Description
These Rosemary and Cheddar Scones are a delicious savory treat, perfectly flaky and tender with a fragrant hint of rosemary and sharp cheddar cheese. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, they’re easy to make and bake to golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 300 g Plain Flour
- 2.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp English Mustard Powder
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Butter
- 70 g Unsalted Butter (chilled)
Herbs and Cheese
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
- 130 g Cheddar Cheese (grated, divided 100 g for dough and 30 g for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 170 ml Milk (chilled, plus extra for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, salt, and English mustard powder to create a light, even base for the dough.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, leaving some small chunks of butter for flakiness.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped rosemary, black pepper, and 100 g of the grated cheddar cheese, evenly distributing the ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Add Milk and Form Dough: Gradually add the chilled milk, stirring with a spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Finish mixing and bringing the dough together with floured hands.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth, taking care not to overwork it. Pat the dough into a circle about 2.5 cm thick.
- Cut Scones: Use a round cutter about 5-6 cm in diameter to cut out scones from the dough. Place each scone on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between them for rising.
- Prepare Tops: Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk and sprinkle with the reserved 30 g of grated cheddar cheese for a flavorful, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through. Check doneness by tapping the bottom of a scone; it should sound hollow.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, keep the butter and milk chilled to help create a flaky texture.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; this will toughen the scones and reduce fluffiness.
- Use a light hand when brushing milk on top to avoid soggy scones.
- Scones can be served warm with butter, jam, or honey for added flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute cheddar with other cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British