Delicious and Easy Scottish Cheddar Scones Recipe
As you sit down for a traditional British afternoon tea, you’ll likely find a variety of sweet and savory treats to enjoy. From delicate finger sandwiches to dainty pastries, the options seem endless. But one item that simply cannot be overlooked is the humble scone. When done right, a perfectly fluffy scone can be the highlight of your tea time experience. And I am thrilled to share with you my take on an all-time classic: Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones.
Picture it now: savory scones studded with tangy cheddar cheese and freshly chopped spring onions, baked to perfection until golden brown. The scent alone will have your mouth watering in anticipation. Smothered in creamy clotted cream or a dollop of homemade jam, these scones are the perfect addition to any tea time spread.
But let me tell you, not all scones are created equal. Dry, crumbly texture? No thank you. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this recipe so that you can enjoy the best-ever cheese scones that are moist and tender with a flavorful kick from mustard powder and cayenne pepper. Trust me when I say, these scones will be a crowd pleaser at your next afternoon tea or any other occasion – whether sweet or savory.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking! These Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones are easy to make but require attention to detail. With a few simple ingredients and tips, your results will be nothing short of sublime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! If you are searching for a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy and your kitchen smell like heaven, then look no further. I present to you the Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones Recipe!
This recipe is perfect for all cheese-lovers out there who crave the perfect afternoon tea snacks. The scones are buttery and flaky with a crispy exterior, but still fluffy and moist on the inside. The tanginess of Scottish cheddar cheese perfectly pairs with the fresh taste of spring onions, creating an irresistible harmony that will leave you wanting more.
Trust me, folks; these scones will quickly become your go-to recipe once you try them. Whether you have unexpected guests coming over, or you just feel like treating yourself to something delicious, these scones are always a perfect choice.
So what are you waiting for? Get your aprons on, grab those ingredients listed in section three, and head to the kitchen to bake the most scrumptious scones ever!
Ingredient List
Before we start preparing our Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones, we need to make sure that we have all the ingredients ready. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/ gas 6 before you start baking. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 350g self-raising flour
- a good pinch of salt
- a good pinch of mustard powder
- a pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g unsalted butter, cubed at room temperature, plus a little extra for greasing
- 100g grated Scottish cheddar cheese
- 3 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
- 1 large egg, plus 1 extra beaten egg for glazing
- 150ml buttermilk or plain yogurt
Make sure that you’ve taken all the ingredients out of your fridge and they’ve reached room temperature for the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Before we start mixing and baking, we need to prepare our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient List:
- 2 cups of self-raising flour
- A pinch of mustard powder and cayenne pepper
- 3.5 oz (100 g) grated Scottish cheddar cheese
- 3 fresh spring onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup (125g) cold unsalted butter, diced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp of buttermilk or plain yogurt
Now, let’s start making our delicious cheese and spring onion tea-time scones.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Sift the dry ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and finely chopped spring onions. Then add the diced butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients
Lightly whisk together the eggs and buttermilk/plain yogurt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Combine both mixtures
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the egg mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until it forms a sticky dough.
Step 5: Shape the dough
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it becomes smooth. Form it into a disc about an inch thick.
Step 6: Cut and shaped scones
Cut out six to eight circles using a floured cookie cutter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Brush the tops of each scone lightly with some milk or beaten egg, and bake for 12-15 minutes until set and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool down
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool down.
Now your Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones are ready to be served alongside a cup of tea. It’s best eaten fresh and warm with some butter, clotted cream or even jam.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with this recipe, allow me to share some substitutions and variations that work well with these Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time scones.
First, let’s discuss the ingredients. While buttermilk and plain yogurt are great options for this recipe, you can also substitute them with sour cream or crème fraîche for a tangier taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap out the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
For the cheese, Scottish Cheddar is the star of this recipe. However, feel free to try other types of cheddar cheese or even experiment with other types of hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Gouda.
If you don’t have mustard powder or cayenne pepper in your pantry, no worries. You can omit them altogether or replace the mustard powder with Dijon mustard and the cayenne pepper with paprika for a milder flavor.
In terms of variations, there are endless possibilities. Try adding chopped cooked bacon bits to the dough to create Bacon and Cheddar scones. Or add finely chopped green onions instead of spring onions to create Green Onion and Cheese scones.
Feeling creative? Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for Herb Scones that perfectly complement savory soups and stews. If you have a sweet tooth, try adding cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a dessert scone variation.
Of course, there are endless possibilities when it comes to scone recipes, but these variations will surely inspire you to create your own unique flavors that satisfy your cravings.
Serving and Pairing
These Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones are a classic item to serve as part of an afternoon tea spread. They are savory, fluffy, and have a slight kick from the cayenne pepper that will leave your taste buds tingling.
When serving these delectable scones, I recommend pairing them with some freshly brewed black tea or a glass of chilled white wine. You can also add a dollop of clotted cream and some homemade jams or chutneys for additional flavor and texture.
These scones are also a fantastic accompaniment to savory dishes like soups, stews or salads. They make for a great light lunch or snack when paired with some crispy bacon or slices of green apple.
