Cranberry Eggnog Scones (2024)

Home » Breakfast » Cranberry Eggnog Scones

posted by Liz Berg

on December 4, 2016 (updated 1/17/24)

Jump to Recipe

Cranberry eggnog scones are tender, scrumptious, and spiked with eggnog! My go-to scones recipe is made with rich, heavy cream.

For a festive change of pace, I swapped out the cream for eggnog and made this tender Scones Recipe for the holidays!

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 What People Are Saying

3 Recipe Notes

4 Christmas Scones

5 Recipe Tips for Scones

6 What to Do with Leftover Eggnog

7 Frequently Asked Questions

8 You May Also Like:

9 Cranberry Eggnog Scones Recipe

Why You Must Make

Knowing my family would look suspiciously at anything I made containing both eggnog and cranberries, I had to bake up these scones for friends living outside this house (though I think they’d indulge if I served this Cranberry-Eggnog Cheesecake!). I meet with a group of knitters every other Friday morning, so they’ve gotten used to being my guinea pigs.

These are a fun treat for the Christmas season.
This is a tasty way to use up leftover eggnog.
If you’re having a Christmas brunch, these holiday scones would be a yummy addition to the menu.

What People Are Saying

I am obsessed with these! I made them for a Christmas tea my sister-in-law hosted. They were a hit!! I actually made the dough the night before and froze the pre-cut scones. In the morning I just placed them in the oven while frozen and they were fantastic! They don’t spread and are so creamy and delicious. I now have 2 batches made, cut, and ready in my freezer for grab and bake while the eggnog season is over! This recipe is incredible!

Recipe Notes

Kitchen Staples– Flour, Sugar, Salt
Butter – Make sure it’s cold, then dice into ¼-inch cubes
Baking Powder – As mentioned above, make sure your baking powder is fresh or your scones will be too dense.
Dried Cranberries AKA Craisins– If your craisins have dried out, you can refresh them by soaking them in some very hot water. Make sure to let them dry on paper toweling before using.
Eggnog – You may need a touch more or less depending on the humidity. Use just enough so the dough comes together.

Christmas Scones

My friends swooned when I shared my raspberry cream scones, so why not substitute dried cranberries for the raspberries and eggnog for the cream? One word: delectable!Just as tender as those made with cream, plus you get just a nuance of the eggnog flavorings.

The subtle hint of rum and nutmeg plus cranberries provided a festive twist. These cranberry eggnog scones would be a fabulous addition to your holiday brunch. Perfectly delicious plain or go ahead and splurge by serving with them clotted cream and jam.

Recipe Tips for Scones

PRO-Tip: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. It often expires before you can use it all. To test for freshness, place a spoonful of baking powder in a cup of very hot water. It should bubble vigorously if it’s still active. If not, replace your can before making this recipe. You don’t want your scones to be as dense as hockey pucks!
PRO-Tip: Keep your eggnog and butter cold. This will help make for flaky, tender scones.
Do not overwork the dough or your scones will be tough. You’ll want little bits of butter throughout, not a perfectly smooth dough.
If you feel your butter warmed up during the mixing process, pop your cut scones into the freezer to chill. They will rise much better with cold butter.
Bake and enjoy! Note that scones taste best on the day they’re baked.
PRO-Tip: Eggnog freezes well. Either freeze it in the carton or measure out the amounts needed for this or another recipe. Label with what it will be used for.

What to Do with Leftover Eggnog

I’m more likely to use eggnog for a festive recipe than actually drink it, so there are always leftovers. For most recipes, just substitute eggnog for milk or cream in a tried and true recipe. Here are some creative ways to use up any extra eggnog:

Scones, of course!
French toast
Quick bread and muffins
Cheesecake
Rice pudding
Homemade ice cream
Smoothies
Plus, I saw recipes for truffles, frosting, cookie bars, and fudge! Just do a Google search to find the details. In most of these recipes, eggnog can be used instead of the milk or cream in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Scones and Biscuits?

Though they are similar, biscuits typically have more butter and are fluffier and flakier. Scones are denser, crumblier, and not as sweet.

When Do You Serve Scones?

Scones are usually served for breakfast or tea. They are served with coffee or tea, clotted cream, and jam.

