Name: Peppermint White Chocolate Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; ⅓ cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate; ¼ cup crushed candy canes; ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

If you love festive flavors and cozy winter treats, these Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are about to become your new holiday baking obsession. Flaky, buttery layers meet creamy white chocolate and cool peppermint in this delightfully indulgent twist on a classic scone. Whether you’re prepping for a cheerful brunch or just craving something sweet with your coffee, these scones are guaranteed to steal the show.

Each bite delivers a dreamy balance: the soft richness of white chocolate mingles with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy, all nestled within a golden, crumbly scone. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze and a snowfall of crushed candy canes, they look as magical as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint White Chocolate Scones

These scones aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience. The contrast of textures, the playful holiday flair, and the easy-to-make dough make them a go-to recipe during the festive season. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting or serving at your next cozy gathering.

Festive flavor: Perfect for Christmas mornings or winter brunches.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples with seasonal twists.
Make-ahead friendly: Freeze the dough or baked scones for stress-free planning.
Visually stunning: The glaze and candy cane topping add holiday sparkle.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into baking, make sure your workspace is ready and you have the right tools on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and the right equipment ensures your scones come out just right.

Essential Tools & Equipment:

Pastry Cutter or Fork: Helps cut the cold butter into the flour for that perfect flaky texture.
Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry, one for wet ingredients to avoid overworking the dough.
Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Bench Scraper or Knife: For shaping and dividing the dough into wedges.
Cooling Rack: Allows scones to cool evenly before glazing.
Zip-top Bag & Rolling Pin (optional): For easily crushing peppermint candies.

Each tool plays a vital role in maintaining texture, avoiding overmixing, and ensuring those signature tender layers. Now that your setup is ready, let’s gather the ingredients!

Ingredients for the Peppermint White Chocolate Scones

Each ingredient in this festive scone recipe contributes to its delightful balance of richness and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour – The structural foundation for the scones, providing body and texture.
Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the white chocolate.
Baking powder – Essential for lift, giving the scones their soft, crumbly interior.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (cold) – The key to flakiness; cold butter creates pockets of steam that lift the dough.
Heavy cream – Provides richness and helps create tender scones.
Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
Peppermint extract – Infuses the dough with cool, minty flavor.
White chocolate chips or chunks – Melty bites of sweetness throughout the scones.
Crushed candy canes – Add festive crunch and color.
Powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk – For a creamy glaze that ties it all together.

How To Make the Peppermint White Chocolate Scones

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding the butter.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is crucial here—it creates those beautiful flaky layers.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and peppermint extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently with a spatula until just combined.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

Fold in the white chocolate chips and a portion of the crushed candy canes. Be gentle—you don’t want to overwork the dough, which can make the scones tough.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it once or twice to bring it together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick, then use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut it into 8 wedges.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch. Let them cool on a rack before glazing.

Step 7: Glaze and Garnish

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones and immediately sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top.

How to Serve and Store These Festive Scones

These Peppermint White Chocolate Scones are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of cocoa, peppermint mocha, or classic coffee. For an extra festive touch, pair them with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Hosting brunch? Arrange them on a holiday platter with fresh berries or a bowl of crushed peppermint for a DIY topping bar. They’re show-stopping enough for Christmas morning and comforting enough for snowy afternoons.

To store: Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. You can also freeze baked scones (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Just thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep scones from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is very cold and that you’re not overworking the dough. Chilling the scones for 10-15 minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but be careful—peppermint oil is more concentrated. Use only a few drops in place of the extract to avoid overpowering the flavor.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. For finer pieces, pulse briefly in a food processor.

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough, cut into wedges, and freeze them unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of white chocolate works best?

Use quality white chocolate chips or chop a good white chocolate bar for extra melty pockets. Avoid overly sweet or waxy brands.

Can I skip the glaze?

You can, but the vanilla glaze really brings all the flavors together and helps the crushed peppermint stick. It’s worth the quick whisk!

Want More Holiday Baking Ideas?

If you’re all about baking cozy, festive treats during the colder months, these recipes will warm your kitchen and heart just like our Peppermint White Chocolate Scones:

Winter Brittle brings a nutty, crunchy twist to your seasonal snacking.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a heavenly fusion of dessert favorites.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies for a cozy and chewy delight.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread takes banana bread to the next level.
Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake is perfect for deep chocolate cravings.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can revisit it whenever you’re ready to bake another batch of peppermint joy.

And if you’ve made these Peppermint White Chocolate Scones, let me know how they turned out! Did you crush the candy canes fine or leave them chunky? Did you go extra on the glaze?

I always love hearing your twists and tips—drop a comment and let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

For more festive inspiration and daily recipes, follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate.