These Sourdough Cheese Scones are fluffy, cheesy, and simply delightful! Made with sourdough for that extra zing, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, who can resist warm, cheesy scones right out of the oven? I love enjoying these with a bit of butter. They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll want to make them every day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your scones. You can substitute with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if desired, but it may change the texture.
Sourdough Starter: An active starter is best for flavor. If you don’t have one, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the taste will vary.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite. You could swap it for any cheese like Gruyère or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Chives/Green Onions: These add freshness. If you don’t have them, any herbs like parsley or dill can work, or leave them out altogether!
Butter: Cold butter is key for flaky scones. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use coconut oil or vegan butter, but the texture might differ.
How Do I Ensure Fluffy and Flaky Scones?
The key to light and flaky scones lies in the mixing and handling of the dough. When you mix the butter into the flour, aim to keep small pieces of butter intact. This creates steam while baking, leading to that tender texture.
- Keep your butter cold – it shouldn’t melt before baking.
- Avoid overmixing the dough; it’s okay if it’s slightly sticky; that’s normal!
- When patting the dough, be gentle and don’t press too hard to keep those layers intact.
- Remember to fold the dough a couple of times before cutting; this helps develop layers.
With these tips, your scones should turn out wonderfully flaky and delicious! Enjoy!
Sourdough Cheese Scones Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active, unfed is fine)
- 1/3 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, balances flavor)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes before your delicious scones are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is getting hot, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar (if using). Make sure everything is well combined to ensure your scones rise nicely.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your clean fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter still present. This helps create a flaky texture!
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and the chopped chives or green onions, if you’re using them. This will add extra flavor to your scones!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix your sourdough starter and milk until well combined. This mixture will provide moisture to your scones.
6. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; your dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. This is where you’ll get those lovely fluffy layers!
8. Create Layers:
Fold the dough over onto itself 2-3 times. This technique helps create those flaky layers in your scones. After folding, gently pat it back to about 1-inch thickness.
9. Cut Out the Scones:
Using a round cutter (about 2.5 inches), cut out the scones and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to gather the scraps, gently press them together, and cut out more scones.
10. Optional Egg Wash:
If you want a lovely golden color on top, beat the egg and brush it onto the tops of the scones.
11. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Enjoy these delightful Sourdough Cheese Scones—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. However, your scones may be denser, so consider adding a bit more liquid if the dough seems too dry.
What If My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Active?
No worries! You can use an unfed starter, which will still work fine in this recipe. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Scones?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked scones. Just place the cut scones on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’re not eaten by then, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage!
