Description
The Ultimate Cheese Scones
These savoury cheddar cheese scones are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a side with soup. With a flaky texture and rich cheese flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Mustard powder and cayenne pepper can be added for an extra kick, making them versatile for any occasion. Easy to make and ready in just 35 minutes!
250g Self-Raising Flour
75g Cold Butter, cubed
150g Cheddar Cheese, grated
125ml Milk
1 Large Egg
½ tsp Mustard Powder (optional)
1 tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Salt
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
3. Add butter, rubbing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cheese. Add milk and egg, mix until sticky dough forms.
5. Knead gently, cut into scones.
6. Bake for 15-20 mins.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 275 per scone
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect scones every time. First, ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and milk, are cold. This is crucial for a flaky texture. In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs with a few pea-sized lumps remaining. This should take 2-3 minutes. Stir in 125g of the grated cheddar, reserving 25g for topping. In a jug, whisk the milk and egg together. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mix. Use a blunt knife or spatula to gently combine until a soft, sticky dough just comes together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently—do not knead—into a round disc about 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. Using a 6cm (2.5 inch) round cutter dipped in flour, cut out scones, pushing straight down without twisting. Re-roll the scraps once to cut more. Place scones on the lined baking sheet, brush the tops with a little extra milk, and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake immediately in the preheated oven.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile scones are delicious served warm. For breakfast, split and spread with salted butter. At afternoon tea, pair with a dollop of cream cheese and chutney. They are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming bowl of tomato soup or a hearty stew. For a more substantial snack, top with a slice of ham or crispy bacon.
How-to Summary
To make Ultimate Cheese Scones: Combine dry ingredients, rub in cold butter, and stir in most of the cheese. Mix wet into dry to form a sticky dough. Pat out, cut into rounds, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden and risen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising?
Yes, but you must add 4 teaspoons of baking powder to the 250g of plain flour to achieve the necessary rise.
Why are my scones dense and not fluffy?
This is usually due to overworking the dough. Handle it as little as possible once the liquid is added. Pat, don’t knead.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
For best results, bake immediately. The baking powder begins to activate once wet, so delayed baking can lead to less rise.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster to refresh.
Can I freeze these scones?
Absolutely. Freeze baked and cooled scones in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat from frozen in a moderate oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm butter or milk, which melts and prevents a flaky rise.
- Over-mixing the dough, which develops gluten and creates toughness.
- Twisting the cutter when cutting scones, which seals the edges and inhibits an even rise.
- Not preheating the oven fully, resulting in poor initial lift.
- Measuring flour incorrectly by scooping from the bag. Instead, spoon it into the measuring cup.
Conclusion
These Ultimate Cheese Scones are a simple yet immensely satisfying bake. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently produce light, flaky, and flavourful scones. Their versatility makes them a staple recipe for any home baker. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!