There’s something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky cheese scone. The combination of the delicate crumb, the rich cheesy flavor, and the tantalizing aroma is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, making cheese scones from scratch is a rewarding experience that will surely impress your friends and family.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the best cheese scones.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your preferred variety)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional toppings: additional grated cheese, herbs, or spices
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Preheating the oven ensures that the scones bake evenly and rise properly.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper (if desired).
Whisk the ingredients together to evenly distribute them.
This step ensures that your scones will have a consistent texture and flavor.
Incorporating the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
The butter should be evenly distributed to create pockets of flakiness in the scones.
Adding the Cheese
Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient—cheese! Add the grated cheese to the flour-butter mixture and gently toss it together.
This step ensures that every bite of your scones is filled with cheesy goodness.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg until well combined.
This mixture will act as the binding agent and provide moisture to the dough.
Reserve a small amount of the mixture to brush the tops of the scones later.
Bringing it All Together
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the milk and egg mixture into the well.
Using a fork or a wooden spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense scones.
Shaping the Scones
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle or circle, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
To achieve the classic scone shape, use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out individual scones.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each scone.
Optional Toppings
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, you can sprinkle additional grated cheese, herbs, or spices on top of the scones.
This step is entirely optional, but it adds a delightful finishing touch to your creations.
Baking the Scones
Brush the tops of the scones with the reserved milk and egg mixture, which will give them a beautiful golden brown color.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones have risen and turned golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese scones have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm.
Serve them with a dollop of butter, a smear of cream cheese, or your favorite jam.
These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
