Short Description

Fluffy, golden-brown scones bursting with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of spice—perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick And Effortless: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Cheesy Goodness: Packed with 150 g of cheddar—choose mild or strong for your taste.
Versatile Flavors: Optional mustard powder and cayenne add subtle heat.
Perfect Texture: A light, tender crumb thanks to self-raising flour and cold butter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

250 g (2 cups) self-raising flour
75 g (2⅔ oz) cold butter, cubed
150 g (1¼ cups) cheddar cheese, grated (mild or strong)
125 ml (4¼ fl oz) milk
1 large egg
½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 220 °C (425 °F) and position rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, and mustard powder (if using).
Add cubed cold butter and work into the flour with fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in grated cheddar until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and knead gently a few times.
Pat dough into a 2 cm–thick round. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter.
Place scones on the prepared sheet. Optionally brush tops with milk for a shiny finish.
Bake 15–20 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Servings And Timing

Makes: 8 cheese scones
Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked scones (wrapped individually) for up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Thaw (if frozen), then warm in a 180 °C (350 °F) oven for 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 20–30 seconds with a damp paper towel for moisture.

Variations

Herby Cheese: Stir in chopped chives, parsley, or thyme with the cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeño or use smoked cheddar.
Mixed Cheese Blend: Use half cheddar and half mozzarella or Gruyère.
Wholegrain Twist: Replace 50 g flour with wholemeal self-raising flour for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Plain Flour Instead Of Self-Raising?

Yes. Use 250 g plain flour plus 2 tsp baking powder (in addition to the 1 tsp already in the recipe).

2. Can I Make The Dough Ahead?

Yes. Prepare the dough, shape the round, then wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Cut and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

3. Can I Use A Different Cheese?

Absolutely. Try Gruyère, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack. Just ensure the texture is similar—hard or semi-hard and grated.

4. Why Are My Scones Dense?

Avoid overmixing. Mix until ingredients just come together, then knead lightly. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh.

5. Can I Brush With Egg Wash Instead Of Milk?

Yes. Use beaten egg or a mix of egg and a little milk for a deeper golden color.

6. Do I Need To Weigh Ingredients?

Weighing (e.g., the flour and cheese) ensures consistency, but volume measures can work if done carefully.

7. Can I Make Mini Scones?

Yes, simply shape a smaller disc (about 1½–1.8 cm thick) and cut into 12 pieces. Adjust bake time to 12–15 minutes.

8. Can I Freeze Unbaked Dough?

Yes. Freeze shaped dough rounds wrapped in plastic for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 2–4 minutes to the bake time.

9. My Scones Spread Too Much—Why?

Ensure your butter is very cold and only worked in until pea-sized pieces, not fully mixed in. Also, don’t over-knead.

10. How Do I Get That Perfect Crusty Top?

Brush with milk or egg, and bake on the middle rack. Don’t open the oven early, as heat is key to rise and crust formation.

Conclusion

These cheese scones are a delightful blend of crisp golden crusts and tender, cheesy interiors. With easy prep, customizable add-ins, and reliable results, they’re a go-to recipe for any time you want warm, homemade comfort. Enjoy them fresh, warm, and shared with family and friends!

Ezabella

The Ultimate Cheese Scones