Christmas Fruit Scones
Christmas is a time for joy, love, and delicious treats! One festive delight that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering is his Christmas Fruit Scones. These scones are packed with fruity goodness and a sprinkle of spices, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack during the holiday season. Let’s dive into this easy and delightful recipe!
Why make this recipe?
Making Christmas Fruit Scones is a wonderful way to share the spirit of the holidays. Not only do they fill your home with a delightful aroma, but they are also quick to prepare and bake. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a batch of scones that will impress your family and friends. Plus, they are versatile; enjoy them plain, with butter, or paired with your favorite jam! 🎄🍓
How to prepare Christmas Fruit Scones
Ingredients:
- 250g self-raising flour 🥣
- 50g cold butter, cubed 🧈
- 40g caster sugar 🍬
- 75g mixed dried fruit (raisins & currants) 🍇
- 150ml milk (plus extra for brushing) 🥛
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice (optional) 🍂
- Pinch of salt 🧂
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. 🔥
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, cold butter, caster sugar, mixed dried fruit, mixed spice, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 👩🍳
- Pour in the milk and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it! 💦
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it’s smooth. 👐
- Roll the dough out to about 2.5cm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking tray. 💪
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk for a golden finish. ✨
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are risen and golden brown. 🌟
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. 🌬️
How to serve Christmas Fruit Scones
Serve your Christmas Fruit Scones warm from the oven with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of festive jam. They make a lovely addition to any holiday breakfast table or tea party! 🍽️🎉
How to store Christmas Fruit Scones
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each scone in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. ❄️
Tips for preparing Christmas Fruit Scones
- Keep the butter cold for flakier scones.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; you want to keep it light and airy.
- Experiment with different dried fruits or nuts for a varied flavor! 🍏🌰
Variations
Feel free to customize your scones by adding different flavors! You can mix in some chopped nuts, add a spoonful of zest from an orange or lemon, or include chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. 🍫🍊
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator. Just roll and cut the scones shortly before baking.
Q2: Can I substitute the self-raising flour?
A: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use all-purpose flour and add 2 tsp of baking powder.
Q3: Can I add fresh fruits instead of dried?
A: Fresh fruits can add moisture to the scones, which may affect the texture. If you want to use fresh fruits, consider adjusting the liquid ingredients in the recipe.
Now you’re all set to whip up a batch of Christmas Fruit Scones. Enjoy the baking and the delightful flavors of the season! 🎅🥮