The Fluffiest Cheese Scones Recipe for Your Afternoon Tea

Warm, buttery cheese scones burst with comforting flavors that whisper memories of cozy kitchens.

Flaky pastry blends perfectly with sharp cheddar’s tangy notes.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

Soft interiors melt with rich dairy goodness that feels like a warm embrace.

Home bakers can craft these delectable treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Surprisingly simple ingredients combine to create magic on your plate.

You’ll want to savor each crumbly, golden morsel right away.

All You Need For Nigella Cheese Scones

• Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the scones.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, crumbly texture in the scones.
• Cheese: Provides a sharp, savory flavor and melts beautifully during baking.
• Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a soft, moist dough.

• Extra Cheese, Cayenne: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and a slight kick to the scones.

Make Nigella Cheese Scones Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour with baking powder. Use your fingertips to gently rub cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The key is to work quickly so the butter stays cold and creates a flaky texture.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Liquid

Incorporate shredded cheese and salt into the flour mixture. Gradually pour in milk, stirring until the dough comes together into a soft, slightly sticky consistency. Don’t overmix – this can make the scones tough.

Step 3: Shape the Scone Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a round shape about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures your scones will be tender and rise beautifully.

Step 4: Cut and Garnish Scones

Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into wedges. For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cheese or a pinch of cayenne pepper on top of each scone. This adds a delightful kick and beautiful golden color.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown and the tops are crisp. The aroma will fill your kitchen with irresistible cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with a pat of creamy butter or a dollop of tangy chutney. These cheese scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack.

Tips To Help With Nigella Cheese Scones

• Quick Cheese Incorporation: Grate cheese at room temperature for smoother mixing and even distribution throughout the dough.
• Prevent Tough Texture: Handle dough minimally to keep scones tender and light, avoiding overworking the mixture.
• Perfect Golden Crust: Use a light-colored baking tray to prevent bottom burning and ensure even browning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Fresh Serving Trick: Reheat leftover scones in oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispy exterior and soft interior.

Easy Tweaks For Nigella Cheese Scones

• Gluten-Free Cheese Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and binding properties.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, using plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for binding.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Scones: Add fresh chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to enhance flavor profile and create aromatic variation.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Scones: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed version that adds excitement to traditional recipe.

What Goes Best With Nigella Cheese Scones

• Pair Savory Cheese Scones with Fresh Accompaniments: Crisp, tangy green salad with light vinaigrette balances the rich, cheesy scones perfectly.
• Create Beverage Harmony: Pair with dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Chardonnay to complement the scones' sharp cheese flavor.
• Elevate with Spread Selections: Serve with fig jam, tomato chutney, or herb-infused butter to add depth and complexity to the scone's cheesy profile.
• Craft Complementary Tea Experience: Choose robust English breakfast tea or Earl Grey to stand up to the scones' strong cheese notes and provide a warming counterpoint.

Keep Nigella Cheese Scones Fresh Easily

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep them away from moisture to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm scones at 180C for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in foil to prevent drying out. This method restores their crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Zap scones for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Place a damp paper towel over them to maintain moisture and prevent rubber-like texture.

Your Nigella Cheese Scones Questions Answered

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for unique flavor profiles. Sharp cheeses work best for more intense taste.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and feel light when lifted.

• Is it possible to make these scones gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain texture.

Why Nigella Cheese Scones Are A Must-Try

• Quickly Craft Comfort: These cheese scones deliver warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings.
• Master Simple Baking: Beginners can confidently create these scones using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a side dish, these scones adapt to multiple meal occasions and suit different taste preferences.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a few pantry staples like flour, cheese, and milk, you can transform simple components into a delectable homemade treat that feels special.

Cheese Scones Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory and hearty Cheese Scones bring comfort straight from Scotland’s kitchens to your table. Rich buttermilk dough mingles with sharp cheddar, creating golden-brown pastries perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.6 ounces) self-raising flour
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) grated cheddar
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) cold butter, cubed
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) milk

Leavening Agents:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Seasonings:

• 1 pinch salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sift dry ingredients together, creating a fine, even base for the scones.
2. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture using fingertips, working quickly to achieve a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Fold grated cheese and salt into the crumbly mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Gradually add milk, gently combining to form a soft, slightly sticky dough without overworking.
5. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a uniform round, approximately 2.5cm thick.
6. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, divide the round into individual wedges or classic circular scones.
7. Arrange scones on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving small gaps between each piece.
8. Sprinkle additional cheese or a pinch of cayenne pepper on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
9. Preheat oven to 220°C and bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating tray midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
10. Remove from oven when scones are puffed and have a rich, golden exterior.
11. Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm accompanied by soft butter or tangy chutney for a delightful texture contrast.

Notes

• Select full-fat cheese like sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and richness in your scones.
• Keep butter cold and work quickly to maintain flaky, tender texture during mixing.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough, dense scones that lack delicate crumbly consistency.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the savory profile of these cheese scones.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12-15 mins
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 241 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg