If you’re looking to add a touch of festive flair and a burst of unique flavor to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, these White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe are exactly what you need. With their vibrant green hue from the matcha powder and the perfect sweetness from white chocolate chips, these scones bring together a delightful balance of earthiness and creamy indulgence. They’re tender, buttery, and just the right kind of special to impress guests or simply brighten your own day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished tradition every March 17th and beyond!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each playing its part in making these scones the perfect blend of tender, flavorful, and visually festive. The matcha gives a vibrant color and earthy depth, while white chocolate chips provide sweet pockets of creamy goodness throughout.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the scones.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the matcha.
- 1 tbsp matcha powder: The star ingredient that creates that beautiful green hue and a delicate, grassy flavor.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Provides the necessary lift so the scones are light and fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Adds flakiness and richness—make sure it’s cold for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Keeps the dough moist and tender, plus great for brushing on top to get that golden finish.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips: Sweet bursts of creamy texture that melt delightfully as you bite into each scone.
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing): Gives the scones a lovely sheen and helps with browning.
How to Make White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures the scones bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, keeping your beautiful scones intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Getting these dry ingredients thoroughly combined before adding butter ensures an even distribution of matcha and baking powder, which is key for a nice rise and consistent flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step may seem fiddly but is essential for creating those flaky layers that make scones irresistible.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients will add moisture and richness to your dough, balancing the dryness of the flour perfectly.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined—be careful not to overwork your dough or your scones could become tough. Then fold in the white chocolate chips, folding gently so they’re evenly distributed without melting into the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick disc. Cut the dough into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter if you want traditional round scones. Position your scone wedges on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a little space to grow.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake
Brush the tops of the scones with extra heavy cream or milk to give them a beautiful golden finish during baking. Pop them in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, let the scones cool on a wire rack before serving.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
If you want to take these scones up a notch, whisk together some powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract for a simple glaze to drizzle over the top once they’re cooled. It adds an extra hint of sweetness and makes them look irresistible.
How to Serve White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or even a small sprinkling of matcha powder can elevate the look and flavor of your scones. Fresh mint leaves also pair beautifully, adding a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the matcha.
Side Dishes
These scones are perfect alongside a pot of strong black tea or creamy matcha latte, which echo the flavors inside the scone. You might also serve them with clotted cream or a light whipped honey butter to amp up the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive St. Patrick’s Day brunch, arrange these scones on a platter lined with shamrock-shaped paper or napkins. You could even serve them in a basket with green-tinted linen for that extra holiday spirit. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of the bright green, fun treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe left over (though they might not last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and tender.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a festive treat anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your scones in a 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the scones rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While white chocolate pairs perfectly with matcha, you could try milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer or less sweet contrast.
What if I don’t have matcha powder on hand?
While matcha is key for that signature flavor and color in this White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe, you can try swapping it with finely ground green tea leaves, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can these scones be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk, but note the texture and flavor might shift slightly.
Why is it important not to overmix the dough?
Overmixing activates too much gluten, which can make scones tough instead of soft and crumbly—gently mixing just until combined keeps them tender and flaky.
Can I make these scones ahead for St. Patrick’s Day?
Definitely! You can shape and freeze the scones ahead of time, then bake them fresh on the big day for maximum freshness and convenience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe. Not only do they burst with festive color, but their flavor combination is utterly divine and unlike anything you’ll find in a bakery. Whip up a batch, share with friends and family, and watch how quickly they disappear. This is definitely one St. Patrick’s Day treat you’ll look forward to year after year!
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White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Chocolate Chip Matcha Scones are a delightful treat combining the earthy flavor of matcha green tea with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any cozy afternoon, these scones are tender, lightly sweetened, and beautifully vibrant in color.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Optional Glaze
- Powdered sugar (quantity approx. 1/2 cup)
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create flaky scones.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Wet & Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and gently stir just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold the white chocolate chips into the dough evenly.
- Shape the Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick disc for uniform baking.
- Cut the Scones: Slice the dough disc into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for traditional scone shapes.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the lined baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with milk for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the scones have risen.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled scones for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is very cold before incorporating for flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones.
- Matcha powder quality affects flavor; use culinary grade for best results.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted with dark or milk chocolate if desired.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Optionally, reheat scones briefly before serving for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American