If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly blends festive flavors and cozy textures, this Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe is an absolute must-try. These scones boast a tender crumb infused with refreshing peppermint and dotted with luscious white chocolate chunks that melt into every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch or craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these scones bring a dazzling combination of cool mint and rich sweetness that feels both comforting and special. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great scones start with simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the flaky butter to the bright peppermint and creamy white chocolate, every addition enhances the final result beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to mellow the mint without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps your scones rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Crucial for creating a flaky texture when cut into the dough.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Keeps the scones moist and rich.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Delivers that unmistakable refreshing mint flavor.
- 3/4 cup white chocolate, chopped: Melts into pockets of sweetness dotted throughout the scones.
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies (for topping): Adds festive crunch and a pop of color on top.
- Extra heavy cream for brushing tops: Helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures an even bake and prevents sticking, setting the stage for scones that come out perfectly golden with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed, which means every bite has the right balance of sweetness and lift. It’s a small step that sets a solid foundation for your scones.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to your flour mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The chilled butter creates pockets of steam while baking that contribute to the scones’ signature flaky texture—so don’t skip on keeping it cold!
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and peppermint extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and flavor depth into the scone dough, making each bite richly satisfying with that refreshing peppermint twist.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently just until everything is combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your scones tender instead of tough. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate, taking care not to overwork the dough. These chunks will melt slightly during baking, creating luscious pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the cool peppermint flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a one-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into eight even wedges, just like slicing a pizza. This classic shape not only looks inviting but also helps the scones bake evenly.
Step 8: Add Toppings and Bake
Place the scones onto your prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream to promote a golden finish, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies generously on top for that festive crunch. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the scones are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They’re delightful warm, with the white chocolate still gooey, but perfectly good at room temperature too—making them ideal for sharing any time of day.
How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate glaze to amp up the festive vibe. Adding a sprig of fresh mint on the side not only looks lovely but underscores the refreshing peppermint flavor inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream for a rich complement. A cup of freshly brewed coffee, hot cocoa, or a peppermint-infused tea makes a cozy beverage pairing to elevate your enjoyment further.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the scones on a pretty tiered stand alongside other holiday treats for a charming brunch presentation. Wrapping individual scones in wax paper tied with red and white twine makes an adorable edible gift or festive party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their buttery texture. For longer storage, refrigerate them but be aware they may lose a bit of their freshly baked tenderness.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully! Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month, perfect for whipping up a batch ahead of time and enjoying whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your scones in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture a bit chewy rather than flaky and tender.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract in the Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe?
You can substitute peppermint oil, but be cautious as it is much more concentrated than extract. Start with just a couple drops and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor and texture may differ slightly, but it will still produce lovely scones with a peppermint twist.
Can I mix in other types of chocolate?
While white chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint, feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet variation. Just keep the amount similar to maintain balance.
What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies for the topping?
Place the candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon until you have small pieces and some fine dust. This creates a nice texture contrast and festive sparkle on top.
Can these scones be made ahead and frozen before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping, freeze the unbaked scones on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time and place them straight from freezer to oven.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint White Chocolate Scones Recipe is truly a treat that brightens up any occasion with its perfectly balanced flavors and inviting texture. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these scones as much as I do—they’re the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like holiday magic and fills hearts with warmth and delight.
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
Description
These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring tender, buttery scones infused with a hint of peppermint extract and studded with creamy white chocolate chunks, topped with crushed peppermint candies for a minty crunch. They bake up golden and flaky, ideal for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea snack.
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 (plus extra for brushing tops)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 3/4 cup white chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cut In Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overworking to keep the scones tender.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and peppermint extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the scones tough.
- Fold in White Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate pieces, distributing them evenly throughout without overmixing.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 even wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with extra heavy cream to promote browning and then sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over each scone.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the scones have risen.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is very cold before cutting into the flour for flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- White chocolate can be substituted with white chocolate chips if preferred.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with suitable plant-based alternatives.
