If you’re searching for a delightful, savory baked good that’s perfect for any time of day, look no further than Herb and Cheese Scones. These British biscuits are a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat, offering a burst of herbaceous flavor combined with the comforting richness of cheese. Whether you call them biscuits or scones, this recipe delivers a tender, flaky texture that is utterly irresistible. They’re fantastic for breakfast, as a side with soup, or as a sophisticated afternoon tea offering. This post will guide you through creating these delicious savory scones, ensuring a perfect bake every time.

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Key Ingredients for Herb and Cheese Scones

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these wonderfully aromatic and cheesy scones:

2 cups (approx. 240g) All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the scone structure. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
1 tablespoon Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives scones their lift and airy texture. Do not confuse it with baking soda.
½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and warmth, complementing the herbs.
6 tablespoons (approx. 85g) Unsalted Butter, very cold and cubed: Crucial for flaky scones. The colder the butter, the better the flakiness.
¾ cup (approx. 90g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: Provides that quintessential tangy, savory flavor. Feel free to use a mature or extra-sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs, finely chopped: A blend of chives, parsley, and thyme works beautifully. Rosemary or dill are also excellent choices for different flavor profiles.
¾ cup (approx. 180ml) Whole Milk, very cold: Helps bind the dough without overdeveloping the gluten. Using cold milk maintains the cold temperature of the butter.
1 large Egg, for egg wash (optional): Gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown sheen and a slightly crisp crust.

How to Make Herb and Cheese Scones

These Herb and Cheese Scones are incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious and satisfying result in under an hour. Their simple preparation involves quickly mixing dry ingredients with cold butter and milk, resulting in a tender, flaky texture bursting with savory cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful accompaniment to any meal, these scones will become a go-to favorite.

● Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Cut in Cold Butter: Add the very cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for flakiness.
Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the finely chopped fresh herbs until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Incorporate Cold Milk: Gradually add the very cold whole milk, starting with about two-thirds of the amount. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy. If the dough is too dry, add the remaining milk a little at a time.
Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle or rectangle about 1-inch thick. Avoid excessive kneading or handling, as this can make the scones tough.
Cut the Scones: Using a 2-inch round cutter, or a sharp knife to cut into wedges or squares, cut out the scones. Gather any scraps, gently press them together, and cut out additional scones until all the dough is used.
Arrange and Egg Wash (Optional): Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. If desired, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).
Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Herb and Cheese Scones

You’ll adore these Herb and Cheese Scones for their incredible versatility and comforting flavor. The main highlight is their perfectly tender, flaky texture that practically melts in your mouth, infused with the aromatic freshness of herbs and the sharp tang of cheddar. Making these at home is a significant cost-saver compared to bakery-bought options, allowing you to enjoy gourmet quality without the high price tag. Plus, the combination of fresh herbs like chives and thyme with savory cheese creates a truly special flavor profile that’s both rustic and refined.

These savory British biscuits are a delightful departure from their sweet counterparts, offering a satisfying bite that complements a variety of meals or stands alone as a delicious snack. If you’re a fan of our popular buttermilk biscuits, you’ll find these scones equally satisfying, but with a unique savory twist that’s perfect for savory cravings. I encourage you to try this recipe – you might just discover your new favorite baked good!

What to Serve Herb and Cheese Scones With

Herb and Cheese Scones are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

Soups and Stews: They are perfect for dipping into hearty tomato soup, a creamy mushroom bisque, or a rich beef stew. The savory scones absorb the flavors beautifully.
Roast Dinners: Serve them as a side with a traditional Sunday roast chicken or beef. Their substantial texture and savory notes complement roasted meats and vegetables.
Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy them warm with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. A dollop of crème fraîche or plain Greek yogurt can add a lovely tang.
Afternoon Tea (Savory Style): Move beyond jam and cream! Pair them with slices of smoked salmon, a mild cream cheese spread, or thin slices of cucumber for a delightful savory tea.
Chili: For a comforting meal, these scones are a fantastic accompaniment to a bowl of warm chili, adding a wonderful textural contrast.

