The Ultimate Festive Eggnog Scones Recipe: Your Perfect Holiday Breakfast & Brunch Treat
As the holiday season draws near, there’s a distinct magic in the air, often accompanied by the warm, inviting aromas of festive baking. Among these cherished scents, the rich and creamy notes of eggnog stand out as a true symbol of winter cheer. Imagine these delightful flavors infused into a light, tender scone, then crowned with a luscious eggnog glaze. That’s exactly what our Eggnog Scones offer – a truly special and memorable treat that captures the essence of the holidays in every single bite. Perfect for a leisurely Christmas morning, a festive brunch, or simply a cozy afternoon tea, these scones are destined to become a new favorite tradition.
These aren’t just any scones; they leverage the unique qualities of eggnog – its rich egginess, delicate vanilla sweetness, and a comforting touch of nutmeg spice – to create a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The result is a scone that is wonderfully moist on the inside, beautifully golden on the outside, and brimming with seasonal charm. If you’re looking to add a touch of homemade warmth and festive elegance to your winter gatherings, look no further than this straightforward and incredibly rewarding recipe for the ultimate eggnog scones.
Embracing the Joy of Make-Ahead Holiday Breakfasts
The weeks leading up to the holidays are often a delightful whirlwind, filled with joy, preparations, and a seemingly endless list of tasks. While finding the perfect gifts and decorating the home are top priorities, ensuring a delicious and relaxed Christmas morning breakfast is equally important for many. I’ve been busy curating a collection of festive recipes designed to make your holiday mornings easier and more delicious. Last week, I shared our popular Cranberry Crumb Muffins, and soon, I’ll reveal an easy and elegant make-ahead ham and asparagus strata recipe. It’s no secret what’s been on my mind: scrumptious, stress-free breakfast and brunch items that let you truly enjoy the company and atmosphere of the season!
These Eggnog Scones fit perfectly into that philosophy. While they are a dream to enjoy fresh from the oven, parts of this recipe can be prepped in advance, and the baked scones store beautifully. Imagine the luxury of waking up on Christmas morning, the house still quiet, and being able to quickly warm a batch of these spiced, tender scones, ready to be glazed and enjoyed with your family. It transforms a potentially hectic morning into one of peaceful indulgence, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: creating cherished memories and savoring every precious moment with your loved ones.
Food: The Heartbeat of Holiday Gatherings
The holidays are almost upon us, and frankly, I’m completely unprepared on some fronts! My presents aren’t all bought, let alone wrapped. However, I have a foolproof plan for the most important aspect (at least, in my book!): the food! While I’m partly joking, there’s a kernel of truth to it. In this busy time of year, it’s easy to get lost in the endless checklists and the pressure to get everything done. And while food is certainly not the *only* important thing about the Christmas season, I absolutely adore how it acts as a magnetic force, drawing people together. Sharing a meal, a dessert, or a special breakfast fosters connection, conversation, and a deep sense of togetherness that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Baking is, for many, a cherished holiday tradition. It’s an act of love, a way to express care, and a delightful sensory experience. The warmth emanating from the oven, the intoxicating aroma of spices filling every room, and the joyful anticipation of a homemade treat all contribute to the festive atmosphere. These eggnog scones are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to slow down, get your hands a little messy, and create something beautiful and delicious that will bring smiles and warmth to your holiday table. They are a tangible expression of that special holiday magic, a reminder that the best gifts are often those made with love and shared with joy.
Eggnog: The Surprisingly Versatile Baking Ingredient
Let’s talk about eggnog. It’s a beverage that tends to divide opinions sharply: some count down the days until it appears on store shelves, while others couldn’t be paid to take a sip. Regardless of which camp you belong to, I urge you to consider eggnog not just as a drink, but as an absolutely phenomenal ingredient for baking! Its unique composition – rich in eggs and dairy, sweetened with sugar, and spiced with vanilla and nutmeg – transforms beautifully when introduced to the oven. In baked goods, eggnog mellows considerably, shedding some of its stronger “eggnoggy” notes to become a complex and deeply flavorful addition.
