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These cheddar and chive savory scones are a perfect blend of sharp cheese and fresh herbs wrapped in a tender, flaky texture. They make a fantastic snack or a side for breakfast or brunch. The balance of buttery richness and the mild oniony flavor of chives creates a comforting yet exciting treat that never fails to impress.
I discovered this recipe during a weekend gathering, and now these scones are my goto when hosting friends because they vanish quickly
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: provides the perfect base for fluffy scones
- Granulated sugar: adds just enough sweetness to balance the savory elements
- Baking powder: helps the scones rise beautifully, ensuring a light texture
- Salt: essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors
- Salted butter: delivers rich, creamy flavor and contributes to a flaky texture choose high-quality butter for best results
- Large eggs: bind the dough together and add moisture and richness
- Buttermilk: makes the dough tender and slightly tangy, enhancing the flavor complexity
- Grated sharp cheddar: brings a bold, flavorful kick use a good quality aged cheddar for depth
- Chopped chives: add a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the cheese perfectly
Instructions
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well blended. This ensures even rising and seasoning throughout the scones.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Work the cold salted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps create tender, flaky layers.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Pour the egg and buttermilk mixture into the flour and butter mix. Gently fold to combine everything without overmixing, leaving some lumps for a tender crumb.
- Add Cheese and Chives:
- Fold in the grated cheddar and chopped chives lightly to distribute evenly throughout the dough without crushing the herbs or cheese.
- Form the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a wellfloured surface and knead very lightly just until it holds together. Divide into two even circles to prepare for shaping.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining whisked egg to help them develop a shiny golden crust during baking. Let the scones rest for about 10 minutes as this helps relax the dough and produces a better rise.
- Add Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle each scone liberally with about a tablespoon of extra grated cheddar for a melty, savory crust.
- Bake:
- Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the tops are set.
I always look forward to chopping those fresh herbs because their smell fills the kitchen with warmth and the scones just taste like home
Storage Tips
Store leftover scones room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp edges and tender crumb. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer bag and reheat gently in the oven to bring back their freshly baked texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the sharp cheddar with another flavorful cheese like Gruyère or aged Gouda for a different but equally delicious twist. If you do not have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes for a quick substitute. Fresh dill or scallions can replace chives if you want to experiment with herbal notes.
Serving Suggestions
These scones shine when served warm alongside creamy soups, scrambled eggs, or a fresh green salad. They also make a lovely savory accompaniment for breakfast sandwiches or can be sliced and toasted with a bit of butter for a simple treat.
Enjoy these warm with butter or alongside your favorite breakfast dishes. They also freeze well for easy future baking.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is the best flour for these scones?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance for a tender yet structured scone dough.
- → Can I use fresh or dried chives?
Fresh chives deliver the best flavor and color, but dried can be substituted in a pinch with adjusted quantities.
- → How do I get a flaky texture?
Cold salted butter cut into the flour mixture and gentle handling of the dough helps achieve a flaky, tender crumb.
- → What is the role of buttermilk here?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sharp cheddar and enriches the scone’s texture.
- → Can I freeze these scones?
Yes, freeze after baking fully cooled. Reheat gently in the oven to retain their flaky texture.
- → How long should the dough rest before baking?
Allowing the dough to rest for about 10 minutes helps relax gluten and improves rise and texture.