The Best Eggnog Cranberry Scones Recipe for a Festive Holiday Brunch
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the holiday season with these rich, soft, and buttery eggnog cranberry scones. Infused with the warmth of orange zest, these scones are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a fantastic way to use up any leftover eggnog you might have. Or, let’s be honest, a perfect excuse to buy eggnog in the first place! These scones are the perfect addition to your holiday brunch or a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day.
As a devoted eggnog enthusiast, I appreciate its versatility beyond being just a beverage. Eggnog makes an excellent substitute for cream or milk in baked goods, and I find myself incorporating it into various recipes throughout the holiday season. While last year was dedicated to eggnog cinnamon rolls, this year, these delectable scones have taken center stage!
The addition of dried cranberries, vibrant orange zest, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a festive symphony of flavors. The rich flavor and tender, buttery texture make these eggnog scones exceptionally special. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast option, a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, or the perfect addition to a holiday brunch, these scones are sure to impress.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cranberry Scones
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Eggnog Scones
- Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Your Eggnog Cranberry Scones
- Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Baking
- Complete Your Brunch with These Delicious Recipes
- The Complete Eggnog Cranberry Scones Recipe
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cranberry Scones
- Creative Use of Leftover Eggnog: Transform leftover eggnog into a mouthwatering and unique treat. No more wasting that delicious holiday beverage!
- Quick and Easy: Achieve gourmet flavor and texture in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy schedules during the holidays.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for grand holiday brunches, but equally enjoyable any day of the week. Elevate your breakfast or afternoon tea with these delightful scones.
- Freezer-Friendly for Convenience: Prepare these scones ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment. A lifesaver for holiday planning and unexpected guests.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Eggnog Scones
- All-Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt: These form the foundation of any great homemade scone recipe, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices perfectly complement the eggnog flavor, enhancing the overall holiday aroma and taste.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the eggnog. Use zest from navel oranges, clementines, or cuties for the best flavor.
- Butter: The key to a tender and flaky scone. Make sure the butter is very cold and cubed to prevent it from melting before baking.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient! I recommend using full-fat dairy eggnog for the richest flavor and texture. While other varieties may work, the results may vary.
- Dried Cranberries: Provide a burst of tartness and chewiness that complements the sweetness of the eggnog. Roughly chop the cranberries for even distribution throughout the scones.
- Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract: For the perfect glaze. Combine with more eggnog to create a sweet and creamy topping that elevates these scones to the next level.
Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Your Eggnog Cranberry Scones
- Incorporate Cold Butter into Dry Ingredients: Ensure your butter is thoroughly chilled. Use a pastry blender to cut the cold butter into small pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the flour mixture. Then, gently stir in the cranberries to ensure they’re well incorporated.
- Combine with Eggnog for a Shaggy Dough: Add the chilled eggnog to the mixture. Gently combine with a spatula, then use your hands to lightly knead the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones.
- Create Flaky Layers with the Fold and Flatten Method: This technique is essential for achieving a flaky texture. Lightly flatten the dough, then fold it in half, similar to closing a book. Repeat this process two more times. The cold butter within these layers will melt during baking, creating steam and resulting in a beautifully flaky scone. Do not skip this crucial step!
- Slice into Wedges for Classic Scone Shapes: Gently shape the dough into a square. Divide the square into four smaller, equal-sized squares. Cut each square diagonally to create two triangles, resulting in a total of eight triangular scone wedges.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Before placing the scones in the oven, brush the tops with additional eggnog. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-17 minutes, or until the tops and bottoms are lightly golden brown.
- Glaze with Eggnog Icing for Extra Sweetness: While the scones are cooling, prepare the eggnog icing. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled scones.
- Savor the Flavor: These scones are at their best when enjoyed on the day they are baked. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-3 days if needed. Enjoy every bite!
Baking Tip: The Importance of Keeping Biscuit and Scone Ingredients Cold
For tall, soft, and flaky biscuits and scones, start with cold butter and milk/buttermilk, and work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider freezing your shaped biscuits and scones on the sheet pan for about 15 minutes before baking. This will help ensure optimal results.
Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Baking
Scones are a remarkably convenient recipe for preparing in advance, especially since they can be baked directly from their frozen state.
- Prepping Up to 2 Days in Advance: Prepare and shape the scones according to the instructions. Place them on a lined baking sheet, wrap them securely in one or two layers of plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake them directly from the refrigerator.
- Prepping Farther in Advance: To prepare scones well in advance, arrange the shaped scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to flash-freeze the scones. Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six weeks. When ready to bake, transfer the frozen scones back to a lined baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Complete Your Brunch with These Delicious Recipes
Elevate your brunch menu (especially on Christmas morning!) by pairing these exceptional eggnog cranberry scones with any of the following delectable brunch recipes:
- Sausage and Mushroom Breakfast Casserole
- Best Berry Fruit Salad
- Hash Brown Frittata with Ham, Peppers and Spinach
- Savory Cheese Scones
- Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping and Cranberry Maple Syrup
The Complete Eggnog Cranberry Scones Recipe
Eggnog Cranberry Scones
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Ingredients
Eggnog Cranberry Scones:
- 2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 orange , zested
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cold unsalted butter , cubed
- ¼ cup (28 grams) dried cranberries , roughly chopped
- ½ cup (115 grams)