If you are searching for a warm, flaky, and utterly delicious treat that will brighten up your breakfast or snack time, this Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with sharp cheddar flavor and a hint of garlic and paprika, these scones have that perfect crumbly texture that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dabbling in homemade baked goods, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a sensational bite that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on essential pantry staples that come together to create layers of flavor and the perfect tender crumb. Each ingredient plays a special role—from the buttery richness to the tang of Greek yogurt—that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour: forms the base structure with just the right amount of wheat protein for a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
- Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt: balances flavors and enhances the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Paprika: lends a gentle warmth and gorgeous color to the dough.
- Cold salted butter: cut into cubes, it creates flaky layers as it melts during baking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: the hero ingredient, shredded for perfect distribution and that signature tang.
- Egg: binds the dough and adds richness.
- Heavy cream: adds moisture and tenderness.
- Plain Greek yogurt: enhances the texture with a creamy, slightly tangy bite.
- Honey: balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
- Salted butter (melted): combined with parsley, it creates a beautiful finishing glaze.
- Fresh parsley: minced for a burst of freshness and color on top.
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nicely hot and ready for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Stir these together well to ensure that every bite has just the right balance of flavors.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the cold salted butter cubes into the dry mixture. The goal here is to create small, pea-sized bits of butter coated in flour — this will give the scones their flaky texture.
Step 4: Add the Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly. The cheese adds both moisture and bold flavor that shines through when baked.
Step 5: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt, and honey. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and a slight sweetness to the dough.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using your hands, gently mix until a dough forms. Be mindful not to overmix to keep the scones light and tender.
Step 7: Knead Gently
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead just once or twice. This step ensures the dough is cohesive and ready to be shaped but doesn’t develop too much gluten that can make the scones tough.
Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll the dough out into a circle roughly one inch thick. Then cut it into 8 equal triangles, just like you would slice a pizza. This shape makes the scones easy to portion and lovely to present.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the scones spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the bottoms are beautifully golden brown and the scones have risen nicely.
Step 10: Prepare the Parsley Butter Glaze
While the scones bake, mix the minced fresh parsley with the melted salted butter. This fragrant mixture will be brushed on top to add an irresistible aromatic finish.
Step 11: Brush and Serve
Right after you’ve taken the scones out of the oven, generously brush each one with the parsley butter glaze. This step enhances both flavor and appearance before plating and serving.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika on top can add a beautiful pop of color and a flavor boost to these scones. Don’t be shy with garnishes—they make the experience that much more special.
Side Dishes
These scones make a fantastic accompaniment to a warm bowl of tomato soup or a creamy salad. They’re hearty enough to stand alone or pair beautifully with fresh seasonal fruits and crisp greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the scones in half and add a slice of ham or crisp bacon with a dollop of tangy mustard or chutney. They also serve wonderfully alongside an array of cheeses and charcuterie for a cozy brunch or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra scones (which rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed preserves their softness and flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy these scones anytime, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months without losing their delicious quality.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated scones by wrapping them in foil and warming them in a 325-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. To refresh the buttery glaze, brush on a little melted butter after warming and enjoy like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a bold and classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or a mild Monterey Jack for different taste profiles. Keep the quantity the same to maintain texture.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream?
Yes, sour cream is a great substitute that will keep the scones moist and tender. Both have similar acidity and texture, so your scones will turn out just as delicious.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and a non-dairy yogurt alternative. You may want to pick a plant-based cheddar-style cheese to retain that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the scones tough and dense instead of light and flaky. Mixing just until combined keeps the scones tender and soft.
Can I add herbs or spices to the recipe?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a little extra kick tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, teatime, or as a snack, these scones have a way of making moments feel special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these delicious homemade Cheddar Cheese Scones, a perfect savory treat with a tender crumb and a cheesy, buttery finish. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with a fragrant parsley butter glaze, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Butter and Cheese
- ¼ cup (1/2 stick) cold salted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon honey
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your scones are shaped.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Cut in butter: Using a pastry blender, cut the cold, cubed salted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a flaky texture.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well distributed within the dry mixture and set aside.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth and combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently with your hands until just combined into dough. Avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 1 to 2 times to fully incorporate any loose flour without overworking the dough.
- Shape and cut: Roll the dough into a roughly 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 triangle-shaped scones, similar to slicing a pizza.
- Place and bake: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the bottoms turn a golden brown color.
- Prepare parsley butter: While baking, combine the minced fresh parsley with the melted salted butter to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze scones: Once the scones are baked and out of the oven, immediately brush each one generously with the parsley butter mixture for a savory finish.
- Serve: Transfer the scones to a serving plate and enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting into the flour mixture to achieve flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones; mix just until combined.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with other flavorful cheeses like Gruyere or aged white cheddar.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives.
- Serve scones warm; they can be reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes if needed.
