Festive Holiday Cheese Scones Recipe: Cranberry & Sage Magic

Warm, buttery scones with a delightful holiday cheese sage infusion burst with festive flavor.

These tender, golden-brown treats promise to become an instant favorite at any seasonal gathering.

The delicate balance of sharp cheddar, tangy cranberries, and aromatic sage creates a mouthwatering combination that dances on your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet notes that complement morning coffee or afternoon tea.

The scones emerge from the oven with a gorgeous golden crust, promising a delectable experience for anyone who loves classic baked goods with a sophisticated twist.

Light, flaky, and packed with seasonal charm, these scones will quickly become your go-to recipe for winter mornings and holiday brunches.

Dive into this delicious recipe and let the magic of homemade baking fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Holiday Cheese Scones With Cranberry and Sage

• Self-Raising Flour: Provides the base structure and ensures a light, airy texture for the scones.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and creates a soft, fluffy interior.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy kick and depth of flavor to the savory scones.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and balances the other ingredients.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds luxurious buttery notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Stilton Cheese: Provides a creamy, bold blue cheese flavor that elevates the scones.
• Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.

• Sage: Introduces an earthy, aromatic herb flavor perfect for holiday baking.
• Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet and tart contrast to the savory cheese scones.
• Parsley Leaf: Adds a fresh, bright garnish and visual appeal to the final dish.
• Eggs: Used for binding the dough and creating a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on top.

Tools That Help With Scone Shaping and Baking

• Mixing bowl: Large bowl for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
• Round cutter (3cm): Essential for shaping uniform scones.
• Baking tray: Flat metal sheet for baking scones.
• Baking paper: Non-stick liner for easy scone removal.
• Wire rack: Perfect for cooling baked scones.
• Whisk: Small tool for beating eggs and mixing liquids.
• Grater: Used for grating Parmesan and Stilton cheese.
• Pastry brush: Helpful for egg washing scone tops.
• Rolling pin: Needed to roll out dough evenly.
• Small bowl: Separate container for whisking eggs and milk.

How to Make Soft, Buttery Cheese Scones

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty temperature, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for these delightful little cheese clouds.

• Dough Foundation

Blend flour with butter using fingertips, creating a crumbly landscape. Sprinkle in Parmesan, sage, and a whisper of seasoning for depth and character.

• Liquid Magic

Whisk milk and egg together, then pour into the flour mixture. Gently knead the dough until it becomes a soft, cohesive friend ready for transformation.

• Scone Shaping

Roll out the dough to a gentle thickness, then cut into perfect little rounds. Each scone will be a canvas for flavor.

• Baking Brilliance

Arrange scones on the prepared tray, brushing their tops with a golden egg wash. Bake until they rise and turn a delicate, pale golden color.

• Cheese and Cranberry Finale

Split each scone, crown with melted Stilton, and add a playful dollop of cranberry sauce. A fresh parsley leaf completes this festive bite-sized treat.

Flavor Combos for the Savory and Fruity Mix

• Cheese Scone Savvy: Pro Tips and Twists
• Flour Power: Use fresh, high-quality self-raising flour for the lightest, most tender scones that melt in your mouth.
• Butter Brilliance: Keep butter ice-cold and work quickly when incorporating it into the flour to ensure flaky, delicate texture that separates beautifully.
• Cheese Champion: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or tangy blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood or menu.
• Herb Harmony: Fresh herbs can transform these scones – try rosemary instead of sage, or mix in thyme and chives for an extra aromatic dimension that delights the senses.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare scone dough in advance and freeze uncooked for up to one month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake fresh when unexpected guests arrive, guaranteeing warm, delicious treats with minimal effort.

Presenting Cheese Scones for Breakfast or Brunch

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these delightful scones on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh herbs and extra cranberry sauce for a stunning holiday spread that will impress guests.
• Cheese and Wine Companion: Pair these savory scones with a crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco, creating a sophisticated appetizer that enhances the cheese and herb flavors.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve these scones alongside a light winter salad or scrambled eggs for a delectable morning meal that brings warmth and elegance to your weekend breakfast table.
• Cocktail Hour Star: Transform these mini scones into perfect bite-sized appetizers for holiday gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a quick, flavorful snack during festive conversations.

Best Ways to Store Scones for Later Enjoyment

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Chill and Seal: Store cooled scones in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Wrap unbaked scone dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw dough for 4-6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for fresh results.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm refrigerated scones in the oven at 160°C for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwave heating to prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare scone dough and cut shapes one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect golden results.

Rustic Holiday Cheese Scones with Cranberry and Sage Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Savory holiday cheese scones with cranberry and sage blend festive flavors into a delightful baked treat. Warm scones pair perfectly with afternoon tea or breakfast, offering a delectable seasonal experience you will adore.

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Ingredients

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• 150 g (5.3 oz) Stilton cheese, grated
• 50 g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 125 g (4.4 oz) self-raising flour
• 25 g (0.9 oz) butter, cubed and softened
• 2 tbsps milk
• 1 egg, free-range, beaten
• 1 egg, extra, beaten (for glazing)
• 1 tbsp sage, finely chopped
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 jar cranberry sauce
• 70 small fresh flatleaf parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Texture Development: Blend butter into flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then integrate Parmesan, sage, mustard powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
3. Dough Formation: Combine whisked milk and egg, gently folding into dry ingredients to create a soft, cohesive dough without overworking the mixture.
4. Shaping: Roll dough to 1–1.5cm thickness on a floured surface, cutting uniform rounds and transferring to the prepared tray, then brush with beaten egg for a golden sheen.
5. Initial Baking: Bake for 8 minutes until pale golden and slightly risen, cooling on a wire rack before slicing each scone widthways.
6. Cheese Infusion: Top scone halves with grated Stilton and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to create a creamy, melted cheese layer.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish each scone half with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a fresh parsley leaf, serving warm to showcase the festive flavor profile.

Notes

• Butter Blending Technique: Use cold butter and rub it into flour using light fingertips to create a crumbly, airy texture that ensures tender scones.
• Dough Handling Tip: Avoid overworking the mixture to prevent tough, dense scones; gentle kneading maintains a soft, delicate crumb.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add Stilton during the final baking stage to achieve a perfectly creamy, slightly melted cheese topping without compromising scone structure.
• Flavor Balancing Strategy: Combine sage and Parmesan for a savory base, complemented by sweet cranberry sauce for a harmonious holiday flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg