These Sourdough Cheese Scones are a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and tangy sourdough. They’re warm, fluffy, and just the right treat for brunch or snack time!
Who can resist the smell of fresh scones wafting through the kitchen? I love enjoying them warm with a little butter—heavenly! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your scones. If you want a heartier scone, try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might change slightly.
Sourdough Starter: Make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results! If you don’t have any, you can replace it with plain yogurt or a bit of sour cream mixed with water to mimic the tanginess.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can swap it for any cheese you like—Gruyère, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick!
Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter for the best results. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works as a substitute, but the flavor may vary.
How Do I Ensure My Scones Are Flaky and Tender?
Creating flaky scones is all about how you handle the butter and the dough. Here are some simple tips:
- Keep the butter cold! This helps create pockets of steam that make for a flaky texture.
- When mixing the butter into the flour, aim for coarse crumbs – pea-sized pieces are perfect.
- Be gentle when mixing and kneading the dough. Overworking it can lead to tough scones.
- After cutting out the scones, handle the scraps gently so they retain some flakiness!
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect scone texture every time!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter, active and bubbly (unfed)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or paprika for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep and 15-18 minutes of baking time. Just a little bit of time for delicious, homemade scones that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the scones don’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional black pepper or paprika if you like a little kick.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
4. Add in the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture evenly.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough starter with the buttermilk until they are well combined.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make them tough! If the dough is overly sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash of buttermilk.
7. Knead Your Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough just 3-4 times until it comes together. Be gentle to maintain that fluffy texture!
8. Shape the Dough:
Pat the dough into a round disk, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, ensuring an even shape for baking.
9. Cut Out Scones:
Using a floured biscuit cutter or glass (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out your scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
10. Brush with Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and lightly brush the tops of the scones for a lovely golden finish when they bake.
11. Bake the Scones:
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Dig into these warm sourdough cheese scones with a pat of butter, some jam, or savory toppings like ham or tomato. Enjoy! 🧀❤️
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can substitute it with your favorite cheese. Try Gruyère, feta, or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and you’ll have a suitable replacement!
Can I Freeze the Scones?
Yes, you can freeze the scones! After cutting them out, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time when desired!
How Can I Make the Scones More Flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, add fresh herbs like chives or dill, or spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for a delicious twist!
