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Home » Type » Breads » Biscuits and Scones » Festive Christmas Eve Scones (Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)

Festive Christmas Eve Scones (Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)

December 2, 2021 by Faith Leave a Comment

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Festive Christmas Eve Scones are flavored with orange and cloves, aromatic with piney rosemary, and have a soft, tender interior and crispy exterior. They’re the perfect treat to bake for any holiday breakfast or brunch!

christmas eve scones

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might remember my Christmas Morning Scones. They’re aromatic with vanilla bean, laced with nutmeg and fresh rosemary, and have dried cranberries for sweet/tart bursts of flavor.

I first posted them back in December 2014, and since then I’ve had countless emails, messages on social media, and even phone calls and texts from people I know saying that they made my Christmas Morning Scones. And not only that, but they LOVED them! And also, their families loved them, and now those scones are part of their family’s holiday traditions.

inside of scone

I can’t even tell you how much that means to me. To be quite honest, things like that make me feel like what I do is worthwhile.

This year I had an idea to play with the flavor in my Christmas Morning Scones. I wanted to keep them just as festive, but with whole new flavor profile. And that’s how these Christmas Eve Scones happened!

orange clove rosemary holiday scones

I’m calling them Christmas Eve Scones as a play on my Christmas Morning Scones. But in reality, these scones are festive and perfect for any holiday breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea time.

For these Christmas Eve Scones I went with orange zest and cloves with a touch of rosemary because it adds that festive piney flavor that I love so much. These festive scones are not only full of holiday flavor, but they also have a soft, tender crumb inside and a short, crisp exterior. Delicious!

festive christmas eve scones with description

In This Article

  • The Best Christmas Eve Scones Recipe – Beautiful Holiday Scones with Festive Flavor
  • Scones FAQs
  • More Holiday Breakfast Recipes to Make
  • Christmas Eve Scones (Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)

The Best Christmas Eve Scones Recipe – Beautiful Holiday Scones with Festive Flavor

Here’s what you’re going to love about these scones:

  • They taste like the holidays. Fresh citrusy orange paired with warm spicy cloves is redolent of Christmas. And a hint of fresh rosemary adds a touch of piney flavor!
  • No dry scones here. These Christmas Eve Scones are soft and tender inside with a crisp exterior.
  • These scones are easy to make. No worries if it’s your first time making scones! I’m sharing step-by-step photos showing you exactly how to do it.
  • You can make the dough ahead of time. This is perfect if you’re making these on a holiday morning. Take a look at the Notes in the recipe below for details on how to make this scone dough in advance.
holiday scones

Ingredients in Christmas Eve Scones

Scones:

christmas eve scones ingredients
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cloves
  • Orange zest
  • Rosemary
  • Unsalted butter
  • Half and half
  • Vanilla extract

Glaze:

glaze ingredients
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cloves
  • Water

How to Make Scones

how to make scones
  1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cloves, orange zest, and rosemary in a large bowl.
  2. Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal.
  3. There should still be some pieces of butter the size of peas.
  4. Stir in the half and half a little at a time.
  5. The dough should come together, but not be too wet.
  6. Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk; wrap it in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick. Cut the circle of dough into 8 equal wedges.
  8. Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, and lightly brush the tops with a little milk.
  9. Bake until puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 14 to 16 minutes. Cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, whisk together all ingredients for the glaze. Dip the tops of the scones into the glaze, letting it run down the sides. Add rosemary leaves on top, if desired. Place the scones onto a wire rack and let the glaze set completely before serving.

Can I Make Scones Ahead of Time?

Like most fresh homemade baked goods, these scones are best served on the same day they’re made. After they’re baked, you can store these scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but by the second day they will be a bit drier.

However, you can make this scone dough up to 3 days in advance and at store it in the fridge. Bake the scones straight from the fridge the morning you want to serve them.

