Festive Holiday Cheese Scones with Cranberry and Sage Recipe

Savory holiday cheese scones capture the essence of comfort and celebration in every delightful bite.

Warm kitchens buzz with anticipation as these delectable pastries promise a delicious twist on traditional baking.

Fragrant herbs and tangy cheese intertwine, creating a sensory experience that speaks to festive gatherings.

Rustic and elegant, these scones blend sophisticated flavors with hearty textures that instantly feel familiar.

Delicate yet substantial, they offer a perfect balance between richness and lightness that makes them irresistible.

Crumbly edges and soft centers invite you to savor each carefully crafted morsel.

The magic happens when unexpected ingredients dance together, promising a memorable culinary moment.

Let these scones become your new seasonal tradition that everyone will crave.

The Savory Sweetness of Cranberry Cheese Scones

• These holiday cheese scones pack an extraordinary taste explosion with the perfect blend of Parmesan, Stilton, sage, and cranberry sauce that transforms a simple appetizer into a gourmet party sensation.
• The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making these scones an effortless option for last-minute holiday entertaining or spontaneous gatherings with minimal kitchen stress.
• The miniature scone size allows guests to enjoy multiple flavor combinations without feeling overwhelmed, while the beautiful presentation with melted cheese and cranberry garnish elevates them from simple snack to elegant canapé.
• These scones work brilliantly as appetizers, brunch items, or cocktail party treats, seamlessly adapting to different social settings and impressing guests with their sophisticated yet approachable gourmet profile.

Ingredients for Cranberry Sage Cheese Scones

• Self-Raising Flour: The base for light and fluffy scones, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become airy.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, flaky texture in the scones.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to complement the other ingredients.
• Stilton Cheese: Provides a bold, creamy blue cheese element for depth of taste.
• Milk: Helps bind the dough and creates a smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Sage: Offers a warm, earthy herb flavor typical of holiday cooking.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy and spicy undertone.
• Cranberry Sauce: Brings a sweet and tart complement to the savory scones.
• Fresh Parsley Leaf: Provides a fresh, bright garnish and visual appeal.

• Eggs: Used for binding the dough and creating a golden, glossy finish when brushed on top.

Baking Instructions for Festive Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix

• Self-rising flour
• Baking powder
• Cold butter (cut into small cubes)

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried sage
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

• Milk
• One egg

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently mix with your hands until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork the dough – keep it light and tender.

Step 4: Shape the Scones

Dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out scone circles. Gather the scraps and re-roll to make more scones.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the scone circles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden shine.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the scones are lightly golden and puffy.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Once baked, slice each scone in half. Sprinkle Stilton cheese on the bottom halves. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.

Step 8: Final Festive Touch

• A small dollop of cranberry sauce
• A fresh parsley leaf

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm.

Tricks for Soft and Fluffy Scones

• Butter Blending Brilliance: Rub the butter into the flour using cool fingertips to create a light, crumbly texture that ensures tender scones every time.
• Dough Handling Delicacy: Knead the mixture gently and minimally to prevent tough scones, keeping the touch soft and quick for maximum flakiness.
• Cutting Consistency Counts: Use a sharp, clean-edged cutter and press straight down without twisting to help scones rise evenly and maintain their perfect shape.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Watch the Stilton carefully during the final baking to achieve a perfect melt without burning, creating a golden and creamy topping.
• Serving Savvy: Serve these scones warm for the best flavor and texture, allowing the cheese to remain slightly gooey and the cranberry sauce to complement the sage's earthy notes.

Storing Holiday Scones for Freshness

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual scones in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicate texture and flavors.
• Reheat: Warm scones in a preheated oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. Avoid using a microwave to prevent soggy results.

What to Serve With These Scones

• Pair with Sparkling Wines: Crisp champagne or prosecco perfectly complements the rich cheese and herbal sage notes, cutting through the buttery scone texture.
• Match with Herbal Cocktails: Rosemary gin martini or thyme-infused cocktails echo the sage's earthy tones and enhance the scone's savory profile.
• Serve with Seasonal Accompaniments: Fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette balances the scone's richness, while roasted nuts add complementary crunch and warmth.
• Create Festive Beverage Contrast: Mulled wine or spiced apple cider provides a warm, sweet counterpoint to the scone's sharp cheese and tangy cranberry flavors.

Variations to Elevate the Flavor

• Herbed Goat Cheese Variation: Swap Stilton for creamy goat cheese and replace sage with fresh thyme. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for an elegant, tangy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Olive Scones: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives into the dough and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Smoky Bacon and Cheddar Option: Add crispy crumbled bacon bits to the scone mixture and replace Parmesan with sharp cheddar cheese. Top with a small dollop of caramelized onion jam for extra depth.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Scones: Mix finely diced jalapeños into the dough and use pepper jack cheese. Finish with a small splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.

FAQ for Holiday Cheese Scones

• Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked scones for up to 1 month.

• What if I don't have Stilton cheese?

No problem! You can substitute Stilton with other strong blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola. If you prefer a milder flavor, try cheddar or gruyère.

• How do I keep these scones fresh?

Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

• Can I make these scones gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Holiday Cheese Scones With Cranberry And Sage Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful holiday cheese scones with cranberry and sage blend festive flavors in a perfect breakfast treat. Warm, flaky pastries bring comfort and seasonal cheer when served alongside morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 125 grams (4½ ounces) self-raising flour
• 50 grams (1¾ ounces) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 150 grams (5½ ounces) Stilton cheese, grated

Butter and Seasonings:

• 25 grams (1 ounce) butter, cubed and softened
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon sage, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 free-range egg, beaten
• 1 extra beaten egg for glazing
• 1 jar cranberry sauce
• 70 small fresh flatleaf parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6 and line a baking tray with parchment paper for optimal preparation.
2. Create a crumbly base by gently rubbing butter into the flour mixture using fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Incorporate Parmesan, sage, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the flour mixture, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
4. Whisk milk and egg together in a separate bowl, then carefully fold into the dry ingredients to form a cohesive, soft dough.
5. Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
6. Roll out the dough to approximately 1–1.5cm thickness, using a round cutter to shape uniform scones.
7. Carefully transfer cut scones to the prepared baking tray, brushing the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 8 minutes until the scones are pale golden and have risen slightly, then cool on a wire rack.
9. Slice each scone in half widthways and return to the baking tray, topping with grated Stilton.
10. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly and become creamy.
11. Garnish each scone half with a small dollop of cranberry sauce and a fresh parsley leaf.
12. Serve warm, presenting these delightful holiday appetizers to your guests with a flourish of festive flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly sized mini scones work best for elegant holiday appetizers, creating bite-sized delights that impress guests.
• Sage and Parmesan combine to deliver a rich, savory flavor profile that elevates these traditional cheese scones.
• Cold butter is crucial for achieving the classic flaky, tender texture that makes these scones melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process and reduce holiday kitchen stress.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp cheddar to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Fresh herbs and homemade cranberry sauce can transform these scones from good to extraordinary, adding vibrant holiday cheer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 98
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg