Savory cheese scones

Ingredients

Cheese scones (8 pcs)

240 grams (2 cups) flour
8 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
1 gram (1/4 teaspoon) salt
20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) sugar
50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) 82.5% butter
1 large egg
70 grams (1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons) cold milk
120 grams (4.2 ounces) cream cheese
30 grams (1 ounce) hard cheese (Parmesan)

Equipment

Mixing bowl
A large mixing bowl will make it easier to blend your ingredients smoothly.
Parchment paper
Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking and to enable easy clean-up.
Grater
Use a fine grater for your hard cheese; it will blend more easily into the dough and provide an even cheese flavor.
Baking tray
A good-quality baking tray ensures even baking and prevents those dreaded soggy bottoms.
Oven
Preheat your oven to an accurate 356F | 180C for the perfect baking temperature.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.Preheating the oven ensures it reaches the proper temperature for baking the scones.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and crumble it with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Make sure to use cold butter to achieve a flakier texture in the scones.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until just combined.Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb in the scones.

Step 4

Add pieces of cold cream cheese and grated Parmesan to the dough, mixing quickly to incorporate them.Using cold ingredients helps keep the dough from becoming too sticky and ensures the cheese melts nicely during baking.

Step 5

Form the dough into roughly equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking tray.Wet your hands slightly if the dough is too sticky to handle easily.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until the scones are a bright golden color, about 15-20 minutes.Keep an eye on the scones, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Servings

There's no wrong way to enjoy these delicious cheese scones, but here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Classic Breakfast: 💛 Serve your scones warm with a pat of salted butter. For an extra kick, add a dollop of your favorite jam or some spicy jalapeño jelly. Yummy!

Brunch Extravaganza: 🥂 Turn your scones into a fabulous brunch option by pairing them with soft scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. Add a mimosa or a freshly squeezed orange juice to make it a celebration.

Afternoon Delight: ☕️ Cheese scones make the perfect teatime companion. Serve them with a hot cup of tea and some tangy marmalade, and let your guests marvel at your baking prowess.

Variations

These cheese scones can be easily adapted to fit gluten-free and vegan diets:

Gluten-Free Variant: 🌾 Swap the regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Double-check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to ensure an entirely gluten-free treat.

Vegan Variant: 🌱 Replace butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg, and choose a vegan cream cheese and hard cheese option.

Faq

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, you can form the scones and bake them immediately after mixing the dough.
Can I freeze the scones for later?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I ensure my scones stay moist?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are cold when mixing. Quick handling will also help maintain the dough's consistency.
What’s the best way to grate the cheese?
Use a fine grater for the Parmesan to ensure it blends in well with the dough for an even cheese flavor.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a smoky mozzarella.
What's the secret to a crispy crust?
A high baking temperature (356F | 180C) and ensuring your oven is fully preheated will give you that perfect golden, crispy crust.