Top Tips for Perfecting Herb and Cheese Scones

Achieving the perfect Herb and Cheese Scones is all about a few key techniques. Follow these tips for consistently delicious results:

Keep Ingredients Cold: This is perhaps the most important rule for flaky scones. Ensure your butter and milk are very cold. Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, leading to those desirable flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your flour for 15-20 minutes before starting.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, dense scones. Mix just until the dough barely comes together and is shaggy. A light hand is key!
Use a Light Touch: When patting out the dough and cutting the scones, be gentle. Avoid pressing too hard or twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and inhibit rise. For extra lift, dip your cutter in flour between cuts.
Grate Your Butter: For even distribution and easier mixing, consider grating your cold butter on a box grater before adding it to the flour. This creates tiny, uniform pieces that are easy to cut into the flour.
Experiment with Cheeses and Herbs: While sharp cheddar and a chive/parsley/thyme mix are classic, feel free to get creative! Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked cheddar can be excellent. For herbs, try fresh rosemary, dill, or a touch of oregano. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh).
Don’t Skimp on Baking Powder: Baking powder is the primary leavening agent. Ensure yours is fresh—test it by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should fizz vigorously.
Even Thickness for Baking: Pat the dough to an even 1-inch thickness to ensure all scones bake uniformly.
Avoid Over-Baking: Scones can dry out quickly. Bake until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches about 200°F (93°C). A good indicator is when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Herb and Cheese Scones fresh and delicious, proper storage is key, whether you’re planning to enjoy them the next day or much later.

Room Temperature (Short-Term): Once completely cooled, store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The airtight container prevents them from drying out.
Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary for short-term storage, if you live in a very humid climate or want to extend their freshness slightly, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. However, refrigeration can sometimes dry them out a bit.
Freezing (Long-Term): Scones freeze beautifully!
- Baked Scones: Once completely cooled, wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Unbaked Scones: You can also freeze unbaked scones! Cut them out and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the solid scones to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen scones directly on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Baked Scones: For the best results, reheat baked scones in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the scones directly on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps restore their crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Microwave (Use with caution): While quick, microwaving can make scones soft and sometimes chewy. If you must use a microwave, heat for only 15-30 seconds.

Final Thoughts

These Herb and Cheese Scones are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience in comforting, savory baking. From the moment you pull them golden and fragrant from the oven, you’ll be captivated by their inviting aroma and the promise of flaky goodness within. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a sophisticated addition to afternoon tea, or a hearty accompaniment to your favorite soup, their blend of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs creates an utterly delightful flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these British biscuits are sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these savory superstars today!

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Herb and Cheese Scones FAQs

Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A1: Yes, you can. As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs, so for this recipe, about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs would suffice. However, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor.

Q2: My scones turned out tough. What did I do wrong?
A2: The most common reason for tough scones is overmixing the dough. Overworking develops the gluten, which leads to a dense and tough texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and the dough comes together.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can. After cutting the scones, you can place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked scones as described in the “Storing and Reheating Tips.”

Q4: What kind of cheese works best?
A4: Sharp cheddar is highly recommended for its robust flavor. However, you can experiment with other hard or semi-hard cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. Ensure the cheese is finely grated for even distribution.

Q5: How do I get my scones to rise high?
A5: Several factors contribute to a good rise:
* Cold Butter: Helps create steam pockets.
* Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your leavening agent is active.
* Don’t Overmix: Prevents gluten development.
* Proper Cutting: Use a sharp cutter and don’t twist it, as twisting can seal the edges and hinder rise.
* Dough Thickness: Pat the dough to an even 1-inch thickness.

Q6: Can I add other ingredients to these scones?
A6: Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can all contribute wonderful additional flavors. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture.