These sharp cheddar and chive scones are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor! The mix of tangy cheddar cheese and fresh chives makes them a tasty treat for any time of day.
They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack. I love mine warm with a little butter. Just try not to eat them all at once—trust me, it’s hard to resist! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your scones. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on the texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use mild cheddar or even gouda for a different twist.
Chives: Fresh chives add a delightful onion flavor. If they aren’t available, scallions or green onions work as a good substitute.
Sourdough Starter: You can use either fed starter or discard if you’re using up some of your starter. But feel free to swap it out for plain yogurt or buttermilk if you’re in a pinch.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Keep the butter cold for flaky scones. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well.
How Do You Ensure Fluffy and Tender Scones?
Getting the perfect texture for scones takes a few careful steps. Here’s how to ensure they come out fluffy and tender:
- Handle the dough gently! Too much mixing will lead to tough scones. Mix until just combined.
- Keep your butter cold. This helps create little pockets of steam as the scones bake, making them flaky.
- Don’t forget to preheat your oven. A hot oven is crucial for good rise.
- If the dough feels too wet or sticky, sprinkle on a little extra flour as you work it. Be cautious with this!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect scones every time! Enjoy your cooking and happy baking!
Sharp Cheddar And Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 cup sourdough starter (unfed, discard or fed starter)
- 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (plus a little extra for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then another 15-18 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have these delicious scones ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your scones get a lovely rise! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so they won’t stick.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This is your dry mix.
3. Incorporating Cheese and Chives:
Add 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of finely chopped chives to your dry ingredients. Mix them together so the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed.
4. Cutting in the Butter:
Now, it’s time to add in ⅓ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is what makes your scones flaky!
5. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
Stir in 1 cup of sourdough starter and ¼ cup of buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable.
6. Shaping the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. You want to keep the dough tender!
7. Cutting the Scones:
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal triangular wedges. This shape will give you those classic scone pieces!
8. Transferring to Baking Sheet:
Carefully move the scone wedges onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them out a little to give them room to rise.
9. Brushing for a Golden Finish:
Brush the tops of the scones lightly with a little more buttermilk. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden color.
10. Baking Time:
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be golden brown and cooked through when they’re ready.
11. Enjoying Your Scones:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Enjoy them warm with butter or your favorite spread!
Enjoy your tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous sourdough scones! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just be aware that this might alter the texture slightly, making the scones denser.
What If I Don’t Have Chives?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh chives, you can use green onions or even a little dried onion powder for a flavor boost. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary could also work if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before baking.
