Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This ensures our scones don’t stick and helps with easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. You want to ensure they are evenly combined. This step helps to aerate the mixture, creating lighter scones.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. The pieces of butter will create flakiness in the scones when baked.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing it well with the flour and butter helps distribute the cheese evenly.
Step 5: Mix in the Milk
- Make a well in the center and pour in the cold milk. Gently mix the ingredients with a spoon or spatula until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork it, or you risk tough scones.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With your hands, gently press it into a 1-inch thick disc. This doesn't have to be perfect; some unevenness can add character to your scones!
Step 7: Cut the Scones
- Using a sharp knife or a round cutter, cut the dough into 8-10 pieces. Place them on the prepared baking tray about an inch apart.
Step 8: Brush with Milk
- Gently brush the tops with a little cold milk. Then sprinkle extra cheese on top for that glorious finish—everyone loves a cheesy topping!
Step 9: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma!
Step 10: Cool & Enjoy
- Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, either plain or enhanced with butter.
Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and milk are cold for a flaky texture. Room temperature butter won’t give the same result.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients. The dough should just come together.
- Add More Cheese: Feeling cheesy? Use different types of cheese! Gouda, Gruyère, or even blue cheese can add rich flavors.
- Use Baking Powder with Care: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won’t help with the rise.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy. A hot oven leads to better scones!
