Description
These Cheddar Scones with Spiced Honey Butter are a perfect savory treat with a hint of sweetness and spice. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these scones combine sharp cheddar cheese with a touch of black pepper, baked to golden perfection. Paired with a rich spiced honey butter, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
For the Spiced Honey Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper evenly to combine.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a crumbly texture.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the flour and butter mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and egg to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle and then cut it into wedges or use a round cutter to create individual scones.
- Bake Scones: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare Spiced Honey Butter: While the scones bake, mix the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm alongside the spiced honey butter for spreading.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep your scones tender and flaky.
- Cold butter is essential for flaky scones, so keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- The cayenne pepper in the honey butter is optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with other flavorful cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack.
- For best texture, serve scones warm with the spiced honey butter freshly made.
