Freshly baked scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a satisfying bite. These savory cheese and herb scones are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a batch of warm, flaky scones in under an hour.

Category: Baking, Breakfast, Snack

Yields: 8-10 scones

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or white cheddar works well)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• Heavy cream or milk, for brushing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the grated cheese and chopped herbs.
4. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a fork or spatula until just combined. A shaggy dough will form. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough into a circle about ½ inch thick.
6. Use a round cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into wedges or desired shapes.
7. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for spreading. Brush the tops with cream or milk for a golden brown crust (optional).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For richer scones, use a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese.
• Don’t overwork the dough. This will result in tough scones.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of extra buttermilk at a time until it comes together.
• Freeze leftover scones for a quick and delicious snack later. Simply thaw and reheat in a low oven for a few minutes.
• Get creative with your herbs! Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

Enjoy these delicious cheese and herb scones warm with butter, jam, or chutney. They’re also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home.