These Sourdough Cheese Scones are tasty treats that combine the tanginess of sourdough with gooey cheese. They bake up golden and flaky—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, shape, and bake! Try serving them warm with butter; trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🧀🥐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base for the scones. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend; just make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.
Sourdough starter: Using unfed sourdough starter gives your scones a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with plain yogurt or a mix of equal parts flour and water, but the taste will vary.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a strong flavor. Feel free to swap it for Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese based on your taste preferences. Always go for a block of cheese and shred it yourself for better melting quality!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have any, you can make a substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How Do I Get Fluffy and Tender Scones?
The key to fluffy scones starts with your technique! Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones. Here’s how to keep them light:
- Make sure your butter is cold! This helps create a flaky texture when baked.
- Mix your ingredients gently. Stop once everything is just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Don’t over-knead. Just bring the dough together and pat it out gently. Rolling can toughen the dough.
- Cut out your scones with a sharp cutter. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent rising.
Remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on the scones. Enjoy the heavenly aroma while they bake!
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional, for mild heat and color)
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (unfed or discard)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Extra flour for dusting
- Melted butter for brushing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you should plan for about 45 minutes total before you can enjoy your delicious scones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot oven will help your scones rise beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up, or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even flavor in your scones.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized bits of butter remaining. This will help create flaky scones!
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The cheese adds delicious flavor and gooey texture to your scones.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together your sourdough starter and buttermilk until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and tang to your scones.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be shaggy but hold together when pinched.
7. Knead and Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times until it comes together in a cohesive mass. Pat or roll the dough into a rectangle about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
8. Cut Out the Scones:
Using a floured biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out as many scones as you can and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you have scraps, press them together lightly and cut out more scones until all the dough is used.
9. Brush with Butter (Optional):
If you want a beautiful golden color on top, brush the scones lightly with melted butter. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
10. Bake the Scones:
Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. They are best served warm!
12. Enjoy!
Serve your fluffy and cheesy sourdough scones warm or at room temperature, ideally with extra butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half or all of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will yield denser scones, so you may need to add a little extra liquid (buttermilk or sourdough starter) to achieve the right consistency.
Can I Add Different Cheeses or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Gouda or Swiss, for a unique flavor. You can also add herbs, cooked bacon, or chopped green onions to mix things up a bit!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember that it may require a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s chilled when you place it in the oven.
