Ah, scones—those delightful little pastries that somehow manage to feel both luxurious and down-to-earth. Picture this: a chilly autumn morning, a cup of coffee in hand, and the warm, cheesy aroma of cheddar scallion scones wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a hug for your senses, a moment where the world pauses, and every crumb is a nugget of pure joy.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Incorporate the butter using your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and uneven.
- Add the cheddar cheese and scallions to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, blend the eggs and cream (or your preferred dairy). If desired, include mustard and hot sauce. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened, resulting in a very sticky dough.
- Generously flour your countertop and hands. Shape the dough into a rectangle measuring 10″ x 2″. For larger scones, adjust the rectangle to 15″ x 3″.
- Divide the rectangle into 5 squares, then slice each square diagonally to create 10 triangular scones.
- Arrange the scones on the baking sheet, ensuring there is at least 1 inch between each one.
- Bake for 20 to 23 minutes until the scones are golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve them warm or at room temperature. For storage, keep them well-wrapped at room temperature for several days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or other preferred dairy)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon mustard
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
- Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
- What if I don’t have cream?
- If cream is not available, you can use milk or a non-dairy alternative instead. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work.
- How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
- To prevent sticking, ensure to liberally flour both your hands and the work surface before handling the dough. This will make the process much easier.
- Can I make these scones ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the scones ahead and store them at room temperature for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.
- Is it necessary to use mustard and hot sauce?
- No, adding mustard and hot sauce is optional. They contribute to the flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
Tips
- Use cold butter when incorporating it into the flour mixture to achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- To ensure the dough doesn’t stick too much, generously flour both your hands and the work surface before shaping the dough.
- If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a hint of mustard and a dash of hot sauce to the wet ingredients.
- For scones that are uniform in size and shape, use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter when dividing the dough into triangles.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
