful contrast, delivering a refreshing bite to balance the richness of the scones.
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Cheesy Quiche: A slice of light, fluffy quiche pairs wonderfully with the scones, bringing a savory element that rounds out a festive brunch table.
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Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer tangy vanilla yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that stretches the culinary experience.
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Fizzy Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lemon provides a bubbly contrast to the sweet, buttery scones, enhancing your enjoyment.
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Decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte: Offer this seasonal beverage for a comforting drink that amplifies the warm, cozy vibes of the scones.
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Gingerbread Cookies: For a sweet finish, serve gingerbread cookies alongside your scones to deepen the holiday spirit with their spiced goodness.
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
Room Temperature: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in an airtight container to prolong freshness without sacrificing flavor.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the scones for up to 3 months. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, ensuring they're well-protected against freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the scone dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. When you're ready to bake, simply cut the dough into wedges, brush with half-and-half, sprinkle with sugar, and pop them in the oven to bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. For even better results, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked scones for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, fresh scones just in time for a cozy gathering, keeping the festive flavors intact!
Expert Tips for Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
Keep it Cold: Make sure your butter is very cold; this helps create that flaky texture we all desire in scones.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined is key. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so be gentle when adding your wet ingredients.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the dough, a sharp knife will give you cleaner edges and shapes, ensuring even baking for your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones.
Cool Correctly: Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. This step is crucial for maintaining that lovely light texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar sprinkled on top based on your preference for sweetness and crunch.
Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for these scones?
Absolutely! I recommend using all-purpose flour since it gives the scones a light and fluffy texture. You can also experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you need a gluten-free option.
How should I store leftover scones?
For best results, store your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze these scones? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
What should I do if my scones come out too dense?
If your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. Be sure to mix the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Also, check the freshness of your baking powder; it should be active to help the scones rise properly!
Are these scones safe for pets or anyone with allergies?
Note that these scones contain ingredients like butter and white chocolate which aren't suitable for pets. If making for individuals with allergies, ensure you adjust or replace ingredients accordingly. Use dairy-free alternatives for those who need them, and be cautious about cross-contamination in your kitchen.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Of course! You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and bake. This can be a time-saver when you have unexpected guests or during busy holiday mornings!
Indulgent Peppermint White Chocolate Scones to Savor This Winter
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- pastry blender
- Sharp knife
- spatula
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour the foundation of these scones for a fluffy texture
- 5 tablespoons sugar adding that essential sweetness to complement the flavors
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ensuring your scones rise perfectly and remain light
- 1 teaspoon salt balancing the sweetness and enhancing overall flavor
- 6 tablespoons chilled butter creating a tender crumb and rich taste
- ⅔ cup half-and-half adding creaminess and moisture for a soft bite
- ¼ cup white chocolate wafers melting into sweet pockets of joy in each scone
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract providing a warm, familiar base note
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract infusing that beloved winter flavor into your scones
- ¼ teaspoon crushed peppermint candies adding a festive crunch to finish
- granulated sugar for sprinkling, giving a sweet sparkle on top of each scone
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Cut in the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the half-and-half, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, then stir until just combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface gently about 5 to 10 times and form into a round disc.
- Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with half-and-half and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Melt the white chocolate wafers and drizzle over cooled scones, finishing with crushed peppermint candies.
- Serve warm with coffee or tea.
