Fluffy Cheese Scones:

Mastering the Art of Cheese Scones

Cheese scones are a timeless classic, perfect for a light snack, savory breakfast, or an accompaniment to your favorite soup. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the fluffiest, most flavorful cheese scones infused with the mild oniony taste of fresh chives. These savory scones are flaky yet tender, with layers of melted cheese and bursts of chive in every bite.

Why This Recipe is Special

This recipe combines simplicity with robust flavors, making it a go-to for cheese lovers. The secret lies in using cold butter, minimal handling of the dough, and a layering technique known as laminating. These steps create scones with a perfect balance of softness and flakiness.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When making cheese scones, selecting the right cheese is key. Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, while a mix of cheeses—like Edam and Parmesan—adds depth and complexity. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect blend.

Essential Ingredients for Cheese Scones

Here’s what you’ll need to make these savory scones:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough.
• Baking powder: Provides lift and fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors.
• Cold butter: Creates the flaky layers.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang. Substitute with whole milk and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if needed.
• Cheese: Mature cheddar or a mix of your favorites.
• Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones

1. Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter ensures flaky layers. Cut it into cubes and chill until ready to use.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough scones.
3. Laminating for Layers: Folding the dough creates beautiful flaky layers.
4. Chilling Before Baking: Cold dough goes straight into a hot oven for maximum rise.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix the cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Incorporate Cheese and Chives: Stir in the grated cheese and finely chopped chives.
4. Add Buttermilk: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently until a shaggy dough forms. Add a splash more milk if needed.
5. Laminate the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle, fold the top third down, and the bottom third up. Rotate and repeat twice more.
6. Cut the Scones: Roll the dough into a final rectangle and cut into squares or triangles using a sharp knife.
7. Chill the Scones: Place the cut scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate while preheating the oven.
8. Bake to Perfection: Brush the tops with milk, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes or until golden.

Creative Additions

Elevate your scones with these optional ingredients:

• Spices: Add garlic powder, mustard powder, or black pepper.
• Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Meaty Add-ins: Include diced bacon or ham.
• Veggies: Add finely diced bell peppers or swirls of pesto.

Easy Cheese Scone Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 7 oz (200g) grated cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 cup (225g) buttermilk

Topping:

• Milk for brushing
• Grated cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. Stir in the grated cheese and chives.
5. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently to form a shaggy dough. Avoid overmixing.
6. On a floured surface, laminate the dough by folding and rolling three times.
7. Cut the dough into 8-10 pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with cheese.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and flaky. Cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these scones warm with butter, chutney, or alongside your favorite soup. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.