Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups self-raising flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 65g (2.2 oz) butter, cubed
- 1 ½ cups milk
Cheese & Herbs
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, finely grated
- Extra cheddar cheese for topping
- Extra milk for brushing on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 220°C (428°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the scones.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir these together thoroughly.
- Incorporate butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry mix. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it reaches a breadcrumb-like consistency, ensuring the scones will be light and flaky.
- Add cheese and chives: Stir through the grated parmesan, cheddar, and freshly chopped chives evenly throughout the mixture.
- Combine milk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk gradually. Stir gently with a knife or spatula until the dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it out to a thickness of about 2 cm (¾ inch). Using a round cutter or glass (approx. 6 cm/2.5 inches in diameter), cut out scones and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Gather any scraps, gently reshape, and cut additional scones.
- Add toppings: Brush the tops of each scone with a little extra milk for a golden finish and sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese for a cheesy, melted crust.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until risen, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and transfer scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best taste and texture, ideally with butter or your favorite savory spread.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky scones.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep scones tender and light.
- Fresh chives add brightness; substitute with green onions if unavailable.
- Scones are best eaten the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British