Delicious Cheese and Herb Scones

Certainly! Cheese and Herb Scones are a delightful and savory treat that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make these delicious scones:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the scones.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds richness and flakiness.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, cheesy flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives: Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note.
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing on top): Helps achieve a golden brown finish.
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder: For additional flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. If using garlic powder or onion powder, add it to the dry ingredients.

3. Cut in the Butter:

1. Add Butter:

• Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the flour mixture.

1. Cut in the Butter:

• Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture, which helps create a flaky texture.

4. Add Cheese and Herbs:

1. Stir in Cheese and Herbs:

• Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and chopped parsley. Mix until evenly distributed.

5. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or cream) and the egg until well combined.

6. Combine and Form the Dough:

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be a bit shaggy.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive dough. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle or circle, depending on your preference.

7. Cut the Scones:

1. Cut Shapes:

• Using a sharp knife or a round biscuit cutter, cut the dough into scones. You can cut it into squares, triangles, or circles.

1. Transfer to Baking Sheet:

• Place the cut scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

8. Brush and Bake:

1. Brush with Milk:

• Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk or cream. This helps them brown nicely.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

9. Cool and Serve:

1. Cool:

• Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

1. Serve:

• Enjoy the scones warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a bit of butter.

Tips for Perfect Scones:

• Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough scones.
• Handle Gently: Be gentle when handling the dough to maintain the light, flaky texture.

Variations:

• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses.
• Herbs: Substitute or add other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill for different flavor profiles.
• Add-ins: Try adding cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for additional flavors.

Conclusion:

Cheese and Herb Scones are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a combination of savory cheese and fresh herbs wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these scones are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Follow this recipe for a delicious, homemade treat that brings comfort and flavor to your table.

Enjoy your delicious cheese and herb scones!

This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to making perfect cheese and herb scones, ensuring they turn out light, flaky, and full of flavor. Enjoy baking and savoring these delectable treats!