What is Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones?
The Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones are a whimsical, festive treat perfect for the Christmas season. These tender, citrusy scones are topped with a sweet raspberry frosting shaped like Santa hats, complete with little whipped-cream pom-poms. Ideal for Christmas brunch, cookie swaps, or cozy mornings by the fire, these scones are as fun to make as they are to eat. With the zesty flavor of fresh lemons paired with the tangy sweetness of raspberries, this holiday-inspired treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
Origin of the Recipe
While the concept of scones dates back to Scotland, the Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones have a modern twist that adds a festive touch perfect for the holiday season. Scones, traditionally served during tea time or as part of breakfast in the UK, are made by mixing flour, butter, and milk (or cream) to create a crumbly, yet soft dough. The Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones recipe incorporates both the classic scone elements and a Christmas twist, with vibrant raspberry frosting mimicking Santa’s iconic red hat, making it a unique and playful addition to your holiday menu.
This recipe brings together two favorite holiday flavors: lemon and raspberry, with the scone acting as a perfect base. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas with family or attending a holiday cookie swap, these scones are sure to impress.
Ingredients (makes 8–10 scones)
For the Lemon Scones
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup heavy cream (plus a little more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries (keep frozen if using)
Raspberry “Santa Hat” Frosting
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup raspberry purée or 3 tbsp raspberry jam
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration
- Whipped cream or piped vanilla buttercream
- Fresh raspberries (1 per scone)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Scones
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Stir in the lemon zest to infuse the dough with a fresh citrus flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in dense scones.
- If using raspberries, fold them in very gently so they don’t break apart.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 8–10 wedges using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream for a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
Bake for 14–18 minutes or until the scones are golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the scones to cool completely before decorating.
2. Make the Raspberry Frosting
- Beat the butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Add the raspberry purée or jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it’s smooth and a bright pink color. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of cream to loosen it up.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip for easy decorating.
3. Assemble the Santa Hats
- Pipe a swirl of raspberry frosting on each scone, forming a little cone shape to resemble Santa’s hat.
- Top each hat with a fresh raspberry to complete the iconic look of the Santa hat.
- Pipe a small dollop of whipped cream or white frosting at the tip of the raspberry to mimic a pom-pom.
- For a fun and festive touch, add a few small dollops of whipped cream around the base of the scone to resemble the “fur” trim of Santa’s hat.
- Optional: lightly dust the scones with powdered sugar to give them a snowy, wintery look.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a unique lemon-poppy flavor.
- For an extra lemony twist, drizzle the scones with a thin lemon glaze before frosting them with the raspberry hat.
- If you prefer a sweeter hat, swap the raspberry frosting with strawberry frosting for a milder taste.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and slightly reduce the cream to adjust for texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones
1. Can I make Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the scones the day before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the next day when you’re ready to serve for a fresh and festive presentation.
2. Can I use frozen raspberries for the scone dough?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in the dough. Just make sure to keep them frozen until you’re ready to fold them in, so they don’t release too much moisture into the dough.
3. How do I store leftover scones?
Leftover scones should be stored in an airtight container. If decorated, store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. They can be kept for 2–3 days, but they are best enjoyed within the first day or two.
4. Can I freeze these scones?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked scones. After cutting the dough into wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion: Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones
These Santa Hat Raspberry Lemon Scones bring both flavor and festive fun to your holiday celebrations. With their tangy lemon flavor, sweet raspberry frosting, and playful Santa hat decoration, they’re sure to become a favorite in your Christmas recipe rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them with family on a snowy morning or gifting them to friends, these scones are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. The combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and the whimsical Santa hat design makes them an unforgettable treat for any Christmas occasion. So, get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of baking these adorable, delicious scones this holiday season!
