Cheese scones are a delightful savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. These golden, cheesy delights combine the richness of sharp cheddar with the freshness of chives, resulting in a flaky, tender scone that melts in your mouth. Whether paired with butter or enjoyed plain, cheese scones bring warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 345 g (2 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 200 g (7 oz) grated cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheeses recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 225 g (8 oz) buttermilk (plus more if needed)
For the Topping:
- Milk, for brushing
- Grated cheese, for topping
Preparation
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Incorporate the butter.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Step 3: Add cheese and chives.
Gently stir in the grated cheese and finely chopped chives, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Form the dough.
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and gently fold everything together with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Add additional buttermilk if the dough feels too dry.
Step 5: Shape the dough.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a ball, then roll it into a rectangle approximately 7×10 inches. Fold it into thirds like a pamphlet, rotate it 90 degrees, and repeat the process two more times to create flaky layers.
Step 6: Cut and chill.
Cut the dough into 8–10 pieces using a knife or biscuit cutter. Arrange the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then refrigerate while preheating the oven to 430°F (220°C).
Step 7: Prepare for baking.
Brush the tops of the scones with milk and sprinkle generously with grated cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake.
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 9: Serve.
Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or as a stand-alone snack.
Variation
- Cheese Blend: Swap out some of the cheddar for Parmesan or Gruyère for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a spicy twist.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley instead of chives for a different flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Cheese Tips: Opt for a strong, sharp cheese like mature cheddar to enhance the scones’ flavor.
- DIY Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Storage: Unbaked scones can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to one month. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these scones with a steaming bowl of soup or chili for a comforting meal.
- Serve them as part of a cheese platter with butter and jams on the side.
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Tips
- Use a light touch when handling the dough to ensure tender, flaky scones.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
- Always bake scones on a lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 297 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, any hard cheese like Gouda, Parmesan, or Gruyère works well. Mixing cheeses adds depth to the flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover scones?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Adjust the buttermilk quantity as needed.
Conclusion
These cheese scones are a timeless savory delight that brings together the boldness of cheddar, the freshness of chives, and the comforting flakiness of a well-made scone. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for a midday snack, they are sure to become a favorite for family and friends alike. Try them today and savor the cheesy goodness!
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The Best Cheese Scones
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8–10
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
• 345 g (2 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 200 g (7 oz) grated cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheeses recommended)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 225 g (8 oz) buttermilk (plus more if needed)
For the Topping:
• Milk, for brushing
• Grated cheese, for topping
Instructions
Preparation
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
• Stir in the grated cheese and chopped chives.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until it forms a shaggy dough. Add more buttermilk if needed.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Roll into a 7×10 inch rectangle, fold like a pamphlet, and repeat the process two more times.
• Cut the dough into 8–10 pieces and place them on a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate while preheating the oven to 430°F (220°C).
• Brush the scones with milk, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool slightly before serving warm with butter or as is.
Notes
– Use strong-flavored cheese like cheddar or mix with Parmesan for added depth.
– To make your own buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
– Make ahead: Refrigerate the unbaked scones overnight or freeze them for up to 1 month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: scones, cheese scones