If you’re looking for a festive and absolutely delightful treat, this Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the cool freshness of peppermint and the rich creaminess of white chocolate chunks, these scones strike the perfect balance between sweet and minty. Each bite offers a tender, flaky texture that feels homemade and irresistible. Whether you’re serving these for a holiday brunch or a special afternoon tea, they are guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all it takes to create something truly magical. Each item plays a key role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and appearance of these scones.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the scones, essential for that classic crumbly texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the peppermint flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully, creating a light and fluffy interior.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to flakiness, cold butter creates those irresistible layers.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides moisture and richness, keeping the scones tender and soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Delivers that unmistakable refreshing peppermint flavor without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup white chocolate, chopped: Melts slightly during baking for pockets of sweet creaminess in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies (for topping): Adds festive crunch and visual appeal right on top.
- Extra heavy cream for brushing tops: Gives the scones a golden, shiny finish and helps toppings stick.
How to Make Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your scones bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination lays the foundation for the perfect scone texture and flavor balance.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The goal is to create coarse crumbs—these butter bits are what give your scones that coveted flaky texture when baked.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and peppermint extract until fully combined. This mixture adds moisture and that refreshing peppermint punch that makes this scone recipe truly special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep your scones tender and light.
Step 6: Fold in the White Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate, spreading those creamy pockets evenly without overworking the dough, which can make scones tough.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut the circle into 8 even wedges—this classic shape makes them easy to share and eat.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place your scones on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with extra heavy cream for that gorgeously golden finish, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top to add crunch and festive flair.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the scones for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown. The smell of peppermint and white chocolate filling your kitchen is an unbeatable sign of success.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, letting all those flavors shine with every bite.
How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust your scones with a little powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate glaze. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, fragrant garnish if you’re aiming to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a frothy latte to enhance the minty flavors. A bowl of fresh berries also complements the sweetness and adds a splash of color to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your scones on a tiered dessert stand for a charming tea party vibe. You could also place them in decorative parchment bags tied with festive ribbon for a wonderful handmade gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, they retain their delicate texture and stay fresh enough for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe later, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their quality.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated scones, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery instead of delightfully flaky.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
While peppermint oil is much stronger and more concentrated than extract, it can be used sparingly. Make sure to dilute it properly because a little goes a long way in keeping your scones balanced and not overpowering.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips for chopped white chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips will work just fine, offering similar pockets of creamy sweetness without the need to chop. Just ensure they’re evenly folded into the dough.
Are these scones dairy-free or gluten-free friendly?
This recipe relies on butter, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour, so it’s not naturally dairy-free or gluten-free. However, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives and gluten-free flour blends to suit your needs.
Can I add crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candies on top?
Yes, crushed candy canes make a fantastic alternative topping. They add extra crunch and color, elevating the festive look and taste of your scones.
How long do these scones stay fresh after baking?
Freshly baked scones are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they’ll stay moist and delicious for up to two days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe enough for anyone wanting to add a burst of holiday cheer (or just a fun twist on a classic scone). With its perfect blend of minty freshness and creamy sweetness, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these treats long after the season ends!
Print
Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones combine tender, flaky pastry with a festive burst of peppermint and creamy white chocolate chunks. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or cozy afternoon treats, they deliver a sweet and minty flavor topped with a crunchy peppermint candy sprinkle.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins & Toppings
- 3/4 cup white chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
- Extra heavy cream for brushing tops
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create flaky layers.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and peppermint extract until smooth and combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add White Chocolate: Fold in the chopped white chocolate carefully to evenly disperse it without overmixing, preserving a tender texture.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges for scones.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with extra heavy cream to ensure a golden crust, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the best flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep scones tender and light.
- Chilling the dough briefly before baking can improve the rise but is optional.
- White chocolate chips can be used instead of chopped white chocolate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
