Description
Christmas gatherings sparkle with delightful cranberry basil biscuits, merging festive herb and fruit flavors. Home bakers can craft these elegant seasonal treats with simple ingredients and quick preparation steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 tbsps (15 ml) finely chopped fresh basil
- 1–2 tbsps (15–30 ml) melted butter (for brushing over tops)
- 1 ½ tsps (7.5 ml) baking powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
Instructions
- Preparation Setup: Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly to prevent adhesion.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl, creating a consistent dry foundation.
- Butter Integration: Incorporate cold butter cubes into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, developing a coarse, crumbly texture reminiscent of breadcrumbs.
- Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold chopped cranberries throughout the butter-flour mixture, ensuring even distribution of vibrant fruit pieces.
- Liquid Component Blending: Whisk whole milk, sour cream, and finely chopped basil in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, harmonious liquid mixture.
- Dough Formation: Create a central well in the dry ingredients, pour the herbal liquid mixture, and stir carefully with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together without excessive manipulation.
- Dough Conditioning: Transfer the mixture to a floured surface, kneading gently 8-10 times to develop a cohesive, tender texture.
- Shaping Process: Roll or pat the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness, using a 2-inch round cutter to create uniform biscuits positioned 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
- Finishing Touch: Brush biscuit tops with melted butter to achieve a golden, glossy exterior.
- Baking Finale: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden brown and tops feel slightly firm, creating delectable cranberry basil christmas biscuits with a perfect balance of flavors and texture.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to create flaky, tender biscuits with perfect texture.
- Handle Dough Gently: Minimal mixing prevents tough biscuits; stir just until ingredients combine to keep them light and airy.
- Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Finely chop basil immediately before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance taste profile.
- Spacing Ensures Even Baking: Leave 2 inches between biscuits to allow proper heat circulation and prevent them from merging during baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg