Mary Berry's Cheese Scones: A Recipe for Perfect Golden Bites

Mary Berry, a household name synonymous with baking excellence, has graced our kitchens with countless recipes. Among her repertoire, her cheese scones stand out – a testament to simplicity and deliciousness. This recipe delivers fluffy, golden-brown scones, bursting with cheesy goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon tea, these scones are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Cheese Scones:

This recipe adheres to the classic Mary Berry style, prioritizing simple, readily available ingredients for optimal results.

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder (though often, self-raising flour already contains this)
• 50g cold butter, cubed
• 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated (strong cheddar recommended for maximum flavor)
• 150ml milk (approximately – you may need slightly more or less)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these steps carefully to achieve Mary Berry's signature perfection.

1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). This ensures perfectly baked scones.
• Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. This creates a lighter texture.
• Add the grated cheese and mix gently. Don't overmix!

2. Incorporating the Butter:

• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour and cheese mixture.
• Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. Avoid using a food processor as it can overwork the dough.

3. Adding the Milk and Forming the Dough:

• Gradually add the milk, mixing with a knife until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to tough scones.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Avoid adding too much extra flour.

4. Shaping and Baking the Scones:

• Gently pat the dough to a thickness of about 2cm.
• Use a 5cm round cutter (or a knife) to cut out scones.
• Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and well-risen.

5. Serving Your Delicious Cheese Scones:

• Once baked, let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
• Enjoy them warm, perhaps with butter, jam, or a savoury spread.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones:

• Cold ingredients are key: Using cold butter and milk is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
• Gentle handling: Handle the dough gently to avoid making it tough.
• Baking time: Keep an eye on your scones while baking; oven temperatures can vary.

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This comprehensive guide should help you bake the perfect cheese scones, worthy of Mary Berry herself! Enjoy!