Why Are My Scones Dry?

There are three top reasons scones turn out dry. First is kneading them too much. Mix just until they hold together. Also, make sure you cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like cornmeal with a few pea-sized pieces of butter interspersed. Finally, not adding enough liquid will also make for dry scones.

Cranberry Eggnog Scones Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time25 minutes

Yield8 scones

A festive holiday scone recipe that can be made with leftover holiday eggnog.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into ¼-inch cubes
½ cup dried cranberries
1 cup eggnog (may add more or less until the dough comes together)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425º.
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until it looks like coarse cornmeal with a few slightly larger lumps.
Stir in dried fruit and mix in. Add in the eggnog and stir with a spatula or fork till dough begins to form.
Pour out onto the countertop and knead by hand till comes together into a slightly sticky mass...only about 5-10 seconds. Pat into a round about 1 inch tall. Cut into 8 wedges.
Place onto an ungreased or Silpat-lined baking sheet. May brush with cream and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
Bake 12-15 minutes till light brown. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before serving.
May serve warm or at room temperature. These freeze well.
You may also make these in the food processor. Be careful not to over-process.

Notes

Adapted from America's Test Kitchen.

Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Check the expiration date. It expires much faster than baking soda.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Note: This post may contain affiliate links; view my Disclosure Policy for details. I earn a small percentage from any purchase you make by clicking on these links at no extra cost to you.

Breakfast Brunch Christmas Holidays Popular

86 Comments on “Cranberry Eggnog Scones”

Shay — January 4, 2024 @ 7:08 pm Reply

I am obsessed with these! I made them for a Christmas tea my sister in law hosted. They were a hit!! I actually made the dough the night before and froze the pre-cut scones. In the morning I just placed them in the oven while frozen and they were fantastic! They don’t spread and are so creamy and delicious. I now have 2 batches made, cut, and ready in my freezer for grab and bake while the eggnog season is over! This recipe is incredible!
- Liz Berg — January 5, 2024 @ 5:49 am Reply
  
  I’m so glad they were a hit, Shay! And thanks for the tip about making them ahead and freezing before baking!
MD — October 21, 2022 @ 12:59 pm Reply

How many grams/oz is your cup of flour? Thank you! Just prefer to weigh my ingredients
- Liz Berg — October 21, 2022 @ 1:40 pm Reply
  
  The flour in my kitchen is 5 1/8 ounces/cup. Hope that helps! P.S. My sister’s name is Maddy 🙂
Joan — December 24, 2018 @ 10:52 am Reply

We love these scones so much!
Becky Hardin — December 23, 2018 @ 1:46 pm Reply

The flavor is out of this world!
Melissa — December 22, 2018 @ 8:49 pm Reply

Made these for my tea party with friends and they were the hottest items there!
Erin — December 22, 2018 @ 6:21 pm Reply

I usually can only handle a cup of eggnog, but boy I can inhale a plate of these. So yummy!
Sommer — December 21, 2018 @ 1:06 pm Reply

Wonderful holiday scones!! Such a great flavor combination!
Toni — December 21, 2018 @ 11:57 am Reply

I just made these for a girl’s brunch and they were such a hit! Great tips for making the recipe!
Noelle — December 20, 2018 @ 1:54 pm Reply

This is great, made it this morning. Total hit, thanks!
Aimee — December 20, 2018 @ 1:26 pm Reply

These scones are perfection. The perfect mix of flavors and I love the little bites of cranberries throughout. These would be perfect for Christmas morning!
Janis — December 11, 2017 @ 11:30 pm Reply

I made these scones because I wanted to use up some leftover eggnog and they are fabulous. I prepared them in my food processor and didn’t over process them, but the cranberries weren’t evenly distributed. Next time I make them, I’ll pulse the butter into the dry ingredients in the food processor, pour that mixture into a bowl, stir in the cranberries, and then work in the eggnog with a rubber spatula. Oh, I also added some freshly grated nutmeg to enhance the eggnog flavor. Highly recommended!!
- Liz Berg — December 12, 2017 @ 5:11 am Reply
  
  Thanks so much for your tips, Janis. So glad you enjoyed!!!
Marcelle/A Little Fish in the Kitchen — December 29, 2016 @ 11:57 pm Reply

