How To Make Cheddar Cheese Scones in 30 Minutes

Learn how to whip up these delicious cheddar cheese scones in just 30 minutes. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for a tasty breakfast, snack or split them in half for a mini bun for chicken salad, egg salad or dainty lunch meat sandwich.

Cheddar Cheese Scones

These are the easiest cheddar cheese scones (AKA cheddar cheese biscuits) to master for your next fancy bunch or afternoon tea. I was inspired to make these after These Old Cook Books went to London for the ultimate food tour in 2024.

We started off our trip with an afternoon tea experience at The Melody Restaurant. I highly recommend scheduling an afternoon tea while you’re visiting London. The tea, the champagne, the caviar, the clotted cream, the cheddar cheese scones with bacon jam, every little bite was amazing.

I knew I had to conquer the cheddar cheese scone as soon as I got home. This recipe is inspired by a book title Afternoon Tea by Susannah Blake.

Savory Scone Recipe Ingredients

• All purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Chilled butter
• Sharp Cheddar cheese
• Large egg
• Milk

These cute little cheese biscuits are perfectly delightful on their own, but they’d also be amazing split in half like a little sandwich bun. They are easy to make ahead to save yourself some time later on. Freeze them for up to a month ahead of time.

This recipe is inspired by a book title Afternoon Tea by Susannah Blake and she cuts her version in half, spreads with cream cheese, and then either tops with split grapes or watercress. That would definitely be a fancy scone.

How to make cheese scones?

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F oven.
2. Put the flour, baking powder, salt and black pepper in a food processor. Add chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Pour into a large bowl and add 1/2 cup shredded cheese; make a well in the center.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Reserve 1 Tablespoon of the mixture for later.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the well, and take a fork to stir until a soft dough forms. If there is still dry crumbs, add a splash of milk.
6. Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly.
7. Roll it out with a rolling pin(or pat it out) until it’s approximately 1 inch thick.
8. Cut out rounds with 1 3/4 inch biscuit cutter. Take the trimmings and roll together and roll out again until all the dough is cut into rounds.
9. Arrange scones onto a greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet pan.
10. Brush with reserved egg mixture, and top with remaining cheddar cheese on top.
11. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown and risen high.
12. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
13. Serve as is, sliced with butter or jam, or cut in half and use as a mini bun for sandwiches.

Storage Instructions

To store cheddar cheese scones, allow them to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.

For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for these savory cheese scones, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

• Make sure your butter is chilled before adding to the food processor.
• If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until fine breadcrumbs remain.
• Use very sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
• If your dough feels dry, add a splash of milk so that all the flour combines into the dough.
• I recommend using Celtic salt and fresh cracked pepper for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Stir in finely chopped ham or bacon bits.
• Fresh chives would be a great addition.
• Herbs such as fresh rosemary would be delightful.

How do you eat a cheese scone?

A cheese scone can be enjoyed on its own, split in half and topped with butter or jam, or served as a side with soups and salads. Additionally, you can use it as a base for a mini sandwich, such as with chicken or egg salad.

What is the difference between biscuits and scones?

In the United States, biscuits are typically flakier and more buttery, while scones are denser and sweeter. However, in the UK, the term “biscuit” is used for what Americans call “cookies,” and scones are more similar to what Americans call “biscuits.” So, the difference can be a bit confusing depending on where you are located.

Why are my scones heavy and dense?

Your scones may be heavy and dense if you overworked the dough. Try to handle the dough as little as possible and avoid kneading it too much. Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active, as this can affect the rise and texture of the scones.

Recipes for Cheddar Cheese Lovers

Are you looking for recipes featuring cheddar cheese? Look no farther, we have several, including the cheese scone recipe below.

• Cheddar Chowder
• Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
• Bacon Cheddar Snack Mix
• Mashed Cauliflower Casserole

Kitchen Utensils

For easy shopping, find out grocery list on our Amazon Store. I’ve also included the kitchen utensils needed to make these 30 minute cheddar biscuits. My Ninja Food Processor made the perfect texture of butter and flour mixture in 20 seconds.