Cheddar Cheese Scones

Cheddar Cheese Scones are the ultimate savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and salads. Bursting with sharp cheddar flavor and a light, flaky texture, these scones are quick to make and will impress family and friends alike. They are tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and brushed with optional chive butter for an extra touch of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅓ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
• 1 ¼ cup shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• Milk, for brushing the top

Optional Chive Butter:

• 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
3. Use a pastry cutter to cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Whisk eggs and heavy cream together in a separate bowl.
6. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring until dough forms.
7. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 10–12 strokes until nearly smooth.
8. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
9. Place wedges 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
10. Brush tops with milk.
11. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
12. Mix chive butter ingredients (optional) and brush over warm scones before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve warm with chive butter, jam, or alongside soups and salads.
• Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, freeze baked scones for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven.

Variations

1. Bacon Cheddar Scones: Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon.
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Scones: Fold in 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños.
3. Herb Cheddar Scones: Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme.
4. Parmesan Cheddar Scones: Replace ½ cup cheddar with Parmesan.
5. Garlic Cheddar Scones: Mix in ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the dough.
6. Spinach Cheddar Scones: Add ½ cup finely chopped fresh spinach.
7. Sun-Dried Tomato Cheddar Scones: Fold in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
8. Smoked Cheddar Scones: Use smoked cheddar for a rich, smoky flavor.
9. Onion Cheddar Scones: Add ¼ cup caramelized onions.
10. Chili Cheddar Scones: Mix in ½ teaspoon chili powder for a subtle kick.
11. Blue Cheese Cheddar Scones: Replace ¼ cup cheddar with blue cheese.
12. Italian Cheddar Scones: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
13. Cheddar and Poppy Seed Scones: Sprinkle poppy seeds on top before baking.
14. Cheddar and Pretzel Scones: Fold in ¼ cup crushed pretzels for crunch.
15. Cheddar and Honey Scones: Drizzle with honey while warm for a sweet-savory combo.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
   Yes, sharp cheddar works best, but you can try Colby, Gouda, or a mix.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but texture may be slightly different.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze the scones before baking?
   Yes, freeze unbaked scones and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
5. Do I have to use heavy cream?
   Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but scones will be slightly less rich.
6. How do I make them extra flaky?
   Keep butter cold and avoid over-mixing the dough.
7. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the additional salt slightly in the dough.
8. What is the best way to reheat scones?
   Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
9. Can I add herbs directly to the dough?
   Yes, chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley enhance flavor.
10. Are these scones suitable for brunch or dinner sides?
    Absolutely! They pair well with eggs, soups, or roasted meats.

Cheddar Cheese Scones are a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. Their rich, cheesy flavor, tender texture, and golden crust make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side to soups and salads. With easy-to-follow ingredients and instructions, these scones are quick to prepare, and the optional chive butter adds a gourmet touch. They are versatile, allowing for endless variations from bacon and jalapeño to herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Whether served warm from the oven or stored for later enjoyment, these scones are guaranteed to delight family and friends.

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