I like making at least one peppermint-flavored recipe each year for the holidays. This year, I decided to try scones. These White Chocolate Peppermint Scones have crushed candy canes both in the batter and sprinkled on top. White chocolate chips are mixed into the batter too. They might be a little too sweet for early in the morning, but they’re perfect for a holiday brunch, a holiday tea, or a dessert –with a scoop of ice cream on top…make that peppermint ice cream! 🙂

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SCONES by NancyC

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

PEPPERMINT GLAZE:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Half & Half
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 Tablespoons crushed candy canes for sprinkling on top
• Optional: 1/2 Tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling on top

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In large bowl, blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender until the flour/butter mixture is crumbly. Stir in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips.

In medium bowl, mix yogurt, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Blend yogurt mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until clumps of dough form (dough will be a little sticky).

Sprinkle some flour over the dough in the bowl to make it less sticky, and with floured hands, knead a few times and shape dough into a ball. Place dough on your parchment-lined baking sheet and pat into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4-inch thick. Use a knife to score into 8 wedges, then bake at 375˚F on your center oven rack for 18 -20 minutes, until golden. The scones may puff up as they’re baking, but they’ll settle down as they cool.

Cool scones for at least 20 minutes, or cool completely, and then add the glaze and topping.

To make glaze, mix powdered sugar, Half & Half, and peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle glaze over scones with a small spoon, then sprinkle some crushed candy canes over the glaze. Let glaze set, then cut scones into wedges where scored, and serve.

Peppermint-flavored goodies are great for the holidays–they’re so fun and festive. Plus, it’s a great way to use those extra candy canes. Have you made any peppermint recipes this year?

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Christmas!

Linked to Fiesta Friday.