This classic Cheese Scones recipe is made with self-raising flour, butter, grated mature Cheddar cheese, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This recipe creates light, fluffy, and savory scones with a rich cheesy flavor and a hint of spice. They’re a perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup or a simple afternoon snack, and the recipe makes 8 scones.
Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones Ingredients
- 225g (8oz) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 50g (1¾ oz) cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 110g (4oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 medium egg
- 4-5 tbsp milk
How To Make Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones
- Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F / Gas mark 7). Lightly grease a baking tray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This is a very important step to get a light, flaky texture.
- Add the cheese and spice: Stir in the grated Cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper adds a lovely, subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Form a dough: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the beaten egg to the flour and cheese mixture, along with 4 tablespoons of milk. Use a round-bladed knife to mix everything together until it forms a soft, but not sticky, dough. If it’s too dry, add the last tablespoon of milk. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make the scones tough.
- Shape the scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it down with your hands until it is about 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. Using a 6cm (2½ inch) round cutter, cut out as many scones as you can. Gather the leftover dough, gently pat it down again, and cut more scones.
- Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a little milk to get a golden finish. Bake in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. They are best served warm, fresh from the oven.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter: It is essential to use cold butter and work quickly. The small pockets of butter in the dough will melt in the oven and create steam, which is what gives scones their light and flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, chewy scone. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Cut straight down: When cutting the scones, press the cutter straight down and lift it up. Do not twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the scones from rising evenly.
- Brush with milk: Brushing the tops with milk before baking helps create that classic golden, glossy crust. You can also use a little beaten egg for a richer color.
What To Serve Cheese Scones
These warm Cheese Scones are perfect for a savory afternoon tea. They pair wonderfully with a bowl of soup, such as a hearty tomato soup or a classic broccoli and stilton soup. For a snack, serve them with a little butter and a slice of ham, or even a smear of onion marmalade for a sweet and savory contrast.
How To Store Cheese Scones Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Cheese scones are best eaten on the day they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, wrap them in foil and warm them in a moderate oven for a few minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze unbaked scones. Place them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place them on a tray (no need to thaw) and bake for a few minutes longer than the recipe suggests.
Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why didn’t my scones rise? The most common reasons for flat scones are using an old baking powder or overworking the dough. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and be careful not to knead the dough too much after you’ve added the liquid.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can. While mature Cheddar provides a great punch of flavor, you can also use other hard cheeses like Red Leicester, Gruyère, or even a combination of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese has a good, strong flavor.
- Can I add other ingredients? Yes, cheese scones are very adaptable. You can add things like finely chopped chives, spring onions, or even some crispy bacon bits to the dough along with the cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Chutney Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones Recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones are a classic British savory bake. These light, fluffy scones are packed with grated mature Cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne, making them perfect served warm with butter or alongside a bowl of soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Rub in cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in cheese and cayenne.
- Beat egg with milk, then add to the dry mixture. Mix with a knife to form a soft dough.
- Pat the dough to 2.5cm thick, cut out scones, and place on a baking tray. Brush with milk.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and well-risen.
