Savory Cheddar & Cayenne Scones
Indulge in these delightful Savory Cheddar & Cayenne Scones, perfect for breakfast or a charming afternoon tea. These scones are infused with the rich, tangy flavor of old cheddar cheese, complemented by a subtle kick of cayenne pepper. Their flaky texture and cheesy goodness make them irresistibly delicious and an excellent accompaniment to soups and salads. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these scones are sure to impress family and friends alike. Share them fresh out of the oven or enjoy them warmed up later – either way, they are bound to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (measured)
granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
cold butter
1/2 cup (cubed)
old cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
buttermilk
1 cup (measured)
egg
1 (lightly beaten for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare an ungreased baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
3
Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, allowing small pieces of butter to remain for extra flakiness.
4
Fold in the shredded old cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
5
Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients all at once, using a fork to gently stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
6
Lightly flour your hands and gather the dough into a ball, then gently knead it on a lightly floured surface about 10 times – just enough to shape it.
7
Pat the dough out into a round shape approximately 3/4-inch thick.
8
Use a floured 2-1/2-inch round cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9
Gather any scraps, re-pat the dough, and cut additional rounds until all the dough is used.
10
Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and risen.
12
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar & Cayenne Scones?
These are delightful savory baked goods infused with tangy old cheddar cheese and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Use an ungreased baking sheet for this scone recipe.
What dry ingredients are whisked together?
Whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and salt.
How should the butter be prepared before adding it to the flour?
The butter should be cold and cut into small cubes.
What is the best way to incorporate the butter?
Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Why should small pieces of butter remain in the dough?
Small pieces of butter help create a extra flaky texture in the baked scones.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded old cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor.
How do I add the buttermilk?
Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients all at once and stir gently with a fork.
What should I be careful of when mixing the dough?
Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure the scones remain tender and flaky.
How many times should I knead the dough?
Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface about 10 times, just enough to shape it.
How thick should the dough be patted out?
Pat the dough into a round shape that is approximately 3/4-inch thick.
What size cutter is recommended for the scones?
Use a floured 2-1/2-inch round cutter to cut out the scones.
What do I do with the remaining dough scraps?
Gather any scraps, re-pat the dough, and continue cutting rounds until all the dough is used.
Why do I brush the tops of the scones with egg?
Brushing with a beaten egg gives the scones a shiny, golden finish once baked.
How long do the scones need to bake?
Bake the scones for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the scones are finished baking?
The scones are done when they have risen and are golden brown.
Can these scones be served with other dishes?
Yes, they are an excellent accompaniment to soups and salads.
Are these scones suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
Is there sugar in these savory scones?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are added to balance the flavors.
Can I eat these scones cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up.
What tools can I use if I don't have a pastry blender?
You can use two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture.
Does the recipe require baking soda or baking powder?
The recipe requires both: 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much buttermilk is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, these scones are easy to prepare and quick to bake.
What should the dough consistency be like?
The dough should be soft and sticky before kneading.
Can I share these scones at a party?
Yes, they are great for parties and are sure to impress family and friends.