Name: Cheese and Chive Scones That’ll Brighten Your Breakfast Routine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Provide structure; measure accurately.); 1 tablespoon Sugar (Can be omitted if desired.); 1 tablespoon Baking powder (Essential for scones to rise.); 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda (Necessary if using buttermilk.); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Elevates flavor.); 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (frozen) (Grate for easier incorporation.); 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) (Freshly grated recommended.); 0.25 cup Chives (chopped) (Can swap with green onions.); 0.75 cup Buttermilk (Can substitute with vinegar or lemon juice and milk.); 1 cup Bacon (cooked, chopped) (Consider adding for a savory punch.); 1 clove Garlic (minced) (Enhances flavor.); 2 cups Gluten-free 1:1 flour (Use as substitute for all-purpose flour.)

The smell of freshly baked scones filled the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy café tucked away in a quaint little town. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for melt-in-your-mouth Cheese and Chive Scones, the perfect treat to elevate your breakfast or snack game. These savory delights are not only quick and easy to whip up, but they can also be customized to fit your taste—imagine adding crispy bacon or aromatic garlic for that extra twist! Whether you pair them with a comforting soup or enjoy them warm with a spread of butter, these scones are bound to impress your family and friends. Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s get baking!

Why love these cheese and chive scones?

Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These scones feature a tender, flaky texture that surprises with every bite, reminiscent of a rich biscuit.

Quick and easy: With minimal prep time, you can enjoy these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings.

Customizable flavors: Feel free to add bacon, garlic, or even switch to gluten-free flour, making these scones adaptable for every palate.

Perfect for any meal: Whether paired with creamy soups for lunch or enjoyed warm with butter for breakfast, they fit seamlessly into any occasion.

Crowd-pleaser: An irresistible aroma and delightful taste make these scones a hit with family and friends—perfect to impress at brunch!

Want more savory ideas? Try my Pesto Grilled Cheese for a sandwich that rivals these scones or indulge in the flavors of a Holiday Cream Cheese Antipasto Log for festive gatherings!

Cheese and Chive Scones Ingredients

For the Scone Mixture
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure; ensure it’s measured accurately for best results.
• Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements; can be omitted if desired.
• Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, essential for the scones to rise.
• Baking soda – Enhances rise and browning, necessary if using buttermilk.
• Salt – Elevates flavor; an essential component for balance.

For Flavor and Texture
• Unsalted butter (frozen) – Gives the scones their flakiness; grate for easier incorporation, or use cold diced butter if necessary.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – Adds richness and a burst of flavor; freshly grated is recommended for optimal texture.
• Chives (chopped) – Introduces an onion flavor that complements the cheese; can swap with green onions if preferred.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness to the scones; can substitute with a mix of vinegar or lemon juice and milk.

Customization
• Bacon (cooked, chopped) – Consider adding for a savory punch; it pairs beautifully with cheese.
• Garlic (minced) – A great addition for those who love extra flavor; it can make the scones even more aromatic.
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour – Use as a substitute for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version without altering other ingredients.

These Cheese and Chive Scones ingredients make for a comforting and customizable experience, ensuring you can create the perfect batch. Happy baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheese and Chive Scones

Step 1: Prep oven and dry mix
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create a perfect baking environment. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture forms the base of your Cheese and Chive Scones, ensuring a well-balanced flavor and fluffiness.

Step 2: Incorporate butter
Grate 1/2 cup of frozen unsalted butter directly into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with small butter chunks visible. This step is crucial for achieving those melt-in-your-mouth scones, as it promotes flakiness and tenderness when baked.

Step 3: Mix in flavors
Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped chives to the butter-flour mixture. Next, pour in 3/4 cup of buttermilk and combine everything until just moistened—take care not to overmix. Proper mixing will keep your Cheese and Chive Scones airy and light, so a few floury bits are perfectly fine!

Step 4: Shape dough
Turn the slightly sticky dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it gently into a disc about 1½ inches thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 to 10 wedges, ensuring each piece is evenly sized for uniform baking. This shaping technique helps the scones rise beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake
Transfer the scone wedges onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion. Brush the tops with a bit of leftover buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling delicious doneness.

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, carefully remove the Cheese and Chive Scones from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling step helps intensify the flavors and gives you that desirable warm, flaky texture for your delightful treat.

