Description
Cranberry basil Christmas biscuits blend festive cheer with herbal elegance, offering a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. Delicate, buttery crumbles studded with tart cranberries and aromatic basil create a memorable seasonal indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries (whole or rough chopped)
- ¼ cup (57 g) cold butter (cubed)
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) melted butter (for brushing over tops)
Leavening Agents:
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
Seasonings and Herbs:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
- Cut cold unsalted butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives, creating a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gently fold chopped fresh cranberries into the butter-flour mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together whole milk, sour cream, and finely chopped fresh basil until smooth and well combined.
- Form a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the milk and herb mixture into it.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients carefully, stirring just until the dough comes together without overworking the mixture.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8-10 times to create a cohesive texture.
- Roll or pat the dough to approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) thickness using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Cut out biscuits using a 2-inch (5 centimeters) round cutter, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each biscuit with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and the tops are slightly firm.
Notes
- Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline the baking process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Cold butter is crucial for achieving those perfectly flaky, tender biscuit layers that melt in your mouth.
- Minimal handling of the dough prevents tough biscuits, so mix just until ingredients come together.
- Fresh basil adds an unexpected herbal twist that elevates these festive holiday treats beyond ordinary biscuits.
- Cranberries bring a delightful burst of tartness and festive color, making these biscuits a true Christmas morning showstopper.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5gg
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 28mg