For those with a sweet tooth, try pairing these scones with some dessert recipes like fruit tartlets, lemon bars or chocolate truffles. The combination of the buttery scones and sweet desserts makes for a delightful treat that is sure to impress your guests.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these savory Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones will surely add an extra touch of sophistication and comfort to any dining occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, folks. I know that sometimes we just need a quick fix to snack on, especially in the afternoon tea time when hunger strikes. That’s why I’m going to let you in on a little secret for these Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones recipe – you can make them ahead!
Yes, you read that right. You can prepare these delectable scones in advance to enjoy whenever you feel like eating them. Just follow the instructions until the point where you would normally place them in the oven. Then, instead of baking them straight away, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When it’s time to bake them, simply take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, pop those bad boys into the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown on top and smelling deliciously cheesy.
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which may be unlikely once you’ve tasted these scones!), they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast them gently until warm or place them back into the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Believe me, these scones are so good that you won’t have any trouble gobbling them all up before they even get a chance to cool down. But just in case – now you know how to store and reheat them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that we’ve covered the basics of making Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones, let’s dive into some tips to ensure perfect results every time!
First and foremost, make sure to handle the dough gently. Overworking it can result in tough and dense scones. Remember to mix until just combined and knead just enough to bring the dough together.
Another tip is to use cold ingredients, including the butter and buttermilk or plain yogurt. This helps create pockets of steam within the dough which will result in a light and fluffy texture.
It’s important to preheat your oven before baking the scones. This ensures that they cook evenly and rise properly. Use the middle rack for even heat distribution.
To prevent the scones from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly dust it with flour before placing them on top. This will create a barrier between the scones and the tray to prevent sticking.
For an extra cheesy kick, try adding a bit more cheddar cheese to the dough than what is called for in the recipe. Don’t worry, there is no such thing as too much cheese when it comes to these scones!
Finally, resist the temptation to open the oven door frequently while baking as this can cause fluctuations in temperature. Keep a watchful eye on them through the oven door and remove them once they are golden brown on top.
With these tips in mind, your Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones are sure to come out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones Recipe article, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that might pop up in your mind while preparing or serving these scones. Here are detailed answers to common queries on this delicious cheesy tea-time treat.
What is the secret to moist scones?
Achieving moist scones can be an easy task, as including more milk in the recipe or utilizing buttermilk can help achieve the desired texture.
How do the Scottish eat their scones?
Scones are a versatile and popular snack in Scotland, enjoyed throughout the day with different meals or drinks. While the English tend to have scones only during teatime, Scots have them anytime – with coffee in the morning or even with a glass of wine in the evening. Scones are a beloved part of Scottish cuisine, enjoyed with various accompaniments depending on the time of day.
What does cream of tartar do in scones?
Cream of tartar serves as a multi-purpose ingredient in cooking and baking by providing stability to whipped egg whites, preventing sugar from forming crystals, and acting as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise.
How to make Queen Elizabeth scones?
For our British recipe, we will be using a combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder. The flour will give our dish the necessary texture while the baking powder will aid in leavening. We will also be requiring cold unsalted butter, which we will cut into small pieces, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and sultanas or golden raisins if preferred. With these ingredients, we can create a delicious and classic British dish.
Bottom Line
I hope this Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones Recipe has won your heart and stomach! It’s simple yet sophisticated, perfect for any occasion. The quality of the ingredients will make all the difference, so choose the best Scottish cheddar cheese, fresh spring onions and buttermilk you can find. Trust me, it’s worth it.
To get that moist and crumbly texture that makes these scones irresistible, follow the recipe steps as written and use your intuition to adjust if necessary. You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and reheat them in a snap. They go well with any kind of tea or coffee, but especially with some clotted cream and strawberry jam.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am confident that this recipe will become one of your favorites. Savor every bite and share it with your loved ones. And remember, cooking is not just about feeding our bodies, but also about nourishing our souls with joy, comfort, and togetherness. Happy baking!
Scottish Cheddar Cheese and Spring Onion Tea-Time Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 225 g self-raising flour
- good pinch mustard powder or cayenne pepper
- 100 g butter
- 200 g cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
- 2 small eggs or 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 -4 tablespoons buttermilk or 2 -4 tablespoons plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to Gas Mark 6, 400F or 200C Grease or butter a large baking/cookie tray.
- Sift flour and mustard powder, or cayenne pepper, into a bowl. Rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add just over three-quarters of the cheese and the chopped spring onion, and mix well. Stir in the eggs and yogurt; I have suggested between 2 and 4 tablespoons of yoghut, add it a tablespoon at a time to get the right consistency. The dough will be very soft. Knead very lightly on a WELL floured surface.
- Pat out dough to about 2.5cm (1in) deep and cut out about 5 scones. Knead the trimmings and pat out, then cut out another 2-3 scones. Put the scones on the baking sheet and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese, and more cayenne, if you like.
- Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown and risen. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Best served warm with butter and a sliver of cheese, or spread with cream cheese and ham.
- Tip: Use a larger cutter to make bigger scones, then serve them with spinach and a poached egg on top. Bake them for slightly longer.
- To freeze: cool and pack in polybag. Seal, label and freeze. Use within 2 months. Thaw at room temperature. Warm through in the oven for serving.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.