If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that feels just like a hug on a plate, this Cheese Scones Recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly fluffy with a beautiful golden crust and packed with cheesy goodness, these scones are delightfully simple to make and impressively flavorful. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy breakfast, a teatime snack, or a charming addition to your lunch spread, this Cheese Scones Recipe will quickly become a staple you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Cheese Scones Recipe are a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create a delightfully rich and tender scone. Each element plays its part—from the sharpness of cheddar to the flaky butter—making every bite irresistible.
- Plain flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation giving structure and the tender crumb of the scones.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Adds the star cheesy flavor, packed densely for a savory punch.
- Baking powder (3 tsp): Helps the scones rise beautifully and become airy inside.
- Salt (1/2 tsp kosher or cooking salt): Balances the richness and elevates the cheese’s boldness.
- Unsalted butter, cold (100g or 7 tbsp): Creates a tender, flaky texture and golden crust.
- Milk, cold (3/4 cup plus extra for brushing): Keeps the dough moist and the crust perfectly shiny when brushed on top.
- Extra shredded cheese (1/2 cup): To sprinkle on top, ensuring an inviting cheesy crown as they bake.
- Butter for spreading: Adds an indulgent finish when scones are served warm.
How to Make Cheese Scones Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only distributes the leavening agent evenly but also helps create lightness in the scones. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s spread well throughout the flour mixture—this is where the cheese magic begins!
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Next, add your cold cubes of unsalted butter to the flour and cheese mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or two knives, rub or cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The small chunks of butter will melt during baking, creating delightful pockets of flakiness and richness.
Step 3: Add Milk and Form Dough
Pour the cold milk gradually into the dry mixture while stirring gently with a spatula or your hand. You’re looking for a soft, slightly sticky dough—if it’s too dry, add a little more milk, but be careful not to overwork the dough, or the scones will get tough. Once combined, lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out to shape.
Step 4: Shape and Cut Out Scones
Press the dough into a rectangle about 1.5 to 2 cm thick—resist the urge to knead. Using a sharp round cutter about 6 cm in diameter, stamp out your scones. Gather any leftover dough gently, reshape, and cut more rounds until all dough is used. Place your scones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spaced slightly apart.
Step 5: Brush and Top with Cheese
Brush the tops of each scone with a little cold milk to encourage that lovely golden shine. Then sprinkle the extra shredded cheese evenly over the tops, creating an inviting cheesy crust that browns beautifully as they bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the scones have puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, let them cool slightly on a wire rack, but don’t wait too long—cheese scones are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Cheese Scones Recipe
Garnishes
While these scones are delicious on their own, a little butter spread over the warm scone instantly melts into cheesy pockets, creating a decadent experience. For an added touch, fresh herbs like chives or thyme sprinkled on top before baking can elevate flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cheese scones with soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek makes an ideal comforting meal. They also shine alongside a crisp salad or a charcuterie board, adding a savory, hearty bite to balance fresh and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your cheese scones in half and layering with smoked ham, mustard, and baby spinach for a mouthwatering sandwich twist. Alternatively, serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche or tangy chutney for a sophisticated snack that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Cheese Scones Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the crust from becoming too soft, avoid refrigeration unless absolutely necessary.
Freezing
Cheese scones freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled scones individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect quick grab-and-go option for busy days.
Reheating
To bring your scones back to life, reheat them in a warm oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This revives that crisp crust and melty cheese goodness. You can also toast them split open and spread with butter for an extra treat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheese Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar creates a classic flavor, you can experiment with tasty cheese, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses. Just remember that some cheeses are more moist, which might affect the dough consistency slightly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cutting and baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and bring it back to room temperature before shaping.
How do I get fluffy scones every time?
The key to fluffy scones is minimal handling of the dough and using cold ingredients, especially butter and milk. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure a good rise.
Is this Cheese Scones Recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked scones. Just cool them completely, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat them in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
With a few substitutions, yes. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and a suitable milk substitute like almond or oat milk. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade cheese scone—warm, fluffy, and bursting with cheesy flavor. This Cheese Scones Recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and impressive results, making it a joy to bake and share. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe become your go-to for whenever you need a comforting, cheesy pick-me-up!
Print
Cheese Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 scones
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These classic cheese scones are golden, tender, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a savory snack or a quick breakfast, they combine a flaky texture with a rich cheesy flavor, made easy with basic pantry ingredients and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt (use half the amount if using table salt, increase by 50% if using flaky salt)
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or tasty cheese (tightly packed, pre-shredded packets are fine)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
Butter and Milk
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1 cm cubes
- 3/4 cup cold milk (preferably full fat), plus a little extra for brushing
- Butter for spreading
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and cooking salt to ensure they are well combined and aerated.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in the shredded cheese. Then add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Incorporate Milk: Make a well in the center and pour in the cold milk. Gently mix with a butter knife or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep scones light and flaky.
- Knead and Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead very briefly, just to bring it fully together. Pat the dough into a 2 cm thick round.
- Cut Scones: Using a 5 cm (2 inch) round cutter, cut out scones and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Gather scraps and repeat once or twice until all dough is used.
- Add Topping and Brush: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tops of the scones. Brush the tops lightly with cold milk for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 15–20 minutes or until risen and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter spread on top.
Notes
- Use full fat milk for the best texture and flavor.
- Cold butter is essential for flaky scones; do not melt it.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough or scones will be tough.
- For a stronger cheese flavor, use a sharp cheddar or tasty cheese variety.
- Halve the salt amount if using table salt instead of kosher salt.
- Brush with milk before baking to achieve a golden crust.
