Cheese Scones Recipe

Introduction

Cheese scones are a classic savory treat perfect for breakfast, tea, or a snack. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these scones are packed with cheddar flavor and topped with extra cheese for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or tasty cheese (tightly packed)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (adjust if using table salt or flakes)
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1 cm cubes
• 3/4 cup cold milk (preferably full fat), plus extra for brushing
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced.
2. Step 2: In a food processor with the standard “S” blade, pulse the flour, baking powder, and salt once to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the cold butter cubes and pulse 4 to 5 times until the largest pieces look like peas. You can also cut the butter in by hand.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded cheese and pulse once to mix through.
5. Step 5: While pulsing, pour in the milk through the feed tube 8 to 10 times, just until the dough comes together. It will be shaggy and slightly sticky.
6. Step 6: Lightly flour your work surface and scrape the dough out. Gently bring it together into a ball, using as little extra flour as possible.
7. Step 7: Place the dough on a sheet of baking paper and pat it into a 3 cm (1.2 inch) thick round disc.
8. Step 8: Brush the top and sides with a little milk, then sprinkle with the extra shredded cheese and lightly press it in.
9. Step 9: Cut the round into 6 equal wedges, spacing each wedge about 5 cm (2 inches) apart on a baking tray.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
11. Step 11: Let the scones cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm with a smear of butter.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and parmesan for extra flavor.
• To keep scones light, handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing after adding the milk.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped herbs like chives to the dough.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a low oven or microwave briefly before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature and reheat as usual.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these scones without a food processor?

Yes, you can cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or two knives, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then stir in the cheese and add milk gradually to form the dough.

What is the best type of cheese to use?

Cheddar or tasty cheese works best for flavor and melting. You can experiment with other cheeses, but firmer, flavorful ones that melt well give the best results.