These Sourdough Cheese Scones are a lovely treat! They are flaky, cheesy, and have that special sourdough twist that makes them unique. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Baking these scones fills my kitchen with a warm, cheesy aroma. I love to enjoy them fresh, maybe with a little butter. You might find it hard to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor. If you don’t have any, you could try using a store-bought starter or substitute with an equal amount of yogurt for a similar tang.
All-Purpose Flour: I like using all-purpose flour for its versatility, but you can mix in whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just keep the total amount the same.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful flavor. If you’re after something milder or different, try gouda or mozzarella instead. Just make sure to shred it for an even melt!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes; it works just as well!
How Do I Cut Butter Into the Flour Mixture Perfectly?
Cutting in the butter is an essential step for achieving flaky scones. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold butter, as it melts slowly during baking, creating those desired flaky layers.
- Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix the butter with the flour until you see pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Avoid overmixing; you want to keep some butter chunks visible for the best texture.
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 4 tbsp (56 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups (100-150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of about 25-30 minutes. Quick and easy, you can enjoy freshly baked scones in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if you’re using it). This ensures everything is well combined and helps your scones rise nicely.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture. Keep working it until the mix looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This is what will create flakiness in your scones.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the flour and butter mixture. Make sure the cheese is well distributed to give every bite a cheesy flavor.
5. Combine with the Sourdough Starter:
Add the sourdough starter and about 3/4 cup of buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more buttermilk. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just 3-4 times to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or your scones may turn out tough.
7. Shape and Cut the Scones:
Pat the dough into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick round. With a floured biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out round scones. Press straight down without twisting, which helps them rise better.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet. If you like, brush the tops with a beaten egg for a lovely golden finish, and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for added flavor.
9. Bake the Scones:
Pop the scones into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and risen. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they are baking perfection, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic with a bit of butter or your favorite spread!
Enjoy your freshly baked sourdough cheese scones!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a little (about 1/4 tsp) to help with the texture of the scones.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using, and you’ll get a similar tangy flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re wrapped securely!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some cooked bacon, herbs, or different types of cheese to customize your scones. Just keep an eye on the moisture content if adding wet ingredients.
