These sharp cheddar and chive sourdough scones are a tasty treat! With cheesy goodness and a hint of onion flavor from the chives, they’re perfect for snacks or breakfast.
Making these scones is a breeze! I love serving them warm with butter or having them alongside soup. They’re always a hit, and I can’t resist snatching one straight from the oven! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these scones a great texture. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but the scones might be a bit denser.
Sourdough Starter: You can use either active or discard sourdough starter. If you don’t have any, plain yogurt or buttermilk work as good alternatives to keep the tangy flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. Try using other cheeses like Gruyère or even pepper jack for a kick. Just remember, milder cheese will change the overall taste.
Chives: Fresh chives add a lovely oniony taste. If chives aren’t available, green onions or even dried herbs will work in a pinch.
Buttermilk: If you run out of buttermilk, mix equal parts milk and plain yogurt or add a splash of lemon juice to milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
How Do I Achieve Flaky Scones?
To get that perfect flaky texture in scones, the key is handling the dough gently. Here’s how:
- Keep your butter cold. It helps create pockets of steam when baking, which leads to fluffiness.
- Use a light touch when mixing. Over-mixing can toughen the dough, so only mix until you don’t see dry flour.
- Pat the dough gently into shape instead of rolling it out with a rolling pin. This also keeps the layers intact.
- Chill the cut scones before baking for about 15 minutes; it helps them rise better in the oven.
With these steps, you’ll have tender, flaky scones every time! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
How to Make Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sourdough starter (discard or active)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large egg (optional, for egg wash)
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 22 minutes for baking, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures everything is well mixed and evenly distributed.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for flaky scones!
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Next, stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives. Mix them evenly into the flour mixture so you get that cheesy goodness in every bite.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the sourdough starter and buttermilk. Then pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
6. Bring the Dough Together:
Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until everything is just combined. The dough should feel a little sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add more buttermilk gradually until you get the right consistency.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it all together. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
8. Cut into Wedges:
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 6 to 8 equal triangular wedges. This way, you’ll have perfect portions for baking!
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the wedges onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are slightly spaced apart. This gives them room to rise.
10. Add an Egg Wash (Optional):
If you want that beautiful golden finish, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each scone before baking.
11. Bake:
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best served warm, perfect for a snack or breakfast alongside your favorite spread or soup!
Enjoy these delicious scones and share them with friends or family for a delightful treat!
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a delicious flavor, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just keep in mind that milder cheeses will change the overall taste.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use plain yogurt thinned with a little water to achieve a similar consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Dough Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting it into wedges for baking.