Oh my goodness, these just sound so delicious!! I have to make some soon, Liz!! Happy Holidays to you!
Sandra Garth — December 10, 2016 @ 2:58 pm Reply

The cranberry/eggnog combination sounds amazing and these look perfect!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook — December 7, 2016 @ 3:09 pm Reply

What a simple way to add extra flavor to scones! Great idea.
Laura | Tutti Dolci — December 5, 2016 @ 1:22 am Reply

I love cream scones and these look blissful!
Caroline — December 4, 2016 @ 9:06 pm Reply

These look delicious – great that you have a test group for things your family is more wary of so you still get to enjoy them!
Beth — December 4, 2016 @ 7:06 pm Reply

What a great way to use eggnog in your baking! I’d love to serve these for brunch over the holidays.
Eva Taylor — December 4, 2016 @ 4:39 pm Reply

What a great idea, I love eggnog and cranberries and scones are just the perfect snack food. Having them with clotted cream also sounds wonderfully decadent.
Emily @ Life on Food — December 4, 2016 @ 12:32 pm Reply

I haven’t had scones for the longest time, let alone make some. These look delicious. I am loving all of the eggnog recipes. I have yet to have a glass this year.
Angie@Angie's Recipes — December 4, 2016 @ 11:23 am Reply

They look simply amazing!
Cindys Recipes and Writings — December 4, 2016 @ 10:03 am Reply

I’m making extra to freeze for later!
Christie — December 4, 2016 @ 8:14 am Reply

These sound fantastic! I never thought to pair cranberry and eggnog together.
Emma @ Bake Then Eat — December 4, 2016 @ 7:52 am Reply

Beautiful scones, my hubby is the same wouldn’t touch a scone that wasn’t plain! His loss these really do sound lovely.
Sandra — December 29, 2011 @ 5:03 pm Reply

What do ya know I have eggnog in the fridge, just have to get my hands on some cranberries. Thanks Liz these look delicious.
See Also
Classic Scottish Shortbread for your Christmas Cookie Tray
Linda — December 29, 2011 @ 1:18 pm Reply

I made these last week for a family gathering and they were fantastic! thanks for sharing 🙂
kita — December 24, 2011 @ 12:30 am Reply

Suspicious of cranberries? I love them! You can just send any more challenges my way 😉
These scones sound killer.
Merry Christmas!
Meg {henninglove} — December 19, 2011 @ 7:11 pm Reply

i made this yesterday and they were absolutely amazing!! loved them loved them loved them, they were so so good!
Beth Michelle — December 18, 2011 @ 4:03 pm Reply

Ahh scones! So perfect with those ingredients! Great job! These look wonderful!
nicole @ I am a honey bee — December 18, 2011 @ 3:06 am Reply

scones are such a great idea for this ingredient combo
Kim Bee — December 17, 2011 @ 6:18 am Reply

Wonderful job Lizzy. I love the presentation on it too. So pretty.
Elisabeth — December 17, 2011 @ 3:54 am Reply

Great challenge, Lizzy…you always come out a winner! Love the scones, the way it turned out. It’s the cranberry season, and you made the “best of it”…Big hugs!!!
Lacy — December 16, 2011 @ 9:02 pm Reply

Oh man I could totally get into these scones! Eggnog & cranberries included, yes please! They look beautiful too. 🙂
peanutbutterandpeppers.com — December 17, 2011 @ 12:02 am Reply

The scones look fantastic! I love that you combined eggnog with cranberries. This would be wonderful on Christmas morning!
freeeatsfood.com — December 16, 2011 @ 5:40 pm Reply

What an awesome use for egg nog! This would be a great treat for Christmas morning! Love your photos too. 🙂
Carolyn — December 16, 2011 @ 9:50 pm Reply

Oh what a gorgeous flavour of scone. I may have to borrow and low carbify this one!
DebbZ — December 16, 2011 @ 10:23 am Reply

Gosh, this blog makes me fat by just looking at those yummy pictures *drooling*Cheersdebbzie.blogspot
motherrimmy — December 16, 2011 @ 5:31 am Reply