When used in scones, eggnog contributes an incredible richness and tenderness, alongside those warm, subtle hints of vanilla and nutmeg. It provides moisture without making the dough heavy, resulting in a wonderfully soft and flaky crumb. The spices become more integrated, offering a delicate warmth rather than an overpowering burst. So, even if you’re typically an “eggnog hater,” please don’t let that deter you from trying these scones. You’ll likely discover that the baked version of eggnog offers a comforting, sophisticated flavor that is perfect for holiday treats and will make you a believer in its baking prowess!
Baking Perfect Eggnog Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these Eggnog Scones is not only rewarding but also surprisingly straightforward, making it an excellent activity for bakers of all ages. If you have little helpers in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for them to join in! We’ll walk through each step, ensuring you achieve light, flaky, and flavor-packed scones every time.
Prepping Your Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the unbleached all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and, crucially, ground nutmeg. The nutmeg isn’t just for decoration here; it’s an essential flavor enhancer that perfectly complements the eggnog. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This small step makes a big difference in the texture and rise of your scones.
The Art of Cutting in Cold Butter
The secret to tender, flaky scones lies in cold butter and how it’s incorporated. Take your cold, unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes. Then, using a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingertips (my preferred method for a little kitchen fun!), cut the butter into the flour mixture. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up too much. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These pockets of butter will create steam in the oven, leading to those wonderful flaky layers.
Combining Wet and Dry: The Gentle Touch
In a separate liquid measuring cup, whisk together the cold eggnog, vanilla extract, and one large egg until well combined. Now, make a well in the center of your flour and butter mixture, and pour in the wet ingredients. With a spoon or spatula, stir gently just until the dough comes together. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage; overworking the dough will develop gluten, resulting in tough scones rather than tender ones. A slightly shaggy, barely cohesive dough is exactly what you’re aiming for.
Shaping and Preparing for Baking
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it very gently, just 3-4 times, until it forms a more unified mass. Then, pat the dough into a 9-inch round, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. For perfectly uniform scones, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the round into 8 wedges, much like slicing a pizza. Carefully transfer these wedges to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper prevents sticking and aids in easy cleanup.
Before baking, give your scones a beautiful finish. Brush the tops of each wedge with an additional tablespoon of eggnog, then sprinkle generously with the remaining two tablespoons of granulated sugar. This eggnog wash and sugar topping not only give the scones a lovely golden sheen and a delicate, crisp crust once baked but also enhance their visual appeal, making them even more enticing.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place your prepared baking sheet into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. The scones are ready when their tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully before glazing is key, as it prevents the glaze from melting right off.
The Final Flourish: A Creamy Eggnog Glaze
To truly elevate these holiday scones, a simple yet elegant eggnog glaze is essential. This topping provides an extra layer of eggnog flavor and a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the spiced scone beneath. Making the glaze is incredibly easy: in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and one tablespoon of eggnog until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If you desire a thicker, more opaque glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred richness. Once your scones are completely cool, artfully drizzle the glaze over their tops. The creamy white glaze against the golden brown scone creates a stunning visual, and the added flavor makes these festive treats absolutely irresistible for your Christmas breakfast or holiday tea!
Expert Tips for Achieving Perfect Scones
- Maintain Cold Temperatures: This is arguably the most critical tip for flaky scones. Ensure your butter and eggnog are very cold. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your flour in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before beginning the recipe. Cold ingredients prevent the butter from melting prematurely, leading to those desirable flaky layers.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the dough develops gluten, which results in tough, dense scones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. A slightly shaggy dough is ideal.
- Handle Gently: Scone dough requires a light touch. Knead minimally – just enough to bring it together. Excessive handling warms the butter and overdevelops the gluten.
- Use a Sharp Cutting Tool: When cutting the dough into wedges, use a very sharp knife or a bench scraper. A clean cut allows the scones to rise better and more evenly compared to a dull knife that might drag or compress the dough.
- Uniform Thickness: Patting the dough into an even 9-inch round ensures that all your scones bake consistently and finish at the same time.
- Quality Eggnog Matters: For the most authentic and robust flavor, opt for a good quality, full-fat regular eggnog for both the scones and the glaze. While alternatives exist, they won’t provide the same rich texture and distinctive holiday taste.
