Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fat
- 1/4 cup cold butter
Butter must be cold to create a flaky texture.
Cheese
- 1 cup grated cheese
Cheddar is best, but any hard cheese works.
Liquid
- 3/4 cup milk
Milk should be cold or room temperature, not warm.
Optional additions (use only after mastering the basic recipe):
- Black pepper
- Mustard powder
- Chopped herbs
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife or grater (for butter)
- Spoon or fork
- Clean flat surface
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Tray
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
This high heat is important because it helps the scones rise quickly and become light inside.
Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Set the tray aside so it is ready when the scones are shaped.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Place the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Mix well using a spoon.
This ensures the baking powder is evenly spread, which helps the scones rise evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Adding the Butter
Cut the cold butter into small cubes or grate it.
Add the butter to the flour mixture.
Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour.
Keep lifting and rubbing lightly until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
Do not press or knead.
Small butter pieces are important for a soft and flaky texture.
If the butter starts to melt, stop and place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Step 4: Adding the Cheese
Add the grated cheese to the flour and butter mixture.
Mix gently with a spoon until the cheese is evenly spread.
Do not overmix.
Step 5: Adding the Milk
Make a small well in the center of the mixture.
Pour in most of the milk, keeping a little aside.
Mix gently using a spoon or fork until the dough starts to come together.
If the dough feels dry, add a little more milk.
The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Forming the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface.
Turn the dough out onto the surface.
Bring it together gently with your hands.
Do not knead like bread.
Too much handling makes scones hard.
Press the dough into a round shape about 2 to 3 cm thick.
Step 7: Cutting the Scones
Use a round cutter or a knife to cut the dough into scones.
Press straight down if using a cutter.
Do not twist, as twisting can stop the scones from rising evenly.
Place the scones onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between them.
Step 8: Final Preparation Before Baking
If desired, brush the tops lightly with milk.
This helps create a golden surface.
You may sprinkle a small amount of extra cheese on top.
Step 9: Baking the Cheese Scones
Place the tray in the preheated oven.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
The scones should:
- Rise well
- Turn golden on top
- Smell rich and buttery
Do not open the oven during the first 10 minutes.
Step 10: Cooling the Scones
Remove the tray from the oven.
Place the scones on a cooling rack or plate.
Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before eating.
They are best enjoyed warm.