Expert Tips for Cheese and Chive Scones

Avoid Overworking Dough: Gentle handling is key; this ensures your Cheese and Chive Scones stay light and fluffy.
Cold Butter Is Best: Using grated frozen butter creates the perfect flaky texture. Room temperature butter won’t yield the same result.
Check Baking Time: Use a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean. Avoid opening the oven too early to maintain heat.
Chill Dough for Flavor: Refrigerating the dough for a few hours or overnight enhances flavor and improves texture significantly.
Even Scone Size: Make sure to cut evenly sized wedges to ensure uniform baking, which guarantees beautifully risen and golden scones.

Cheese and Chive Scone Variations

Feel free to play around with these scones and add your personal touch to elevate their deliciousness!

Green Onions: Swap chives for green onions to add a mild, fresh flavor that’s sure to brighten your scones.
Bacon Delight: Add cooked, chopped bacon bits to the dough for a savory crunch. It complements the cheese beautifully and enhances the scone’s rich flavor.
Garlic Boost: Fold in minced garlic for a delightful aromatic twist. Just a small amount can elevate the overall savoriness, making each bite irresistible.
Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. The spices will create a delightful contrast with the richness of the cheese.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant note. These aromatic additions will elevate the scones to a whole new level of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these scones suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. They’ll be just as tender and delicious!
Cheese Variety: Try different cheeses like feta, gouda, or pepper jack to switch up the flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its unique essence to the scones.
Sweet Variation: For a delightful dessert twist, incorporate a handful of dried cranberries or a touch of honey. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy these scones as a sweet treat!

For more delicious twists, check out my recipes for Mini Lemon Cheesecakes or a delightful Sugar Cookie Cheesecake that can inspire your creativity in the kitchen!

Make Ahead Options

These Cheese and Chive Scones are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness even on the busiest mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping it into wedges, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them directly from the fridge—no need to thaw! For optimal quality, brush the tops with buttermilk just before baking. You’ll have delightful scones that are just as delicious as if you made them fresh each time!

How to Store and Freeze Cheese and Chive Scones

Room Temperature: Keep scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their delightful freshness without drying out.

Fridge: For longer-lasting scones, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive their fluffy texture.

Freezer: Freeze cheese and chive scones before or after baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, heat frozen scones directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back that warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

What to Serve with Cheese and Chive Scones

Imagine savoring warm, cheesy scones alongside vibrant flavors that elevate your meal just right.

Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich, savory tones of this classic soup perfectly complement the cheesy goodness of your scones.
Garden Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the rich scone flavor.
Spiced Apple Chutney: Sweet and tangy, this chutney enhances the scones’ savory notes, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
Herbed Butter: A spread of herbed butter elevates the scones to another level, adding richness and aromatic flavors.
Egg Salad: Creamy egg salad tucked into a scone transforms it into a filling brunch option, perfect for gatherings.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus gives a lovely textural contrast while bringing vibrant greens to your plate.
Dry Rosé Wine: The crispness of a dry rosé pairs delightfully with the savory notes of cheese and chive.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Fruit Preserves: Sweet fruit preserves spread on a warm scone enhance its flavor profile, making it an indulgent breakfast choice.
Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, smooth chocolate mousse offers a luxurious dessert that contrasts beautifully with the savory scones.

Cheese and Chive Scones Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cheese for my scones?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese, as it brings a rich and robust taste. Freshly grated cheese offers the best texture and melty goodness. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, feel free to substitute with mild cheddar or even Gouda—just ensure it’s finely shredded for easier incorporation.

What’s the best way to store leftover cheese and chive scones?
Very good question! For optimal freshness, store your Cheese and Chive Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat them briefly in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I freeze cheese and chive scones? If so, how?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option! You can freeze the scones either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked scones, shape the dough and arrange them on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For baked scones, let them cool completely, then follow the same wrapping process. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What if my scones turn out too dense or dry?
Oh no! If your Cheese and Chive Scones are too dense, you may have overmixed the dough or used too much flour. When combining the ingredients, mix just until moistened. If they turn out dry, it could be from overbaking. Use a toothpick to check for doneness early; they should be golden brown but still slightly moist inside.

Are these scones suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour that works for baking. This way, you can enjoy the same delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture without compromising on flavor. Just ensure to check the flour blend to avoid any unwanted additives!