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Eggnog Scones
These festive Eggnog Scones are wonderfully versatile. They are, of course, a showstopper for Christmas morning breakfast or an elegant holiday brunch, but their charm extends beyond that. Enjoy them alongside an afternoon tea, serve them as a unique holiday dessert, or package them beautifully for a heartfelt homemade gift. They are delightful served warm or at room temperature, and a final dusting of fresh nutmeg over the glaze can add an extra aromatic touch and visual appeal.
To keep your baked scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer enjoyment, you can freeze baked, unglazed scones for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C for 10-15 minutes), and then drizzle with freshly made glaze. If you prefer to prepare ahead of time, you can even freeze the unbaked dough wedges! Cut the raw dough into wedges, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen scones directly on a baking sheet, brush with eggnog, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for a few extra minutes (approximately 25-30 minutes) until golden brown. This makes fresh, warm scones a possibility any day of the week!
Crafting the Perfect Holiday Breakfast Gift Basket
Searching for a thoughtful and personalized DIY gift this holiday season? Assembling a beautiful breakfast basket filled with homemade treats is always a winning idea! It’s a wonderful way to show appreciation to coworkers, delight your neighbors, or bring a delicious contribution to a family gathering. Our Eggnog Scones would undoubtedly be the star of any such basket. Here are some other delightful goodies you could include to create a truly memorable and indulgent holiday breakfast experience:
- Cranberry Orange Scones: A burst of bright, zesty flavor that beautifully complements the spiced notes of eggnog.
- Caramel Apple Scones: For those who adore a touch of fruity sweetness and a hint of rich, gooey caramel.
- Giant Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: An irresistible, decadent classic with a luxurious chocolatey twist, sure to please any crowd.
- Chocolate Orange Donuts: A delightful pairing of bright citrus and rich chocolate, perfect for a fun and indulgent morning treat.
Arrange these homemade delights in a charming basket alongside a festive mug, a selection of gourmet coffee beans or artisanal tea bags, and perhaps a small jar of local honey or high-quality jam. This personalized gift basket will not only be incredibly well-received but will also convey a truly heartfelt sentiment, making the recipient’s holiday mornings extra special.
Eggnog Scones
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Ingredients
For the scones
- 2 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup eggnog (cold)
- 1 Tablespoon eggnog
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
For the glaze
- 1 Tablespoon eggnog
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
To make scones
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it is crumbly and no large chunks of butter remain, resembling coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces.
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In a liquid measuring cup, measure out your 3/4 cup cold eggnog and then whisk in the vanilla extract and large egg. Add this wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.
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Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times (3-4 times) to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 9-inch round, approximately 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Cut the round into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Brush the tops of the scones with the additional one tablespoon of eggnog and generously sprinkle with the two tablespoons of sugar. Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
To make the glaze
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To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and one tablespoon of eggnog in a small bowl until the powdered sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the *cooled* scones. Note that because there is already a sugar topping on the scones, this glaze is designed to be somewhat thin for a delicate finish. If you would prefer a thicker, more opaque glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
Concluding Thoughts on Festive Baking
Baking, especially during the joyous holiday season, is truly an act of passion and a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories. It’s a chance to infuse your home with comforting, irresistible aromas and share the warmth of homemade goodness with everyone you cherish. These Eggnog Scones are more than just a seasonal treat; they represent a delightful tradition waiting to be embraced in your kitchen. Their exquisitely delicate crumb, harmonious blend of holiday spices, and sweet, creamy glaze make them an unforgettable addition to any festive table, sure to be remembered long after the last bite.
So, ignite your oven, gather your ingredients, and allow the magic of holiday baking to fill your home. Whether you are a seasoned culinary artist or just beginning your baking journey, this straightforward and incredibly gratifying recipe will empower you to feel like a true baking sensation. Revel in the entire process, from the mixing of ingredients to the irresistible aroma that fills your home, and most importantly, delight in every tender, flavorful bite of these truly exceptional Eggnog Scones. Happy baking and wishing you the happiest of holidays!