Cheese Scones Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Are you craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious treat? Look no further! This easy cheese scones recipe will have you whipping up batches in minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack, these scones are incredibly versatile and guaranteed to impress. Let's get baking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest baker.

• 225g (2 cups) self-raising flour: This is the foundation of our scones, providing structure and lightness. If you only have plain flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder.
• 50g (½ cup) mature cheddar cheese, grated: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar works best, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
• 50g (¼ cup) cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky scones. Don't skip this step!
• 150ml (⅔ cup) milk: Use full-fat milk for the richest flavour.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall taste.
• Optional: ½ teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., chives, rosemary): Adds extra flavour complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked cheese scones every time.

1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7).
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. This helps to aerate the mixture.
• Add the grated cheese and optional herbs, and gently mix to combine.

2. Incorporating the Butter:

• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
• Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage.

3. Adding the Milk:

• Gradually add the cold milk, mixing gently with a knife until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly sticky dough is fine.

4. Shaping and Baking the Scones:

• Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it.
• Gently pat the dough down to a thickness of about 2cm (¾ inch).
• Use a 5cm (2 inch) cutter (or a knife) to cut out scones. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this will make the scones tough.
• Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
• Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk for a golden brown finish.

5. Baking to Perfection:

• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Scone:

• Keep everything cold: Cold butter and milk are key to achieving a light and fluffy texture.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
• Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough, as this will also make the scones tough.
• Bake immediately: For best results, bake the scones as soon as they are shaped.

Serving Suggestions:

These cheese scones are delicious on their own, but they're even better with:

• Butter: A classic pairing!
• Jam: A sweet and savoury combination.
• Cream cheese: Adds a tangy twist.
• Soup: Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Enjoy your homemade cheese scones! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned professionals alike. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!