These sourdough cheese scones are warm, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack! With a rich cheese flavor and a slight tang from the sourdough, they are sure to please everyone.
Making these scones is super easy! I love them fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter—that melty goodness is hard to resist. Give them a try, and your kitchen will smell amazing! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: You can use either fed or discard sourdough starter. If you don’t have sourdough, try substituting with plain yogurt or an equal part of sour cream to add some tang. I occasionally mix in a bit of Greek yogurt for added richness!
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you want a healthier option, you can replace part of it with whole wheat flour. Just remember it may make the scones a bit denser, which I don’t mind!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up. Pepper jack or gouda work well too! I love using a blend of cheeses for that extra melt and flavor.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can blend regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using. This works in a pinch and will keep your scones tender!
What’s the Best Way to Cut Out Scones Neatly?
Cutting scones can be tricky, but a few tips can help you achieve clean cuts. Start with a floured surface to prevent sticking. Use a sharp biscuit cutter or glass and press down firmly without twisting. Twisting makes it harder for the dough to rise evenly.
- Pat your dough about 1 inch thick for best results.
- Cut straight down and lift the cutter up quickly instead of twisting.
- Gently gather scraps and reshape without overworking the dough to keep them tender.
This technique ensures they rise beautifully and gives you those fluffy, golden scones everyone loves!
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (fed or discard, active or at room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, plus extra for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the dough and another 12-15 minutes to bake the scones. In total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or accompaniment to your breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, take your whisk and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional black pepper. This will help the scones rise and ensure even flavor throughout!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to your flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix them in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with little bits of butter still visible. This adds flakiness to your scones. Yum!
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle in the grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir it gently so that it’s well blended into the flour-butter mixture.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough starter with the buttermilk. You want it to be fully blended—that tangy flavor is what makes these scones special!
6. Bring It Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a nice soft dough!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it down into a square or rectangle that’s about 1 inch thick, which will help in cutting out nice scones.
8. Cut Out the Scones:
Using a floured biscuit cutter or a glass (about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter), cut out the scones. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, and gather any scraps to reshape and cut until you’ve used all the dough.
9. Brush with Buttermilk:
For that golden finish, brush the tops of the scones with a little extra buttermilk. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven!
10. Bake to Perfection:
Stick the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
12. Enjoy!
Serve your warm scones with a pat of butter or your favorite spread. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, and you might want to have seconds because they’re just that good!
Enjoy your warm, tangy, cheesy sourdough scones! 🌟🧀
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can use any cheese you like. Try gouda, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for an extra flavor kick!
Can I Freeze the Scones?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones! Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fluffiness!