This is perfect for holiday mornings; you can have the dough already made so all you need to do is bake the scones!

festive scones

Variations on This Scones Recipe

  • Make them cinnamon. If you don’t like cloves, you can use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon instead.
  • Add some special bling to the top. Sugared cranberries are easy to make and so festive!
  • Get herby. Instead of fresh rosemary, use the same amount of fresh sage, thyme, or marjoram.
christmas eve scones graphic

Scones FAQs

Where Are Scones From?

Scones are thought of as originating from the region of the world including England, Scotland, and Ireland. However, there is much debate as to which of these countries can claim their origin.

What is the Difference Between a Scone and a Biscuit?

The main difference is in the way that they’re made.

Biscuit dough is usually folded over and rolled out, folded over and rolled out, similar to the way in which puff pastry dough is made (although with much less lamination).

Alternatively, scone dough is usually made by mixing all ingredients together in a bowl, pressing the dough into a ball and rolling it out, and then cutting the dough into whatever shape of scone you want.

As a result, biscuits typically have flaky layers while scones usually have a denser interior.

festive scones recipe

Do You Need to Chill Scone Dough?

Yes! Once scone dough is made and the scones are cut into whatever shape you’re baking them in, the dough should be chilled. This is to help stiffen the butter so the scones don’t flatten too much while baking.

I chill my scone dough for 10 minutes in the freezer, but you could do it for 1 hour in the fridge.

christmas eve scones recipe

Why Didn’t My Scones Rise?

There are several different factors that can prevent scones from rising. Here are some of the most common issues:

  • Leavening agent. Your baking powder was expired.
  • You didn’t chill the dough before baking. This helps make sure that the butter isn’t warm when you go to bake the scones.
  • Oven temperature. Your oven runs cool (you can easily test this with an inexpensive oven thermometer).
orange scones with clove

More Holiday Breakfast Recipes to Make

  • Banketstaaf (Dutch Christmas Log)
  • Eggnog Muffins with Cranberry Filling
  • Orange and Nutmeg-Scented Brown Sugar Bread Pudding
orange and clove scones recipe

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from you!
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment.
You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.
To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
xoxo, Faith

christmas eve scones featured image

Christmas Eve Scones (Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)

By: Faith Gorsky
Festive Christmas Eve Scones are flavored with orange and cloves, aromatic with piney rosemary, and have a soft, tender interior and crispy exterior. They’re the perfect treat to bake for any holiday breakfast or brunch!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 scones
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Scones:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 4 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled and diced
  • 1 cup half and half or milk or cream, plus 2 tablespoons more for brushing on top
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/16 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water

Other Toppings (optional):

  • Fresh rosemary leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat liner for easy cleanup; otherwise, lightly grease a baking sheet.
  • Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cloves, orange zest, and rosemary in a large bowl.
  • Cut in the butter with a fork or using two butter knives until it looks like coarse meal. Stir in the half and half and vanilla. (The dough should come together, but not be too wet.)
  • Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk; wrap it in plastic wrap and chill 10 minutes in the freezer.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough out to a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick. Cut the circle of dough into 8 equal wedges.
  • Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with a little milk, and bake until puffed and light golden brown on top and bottom, about 14 to 16 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Once cooled, whisk together all ingredients for the glaze. Dip the tops of the scones into the glaze, letting it run down the sides. Add rosemary leaves on top, if desired. Place the scones onto a wire rack and let the glaze set completely before serving.

Faith’s Tips

  • Recipe Inspiration: This recipe was inspired by and adapted from my recipe for Christmas Morning Scones.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before; instead of chilling it in the freezer for 10 minutes, wrap it up and refrigerate it overnight (or up to 3 days in advance). Bake the scones straight from the fridge the morning you want to serve them.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Christmas Eve Scones (Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)
Amount Per Serving (1 scone)
Calories 355 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 34mg11%
Sodium 235mg10%
Potassium 240mg7%
Carbohydrates 56g19%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 24g27%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 376IU8%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 108mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Christmas Eve Scones, Orange, Clove, and Rosemary-Scented Scones
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
christmas eve scones pin

Filed Under: Biscuits and Scones, Christmas Tagged: Christmas Eve Scones, Christmas Scones, Festive Scones, Holiday Scones

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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