If you are searching for a delightful snack that pairs the rich, sharp flavor of cheddar cheese with a tender, flaky crumb, this Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized scones boast a perfect balance of savory cheese and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, an afternoon tea, or a special gathering, they are sure to impress and quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the cold butter that creates that irresistible flakiness to the sharp cheddar that delivers bursts of cheesy goodness, these simple components work together harmoniously.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender crumb to the scones.
- 2 Tbsp baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully and become light and fluffy.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the cheese’s richness.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for extra lift and tenderness.
- 10 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed: Key to creating that flaky, buttery texture when cut into the dry ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, adding sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth yum.
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley: Adds a gentle, fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a hint of tang to enhance the flavor.
- 3 Tbsp water, divided: Used in the dough and for brushing the tops, helping with binding and browning.
- 1 egg: Provides richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
How to Make Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl, ensuring these dry ingredients are evenly combined before adding the wet components.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers. The goal is to achieve a coarse texture with pea-sized bits of butter throughout, which will create the signature flaky layers once baked.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and dried parsley until they’re evenly distributed. This step brings the savory, cheesy flavor front and center and adds a delightful herbal undertone with the parsley.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk along with 2 tablespoons of water and gently knead the mixture just until it comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain that tender, flaky texture your Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe is known for.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch square. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 2-inch squares, then further cut each square diagonally into triangles. This traditional shape offers the classic scone look with plenty of edges that turn beautifully golden and crispy.
Step 6: Prep for Baking
Arrange the triangles on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between each for expansion. Whisk together the egg and remaining tablespoon of water to create an egg wash, then brush it over the tops of the scones. This step ensures a gorgeous golden and shiny finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake the scones for about 25 minutes or until they’re stunningly golden and cooked through. The smell alone will have your kitchen feeling cozy and inviting.
How to Serve Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and reinforce those wonderful flavors. A touch of coarse sea salt can also give a pleasant crunch and enhance the savory notes.
Side Dishes
These scones pair brilliantly with creamy soups like tomato basil or butternut squash, alongside a fresh green salad, or even served with a slather of butter or a dollop of your favorite savory jam. The possibilities are mouthwatering and plentiful!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board alongside clusters of grapes, charcuterie, and olives for a beautiful appetizer spread. You could also serve them warm in mini baskets lined with linen napkins for that inviting, homemade feel at any gathering or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Mini Cheddar Scones freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months and are handy for last-minute snacks.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or leftover scones back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This reheating method restores their lovely crisp edges and soft, cheesy interior, making each bite just as delicious as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a classic sharpness, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even feta for varied flavors. Just be mindful of the salt content each brings.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
A simple homemade buttermilk substitute is to mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It provides the tangy acidity needed for tender scones.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results might vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with structure.
Is it better to use cold or softened butter for the scones?
Cold butter is essential in this recipe because as it melts during baking, it creates those wonderful flaky layers. Using softened butter will result in denser scones.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
They should be a lovely golden brown on top and bottom, and if you gently tap the center, it should feel firm. A toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean if they are fully baked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade baked treats, and this Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe has all the charm and flavor you want to share with friends and family. Each bite delivers warmth, cheesy goodness, and just the right texture to delight your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and experience how these little scones can brighten up any meal or snack time.
Print
Mini Cheddar Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 mini scones
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Cheddar Scones are a delightful savory treat perfect for gatherings or a flavorful snack. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and a tender buttermilk dough, they bake into golden, fluffy triangles with a buttery crust. Simple to prepare and perfect for pairing with your favorite soups or teas.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Fat and Cheese
- 10 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 Tbsp water, divided
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the scones bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda thoroughly to combine all leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cut in butter: Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential for flaky scones.
- Add cheese and herbs, then wet ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and dried parsley evenly. Pour in the buttermilk along with 2 tablespoons of water. Gently knead the dough just enough to bring it together; avoid overworking to keep the scones tender.
- Shape and cut dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch square. Use a knife to cut the dough into 2-inch squares, then cut each square diagonally to form triangles.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the scones on the lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the remaining 1 tablespoon of water, then brush this egg wash over the tops of each scone for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scones for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use cold butter to create flaky scones with a tender crumb.
- Do not over-knead the dough as it can make the scones dense and tough.
- Adjust baking time slightly for altitude or oven variations to prevent overbaking.
- Serve warm for best flavor, optionally with butter or jam.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese enhances the savory flavor; mild cheddar can be used for a subtler taste.
