Switch it up from sweet to savory with Cheese Scones.
Can you like both cats and dogs? Dill pickles and sweet pickles? Yes! And the same goes for scones. While sweet scones are most people’s go-to scones, slathered with jam or clotted cream and served with afternoon tea, savory scones like these Cheese Scones are a delightful alternative and may become your new favorite. Cheese Scones are the delicious obverse to traditional sweet scones, and yes, you can enjoy both! It seems that scones originated in the British Isles and have been around for centuries. However, they rose in popularity during the Victorian Era as part of high tea culture.
Scones, whether sweet or savory, share some common features: cold butter and cold milk or cream are central ingredients. When baked, good scones should rise nicely to about 2 inches, be cobbled on the outside, and be tender, flaky, and divine on the inside. Sturdier than the American biscuit, scones hold up to any sort of condiment or topping (although they’re delicious on their own, too!).
So why should you make Cheese Scones if you’re already partial to the sweet variety? Because they taste amazing. You get that texture that is just pillowy soft on the inside but with the additional tang of cheddar cheese. Homemade Cheese Scones have that irresistible cheese flavor—nothing processed or artificial here! Additionally, they are super versatile: slice and make adorable sandwiches or serve them warm and whole with stew, soup, or even roasted broccoli.
The secret to tender scones
The secret to tender scones is less is more. Really! Less mixing and handling means more flavor and a soft texture on the inside. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined—no vigorous mixing into oblivion here. Then, when moving onto the floured surface to pat and shape into a flat disc, don’t knead or roll it for long. The less your hands touch the dough, the better. It’s less a “secret” than simple science: keep the cold butter from totally softening and blending with the batter. Those cold butter bits are what help keep the inside of the scones flaky as they bake.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
You can make Cheese Scones ahead in that you can make the dough and chill it until you’re ready to bake. Baking then freezing is not recommended. To make ahead, once you begin Step 7 and have your disc of dough ready, wrap it in parchment paper and then plastic wrap. You can refrigerate this dough for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake and serve, simply cut out your scones as directed in Step 7 and bake. Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Does the cayenne pepper make Cheese Scones spicy?
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, don’t worry too much about the cayenne pepper. While it’s certainly optional, it does not make these scones spicy scones. The 1/4 teaspoon merely complements the cheddar flavor and enhances it. It’s kind of like how a little salt on fresh watermelon makes it taste sweeter. Go easy with the cayenne pepper if you’re concerned, but the pepper is really there to boost the cheese factor.
Fire and Ice
While the cold, cold butter is important for the Cheese Scones’ texture, the other part of that equation is the heat. Make sure your oven is really good and hot, fully up to 425 degrees. Another tip for getting the texture just right is to get your baking sheet hot as well. First, slip it in the oven for the last few minutes of preheating, and then carefully remove it just in time to place the chilled (unbaked) scones on it. That hot pan and hot oven will help the outsides cook quickly and attain the cobbled outer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese Scones have a lot of uses. First, think about how you’re going to serve them before you actually cut them out in Step 7. If you want them as mini sandwiches, use a smaller cutter. Alternatively, if you are serving them as sides to a stew or soup, use a bigger cutter so the servings are bigger. So, what to serve with these amazing scones? For mini sandwiches, slice and top with ham, chutney, and pickles or a chicken salad for your next shower or party. Or, bake up bigger scones and serve with a stew like this Easy Beef Stew. Additionally, Cheese Scones are great at brunch. Try them next to Spinach, Sausage, and Tomato Strata.
Cheese Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup whole milk plus extra for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 3/4-inch thick and use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out scones. Re-form the scraps and continue cutting until all dough is used.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with a bit of milk, and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and risen.
- Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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