I have a friend who adores scones and will love this recipe!
DWei — December 16, 2011 @ 5:17 am Reply

I wasn’t even aware that you could bake with eggnog. o_o
Miriam — December 16, 2011 @ 4:28 am Reply

Cranberries and eggnog sure soud like best friends to me!! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Little Mommy — December 16, 2011 @ 4:11 am Reply

BEAUTIFUL scones!
Nami | Just One Cookbook — December 16, 2011 @ 2:53 am Reply

There is no better holiday breakfast menu than cranberry eggnog scones! I’m really impressed. Love your presentation too – just so pretty!
Adam — December 16, 2011 @ 1:21 am Reply

I’ve actually never had eggnog before
Reeni — December 16, 2011 @ 12:49 am Reply

Two of my absolute favorites in one scrumptious scone! I bet everyone loved them. They’re beauties.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — December 16, 2011 @ 5:47 am Reply

What a great idea, Lizzy! I’ve had many cranberry scones, but never with eggnog! I am really intrigued to try these!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — December 16, 2011 @ 5:47 am Reply

What a great idea, Lizzy! I’ve had many cranberry scones, but never with eggnog! I am really intrigued to try these!
Beth — December 16, 2011 @ 12:13 am Reply

What a great way to combine these two flavors. Your knitters are one lucky group!
DEZMOND — December 16, 2011 @ 12:07 am Reply

love love how you made that bed of cranberries for the scones, Lizzy! 🙂
Torviewtoronto — December 15, 2011 @ 10:19 pm Reply

festive looks fabulous
Jennifer — December 15, 2011 @ 10:19 pm Reply

Yum – now I want scones! Love the cranberries too and the eggnog – very Christmasy.
Linda — December 16, 2011 @ 3:14 am Reply

these are beautiful and they sound soo tasty!!
Asian-spice mix — December 15, 2011 @ 9:51 pm Reply

I don’t like eggnog for drinks,but on the scones sound really yummy,i bet taste eveb better with cranberries !!
Ridwan
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen — December 15, 2011 @ 8:47 pm Reply

Wow Lizzy! Unusual combination of flavours but I can see them working so well together. What lucky guinea pigs those knitters are. I absolutely love dried cranberries and would even take up knitting if I thought it would result in treats like these!
Cucina49 — December 15, 2011 @ 9:39 pm Reply

I love the presentation on the photos, with the scones sitting on top of the cranberries. I’m sure these were amazing!
Tina — December 15, 2011 @ 7:30 pm Reply

This really is a unique recipe-the first I have seen of using cranberry and eggnog in scones! Both of those ingredients must have given these such a wonderful flavor. Always glad to come across a great recipe for scones, thanks Liz!
janet@fromcupcakestocaviar — December 15, 2011 @ 10:19 pm Reply

I absolutely LOVE eggnog (whoda thunk it. ME liking something bad for me lol) and anything cranberry so I am pretty sure that these will end up on my Christmas buffet. Buzzed!
Kate@ Kate from Scratch — December 15, 2011 @ 5:00 pm Reply

How delicious! I’d love one of these right now to go with my coffee. Yum!
BigFatBaker — December 15, 2011 @ 4:55 pm Reply

Sounds delicious! I LOVE cranberries and I can only imagine how moist these scones must have been. Funny we all posted similar things on the same day! I love the holiday recipes everywhere!
Maggie — December 15, 2011 @ 4:43 pm Reply

These would definitely be a welcome addition to our Christmas brunch. I am a big fan of scones and I bet the eggnog in them is divine! Another winner Lizzy!
Teri@thefreshmancook — December 15, 2011 @ 4:34 pm Reply

Great for Christmas morning! 2 of my favorites, and I can make them ahead of time!Great recipe!
Balvinder ( Neetu) — December 15, 2011 @ 4:32 pm Reply

Lizzy,I have never tried eggnog. I have brought years ago. It looked thick and too rich to me to drink. Your scones simply look delicious giving that rich flavour of egg and cream.
Crunchy Creamy Sweet — December 15, 2011 @ 4:31 pm Reply

I love this idea! Perfect for Christmas brunch 🙂
Jen at The Three Little Piglets — December 15, 2011 @ 4:21 pm Reply

