Cheese Scones
Golden, Savory & Wonderfully Flaky
Cheese scones are a timeless favorite—crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with rich, savory cheese flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, they’re just as delicious served warm with butter as they are alongside soups and salads.
This easy recipe delivers reliable results every time, even for beginner bakers.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese Scones
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Light, tender texture
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Rich, cheesy flavor
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Quick to make—no yeast required
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Perfect for savory cravings
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Freezer-friendly
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 scones)
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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2½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
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¼ cup (60 g) cold butter, cubed
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1 cup (100 g) grated cheese (cheddar works best)
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¾ cup (180 ml) milk
Optional add-ins: chives, spring onions, mustard powder, paprika
How to Make Cheese Scones
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut in the Butter
Add cold butter and rub into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Cheese
Stir in grated cheese (reserve a little for topping if desired).
5. Add Milk
Pour in milk and gently mix until a soft dough forms.
Do not overmix.
6. Shape the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Pat into a circle about 2–3 cm (1 inch) thick.
Cut into wedges or rounds using a cutter.
7. Bake
Place scones on prepared tray.
Brush tops lightly with milk and sprinkle with reserved cheese.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and risen.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones
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Use cold butter for flakiness
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Handle dough gently
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Don’t twist cutter when cutting
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Use strong cheese for best flavor
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Serve warm for maximum enjoyment
Variations
Cheddar & Chive
Add 2 tbsp chopped chives.
Spicy Cheese Scones
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Whole Wheat
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free self-raising flour.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese scones are delicious:
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Warm with butter
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With soups or stews
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As a brunch side
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With cream cheese or savory spreads
Storage & Freezing
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Store at room temperature for 1 day
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Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months
Reheat in oven for best texture.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of cold butter and gentle mixing creates flaky layers, while baking powder ensures a light rise. Cheese adds richness and savory depth without overwhelming the delicate crumb.
Final Thoughts
These classic cheese scones are simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, they bring bakery-quality results straight from your own kitchen.
Once you try them warm from the oven, they’ll quickly become a staple.