Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of a kick)
- 1/2 cup (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup (100g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, plus extra for brushing
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches diameter)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add Cheese and Egg: Stir in most of the grated cheddar (reserve about 2 tablespoons) and the beaten egg until just incorporated.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Pat or gently roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Avoid overworking the dough, as this will make your scones tough.
- Cut the Scones: Using a round cookie cutter, cut out as many scones as possible. Gather the scraps, gently pat them together, and cut out more scones.
- Brush and Bake: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and risen.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite preserves.
Tips:
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and milk helps create light and flaky scones.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Don’t overwork the dough. Mix and knead just until it comes together.
- Sharp Cheese: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the best savory flavor.
- Add-Ins: Experiment with additions like chopped chives, bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes.
