Cheese Scones

These Cheese Scones are a savory, buttery treat with a rich, cheesy flavor. Perfect for a snack or alongside a hearty soup, these scones are light, flaky, and packed with shredded cheddar. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, they make for a delicious addition to any meal or a stand-alone snack. Best of all, they’re ready in just over 30 minutes, making them an easy yet indulgent option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheese scones are irresistibly tender and flavorful, with a golden, crisp crust and a soft, buttery interior. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of salt elevates the taste, while the texture is perfectly flaky and light. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or serving them as part of a meal, these scones will become a go-to favorite. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll be able to whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.

Ingredients

• For the Scones:

  • 1 3/4 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (or tasty cheese) – pack the cups tightly

  • 3 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt; halve for table salt, +50% for flakes)

  • 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1 cm cubes

  • 3/4 cup milk, cold (preferably full-fat), plus extra for brushing

• Topping/Serving:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

  • Butter (for spreading)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C/350°F fan-forced).

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. Place the flour, baking powder, and salt in a food processor with a standard “S” blade. Pulse once to mix.

Add Butter:

1. Add the cold butter cubes to the food processor and pulse 4-5 times until the largest butter pieces are the size of peas. (You can also do this by hand if you prefer.)

Add Cheese:

1. Add the shredded cheese and pulse once more to lightly combine.

Add Milk:

1. Pour the milk through the feeding tube while pulsing the food processor 8-10 times until the dough is just combined. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky but should be easy to handle. Don’t overmix.

Bring Dough Together:

1. Scatter 1 tsp flour on a work surface. Turn the dough out of the food processor and bring it together into a ball using your hands. Try to avoid adding extra flour, but use a little if needed.

Shape the Dough:

1. Place the dough on a sheet of baking paper and pat it into a 3 cm / 1.2″ thick round disc. Brush the top and sides with milk, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese, lightly pressing it into the dough.

2. Cut the disc into 6 wedges (or shape into rounds if preferred).

Bake the Scones:

1. Transfer the scones to a baking tray, spacing them about 5 cm / 2″ apart. Bake for 20 minutes or until the surface is golden.

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the scones cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a smear of butter!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Course: Snack

• Cuisine: Western

Variations

• Herbed Cheese Scones: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dough for extra flavor.

• Spicy Cheese Scones: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped jalapeno to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat scones in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can use self-raising flour instead of plain flour. Just omit the baking powder since self-raising flour already contains it.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape the dough and bake as directed.

3. Can I make these scones without a food processor?

Yes, you can make these by hand. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles small peas, then stir in the cheese and milk.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors.

5. How can I make these scones fluffier?

To make your scones fluffier, be careful not to overmix the dough. The less you handle the dough, the lighter and fluffier the scones will be.

6. Can I add other ingredients to the scones?

Absolutely! You can add extras like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even spinach for a more flavorful scone.

7. Can I freeze the scone dough?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones. Shape them and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. Bake from frozen at 200°C/390°F, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

8. Can I make these scones vegan?

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

9. Why are my scones dense?

Dense scones can be caused by overmixing or not having enough liquid. Make sure to mix gently and add a little more milk if the dough seems too dry.

10. Can I make these scones without cheese?

Yes, you can make plain scones by omitting the cheese, or you can try adding a little bit of sugar for a sweet version.

Conclusion

These Cheese Scones are simple, savory, and packed with cheesy goodness. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them for a snack, a brunch, or alongside a hearty soup. The golden crust, soft interior, and cheesy topping make them irresistible and a surefire crowd-pleaser!

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