That is such a simple and beautiful way to serve them! That would work with all kinds of stuff!
Kiri W. — December 15, 2011 @ 4:19 pm Reply

Too bad! I love eggnog to death, but don’t tend to enjoy scones or cranberries :/
Great way to sue these ingredients, though!
Carolina HeartStrings — December 15, 2011 @ 3:41 pm Reply

Your scones look delicious. I know my family would love this reciope. Be sure to register to win the wonderful book we are giving away. Today is the last day. Look for the Southern Fried Women post.
Loveforfood — December 15, 2011 @ 3:36 pm Reply

Food look so so good and yummy! …
Viviane Bauquet Farre — December 15, 2011 @ 4:32 pm Reply

You have a very impressive presentation here, serving them over the cranberries like that. I’ll bet this flavor combination is stunning. Wish I had one of these for breakfast this morning!
Ah Tze — December 15, 2011 @ 2:47 pm Reply

light and fluffy scones is hard to make, cranberry eggnog combo is new to me, yours scones look lovely!
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} — December 15, 2011 @ 2:34 pm Reply

i saw the challenge on Kristen blog and was thinking of making something. Seems I’m somehow running out of time.
Your scones look fantastic Liz!
Cookaholic Wife — December 15, 2011 @ 2:28 pm Reply

Looks like scones were a popular pick for this challenge. I made them too, but yours look much better! I need to try your recipe. 🙂
Suzi — December 15, 2011 @ 2:24 pm Reply

Funny I just joined the challenge beginning next month. Love your scones. They look quite delicious.
Lory B. — December 15, 2011 @ 2:17 pm Reply

..anche questa volta mi tenti!!!
Un dolce sorprendente!! Ti prendo la ricetta!!!
Un bacio grande!!!!
Christiane Potts — December 15, 2011 @ 2:11 pm Reply

Glory be, what a perfect combination; and in my favorite sweet breakfast treat! I love having a group that I can use as a guinea pig like that. With their seal of approval, I can’t wait to give these a go.
Pegasuslegend — December 15, 2011 @ 1:44 pm Reply

As always marvelous recipe and beautifully represented !
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family — December 15, 2011 @ 1:39 pm Reply

Oh I love these. This was my first time participating in the challenge but it is fascinating to see what everyone came up with.
Sandi — December 15, 2011 @ 1:34 pm Reply

I’d love this as a new breakfast idea, so yummy 🙂
I’m enjoying all of this cranberry-eggnog post love today!
Becky — December 15, 2011 @ 1:32 pm Reply

These are perfect scones for a holiday brunch or Christmas breakfast! I love the cranberry eggnog combo, too.
justputzing — December 15, 2011 @ 1:31 pm Reply

Mmm, I love scones, and yours look awesome! Definitely saving this recipe…
Ann — December 15, 2011 @ 1:26 pm Reply

Oh, Liz! These are stunning – and your photos! *sigh* absolutely beautiful! I would swoon over them, too!
Believe it or not – I actually joined this challenge! My first challenge EVER! I was SO excited! Thanks so much and have a GREAT day!
MrsFoxsSweets — December 15, 2011 @ 1:26 pm Reply

Your scones sound delicious, and so beautifully photographed too! I would love for you to stop back by and share them at Mrs Foxs Sweet Party 🙂 I cant wait to see what everyone makes for next months challenge!
Nava.K — December 15, 2011 @ 1:16 pm Reply

All I know about eggnog is I drink to glory during Christmas but into scones is new. Sure this is creative and looks good for a morning start up.
Katerina — December 15, 2011 @ 4:10 pm Reply

Egg nog is something I have never tried and it is in my list of the things I should do. These scones look like the best thing to start. They look delicious plus I can say that I have tried egg nog or they don’t count? lol. You have one beautiful blog here, thank you for following my blog, I am following back. See you soon!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts — December 15, 2011 @ 3:39 pm Reply

I have never tried eggnog before!! I really need to change that, there are so many great looking recipes out there with it. I am going to have to add it to my list and bake with it next week!
Ashley@Bakerbynature — December 15, 2011 @ 3:22 pm Reply

I’ve been all over the cranberry eggnog combo – brilliant!! I love these scones… and want some in my belly!