Cheese scones

30 min Afternoon tea
Cheese scones

If you love cheese and easy baking, this recipe is for you. These savoury cheese scones come together in no time, using basic ingredients you probably already have at home. The sour cream keeps them light and fluffy, while the cheese adds that rich, scrumptious flavour you can never get enough of. Serve them warm with butter or next to a bowl of soup.

New recipe

Ingredients

100 g Cheese
300 ml Sour cream
2 Eggs
100 g Butter
360 g Wheat flour
1 tbsp Baking powder
1 tsp Salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 250 °C (or 225 °C fan-assisted oven).
  • Roughly grate the cheese and place it in a bowl. Whisk in sour cream, eggs, and butter,
  • In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients and fold them into the cheese mixture. Do not overwork the mixture.
  • Spoon the dough into a greased muffin tin. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10–12 minutes.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Scones should be flaky and fluffy, which is why all ingredients should be kept cold. Grate the cheese and store it in the fridge until you use it. Ensure the sour cream and eggs are also chilled. Work quickly to prevent the dough from getting warm. If the dough becomes too soft, chill it again before baking to maintain its flaky texture.

To help the cheese scones rise quickly and give them a well-browned, crisp bottom, it is a good idea to preheat the baking tray. Place the empty tray in the oven while preheating to ensure it is hot when you add the scone batter.

For tall and tender cheese scones, handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. For this recipe, spoon the dough into a greased muffin tin, dividing it evenly between the cups for consistent baking. If you are shaping them by hand, the dough should be at least 2½ cm thick for a good rise. When using a cutter, press straight down without twisting to avoid sealing the edges, which can prevent the scones from rising.

FAQ: Questions about cheese scones

We have given you a straightforward cheese scone recipe. But in case you still have questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked ones below.

What cheese should I use for cheese scones?

You can use any hard cheese for cheese scones. That said, mature Cheddar is our top pick. It has a strong, savoury flavour that stands out after baking and melts really well into the dough. You can also try using hard cheeses, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda. However, mature Cheddar alone will give you the classic flavour that is perfect for cheese scones.

How do I know when cheese scones are done baking?

To check if your cheese scones are done baking, look for a golden-brown top which shows a good crust has formed. The scones should have risen a bit in the tin. Press gently on the top of a scone; if it feels firm and springs back, it is likely done. Bake them for 10–12 minutes at the recommended temperature, but start checking after 9 minutes to ensure they are not overbaked. After baking, let the scones cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why do my cheese scones not rise well?

Your cheese scones may not rise properly for several reasons, including issues with baking powder, dough handling, and oven temperature. First, ensure your baking powder is fresh and well-mixed with the flour to activate it correctly. Next, handle the dough gently. If you overwork it, the scones can become dense. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 250 °C (or 225 °C fan) before baking. Finally, the dough should be moist but firm.

Can you freeze cheese scones?

Yes, you can freeze cheese scones. To freeze them before baking, make the dough with cheese, sour cream, eggs, butter & rapeseed oil, wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Shape the scones and freeze until solid. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place them in a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you are freezing baked scones, let them cool completely first. Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in an oven to restore their texture.

Can I make the cheese scones gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the gluten-free cheese scones by using 360 g of a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free to avoid any gluten traces. Gently mix the gluten-free dough and consider chilling it for 20-30 minutes before baking to improve the texture. Although gluten-free scones might be a bit crumblier, adding sour cream and eggs will help keep them moist and fluffy.

Nutritional values per piece

Energy:

240 Kcal

Energy distribution % Nutritional values per piece
Fibre - 1.1 g
Protein 11.5 % 6.8 g
Fat 49.4 % 13.4 g
Carbohydrates 39.1 % 23.1 g

Easy cheese scones with sour cream

This might just be the best cheese scone recipe ever. What makes it the best? It is quick, easy, and only requires a few simple baking staples that most people already have at home. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, only a straightforward recipe anyone can follow.

These scones have everything you love about the traditional ones, but they are made extra savoury and rich. The cheese is not merely sprinkled on top for show; it is folded right into the dough, taking the cheese aspect to a whole new level. Cheese lovers, take note!

The secret ingredient here is sour cream. It keeps the scones soft, moist, and slightly tangy, which balances the saltiness of the cheese. Enjoy them warm straight from the oven, with a bit of butter melting on top.

Flaky and fluffy texture

These cheese scones can be described in two words: flaky and fluffy. And it all comes down to how the dough is handled. A light hand keeps small pockets of air inside, which expand as they bake, creating tender scones with a crisp, golden edge.

The sour cream helps too, adding moisture and just enough acidity to keep them light rather than dense. Pull one apart fresh from the oven, and you will see the warm, cheesy, and impossibly soft interior. Honestly, they are at their best when still a little too hot to handle.

Perfect as a hearty side to soups and bakes or as a weekend breakfast

While classic scones are the afternoon tea treat, our cheesy ones break the mould. They are perfect next to a bowl of tomato soup, pumpkin soup, or butternut squash soup. Try them with chicken and mushroom lasagne, aubergine parmigiana, or a broccoli cheese bake for a more filling lunch or dinner.

But the scones are just as good for breakfast or brunch, especially if you prefer a savoury start to your day. Serve them with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a dollop of mango chutney. Our cheese scones take hardly any effort, but they are a real treat, whether you share them or keep them all to yourself.

Tasty ways to adapt the recipe

There are numerous ways to adapt this recipe. Add herbs like chives or thyme to the dough, or a little black pepper to bring out the flavour of the cheese. For a bit of heat, try mixing in mustard powder, paprika, or a pinch of chilli flakes.

Vegetables like spring onions or sun-dried tomatoes are great too, just make sure they are finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

You can also fold in a handful of crispy bacon pieces, which taste fantastic with the cheese. Remember not to overmix, to keep the scones light, and limit your add-ins (excluding cheese) to about 80 g to maintain the structure of the cheese scones.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/cheese-scones/