What are savory herb cheese scones and how do they differ from sweet scones?

Savory herb cheese scones are a type of quick bread made with cheese and fresh or dried herbs, giving them a rich, salty flavor. Unlike traditional sweet scones, which are often served with jam and cream, these scones focus on savory ingredients like cheddar cheese and herbs such as chives or thyme. They have a tender, crumbly texture with a golden crust, making them a great snack or accompaniment to soups and salads.

What ingredients do I need to make herb cheese scones at home?

To make herb cheese scones, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cold unsalted butter, grated cheese (cheddar is popular), fresh or dried herbs like chives or rosemary, and milk or buttermilk. Using cold butter is key to achieving a flaky texture, while the herbs add fresh flavor. You can also add extras like spring onions or cooked bacon for variety.

What is the best way to mix and shape the dough for soft, fluffy herb cheese scones?

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients, then rub in cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cheese and herbs before adding milk gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking it. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch thick round, and use a cutter to shape scones. Overhandling the dough can lead to tough scones, so work quickly and gently.

How long and at what temperature should I bake cheese and herb scones?

Bake herb cheese scones in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Brushing the scones with melted butter before baking helps create a crisp crust and adds flavor. To check doneness, the scones should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I customize herb cheese scones to suit different tastes or dietary needs?

Yes, herb cheese scones are very versatile. You can add ingredients like cooked bacon bits, grated zucchini, or different herbs such as dill or rosemary to vary the flavor. For a lighter option, substitute part of the butter with yogurt or use a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version. Experimenting with herbs and add-ins lets you tailor scones to your preferences while keeping them delicious.

Savory Herb Cheese Scones Recipe For Flaky Baked Treats

Name: Savory Herb Cheese Scones
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour [Provides structure and a soft texture]; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 85 grams (3 oz) cold unsalted butter, grated [Creates flakiness and richness]; 1 cup (100g) packed sharp cheddar cheese, grated [Adds savory depth and melt-in-your-mouth goodness]; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme; ¾ cup (180ml) milk at room temperature

Description

🌿 Enjoy flaky, savory baked treats bursting with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese for a delicious snack or brunch item.
🧀 These Herb and Cheddar Scones offer a tender crumb and perfect crust, ideal for pairing with butter, eggs, or soup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour [Provides structure and a soft texture]

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

85 grams (3 oz) cold unsalted butter, grated [Creates flakiness and richness]

1 cup (100g) packed sharp cheddar cheese, grated [Adds savory depth and melt-in-your-mouth goodness]

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme

¾ cup (180ml) milk at room temperature

Instructions

1-Getting Savory Herb Cheese Scones just right: starts with simple steps that anyone can follow. Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (395°F) or 180°C fan forced, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your scones bake evenly and develop that golden crust.

2-In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Next, cut in the cold grated butter until the mixture looks like small lumps, which helps create those airy pockets. Stir in the grated cheese and fresh herbs to distribute the flavors evenly before adding the room-temperature milk to form the dough.

3-Gently shape the dough on a floured surface into a 1-inch thick disk, being careful not to overwork it. Cut the dough into 2 ½ inch scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter for extra flavor, then bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.

4-After baking, you can brush the scones with more melted butter and broil briefly for a crispier finish. The total preparation time is about 28 minutes, making this a quick option for busy days. Tips like using very cold butter, grating and freezing it beforehand, and handling the dough minimally will help you achieve the tender crumb these scones are known for.

5-Once done, serve them warm with butter, eggs, or soup for a delightful meal, as they are perfect for snacks or brunch.

Notes

❄️ Use very cold butter to create steam pockets for flaky texture.
🧊 Grate and freeze butter before mixing for easier incorporation.
✋ Handle the dough minimally to avoid tough scones and achieve a tender crumb.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scone
Calories: 248 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Herb and Cheddar Scones, Savory Scones, Baked Treats, Flaky Scones