Name: Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter very cold; ¾ cup (85 g) cheddar cheese shredded; ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; ¼ cup (28 g) cheddar cheese shredded

There’s something utterly comforting about a fresh batch of flaky, buttery scones—especially when you add sharp cheddar cheese into the mix. This Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe is your new go-to for a savory snack or a satisfying start to your day.

Eight golden brown scones arranged in two columns on a baking tray lined with brown parchment paper. Each scone has a rough triangular shape and a crisp, flaky texture with spots of melted cheese on top, giving a slightly shiny and inviting look. The edges are uneven and slightly browned, highlighting their freshly baked nature. The baking tray shows signs of use, with a metallic rim and a gridded section visible underneath the parchment paper. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these scones on a lazy weekend morning, and the warm, cheesy aroma filling my kitchen convinced me to make them again and again. They’re simple, quick, and the perfect balance of fluffy and cheesy—just what you want from a savory scone.

Quick Prep: You can whip these up in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Flaky Texture: The folding technique creates delicate layers that melt in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy stuff—just pantry basics and good-quality cheddar.
Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, teatime, or a savory nibble anytime you crave.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These scones are made from straightforward ingredients you probably already have at home. Choosing a sharp cheddar adds that wonderful tangy kick that makes these scones so irresistible.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, several cold unsalted butter chunks with clean cut edges, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding heavy cream, another small white ceramic bowl with heavy cream for topping, and a small white ceramic bowl containing extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The classic base for scones—provides structure without weighing them down.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Baking powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully and get that perfect tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Unsalted butter (very cold): Key for those flaky layers—cold butter creates steam pockets during baking.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar is the star here, adding bold flavor and gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Heavy cream: Keeps the dough rich and tender, and helps everything bind together smoothly.
Additional heavy cream and cheddar for topping: A creamy brush and extra cheese on top give a lovely golden crust and cheesier bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe is how easily it can be customized to match your taste buds or the occasion. Whether you want to add a little extra flavor, make them milder, or even give them a seasonal twist, these scones are super adaptable!

Garlic and Herb Twist: I love adding about ¾ teaspoon of dried garlic powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle, savory kick. Dried chives blend beautifully, too, giving the scones a lovely fragrance and extra depth.
Vegetarian-Friendly Boost: Feeling fancy? Swap cheddar for a mix of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a smokier flavor that’s still totally vegetarian and delicious.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter option, try swapping half the heavy cream with buttermilk. It adds a gentle tang while keeping the scones flaky and moist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dry mix for a warm, subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a scone on a white plate with a blue floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The scone is cut into two halves, revealing its soft and crumbly light golden inside, with a slightly rough texture. Behind the split scone is a whole scone with a golden-brown crust that has a slightly shiny, textured top. To the side, there is a wooden knife with a dollop of creamy butter on it, adding a smooth, pale yellow contrast to the scene. Small crumbs are scattered around the scones, enhancing the fresh, homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, get your oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your scones bake evenly and come off the sheet without sticking—exactly how you want them!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Into your food processor, add 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon each of granulated sugar and baking powder, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Give everything a few quick pulses to evenly combine the dry ingredients. This creates the perfect base for your scones.

Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter

Cut 6 tablespoons (85 g) of really cold unsalted butter into tablespoon-sized pieces. Scatter them over the flour mixture in your processor, then pulse in short 1-second bursts. You want to still see pea-sized chunks of butter mixed in—this is key for achieving those flaky, tender layers.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Drizzle ¾ cup (180 ml) of heavy cream over the mixture and pulse again in 1-second intervals until fully combined. Then, sprinkle ¾ cup (85 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top and pulse just until the dough starts to cling together.

Step 5: Gentle Folding for Flaky Layers

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and handle it as gently as possible. First, shape it into a ball, then flatten into a disk roughly 1 inch thick. Fold the dough in half, press gently to flatten, rotate it 90 degrees, and fold again. Repeat this folding process five times to create delicate, buttery layers without overworking the dough. This step is your ticket to those perfectly flaky scones!

Step 6: Cut and Arrange the Scones

Shape the dough into a smooth, 1-inch-thick disk. Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 8 equal wedges, pressing straight down with each cut to avoid squashing the dough. Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scone—they’ll puff up as they bake.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the tops of each scone lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup (28 g) of shredded cheddar cheese. This topping adds a golden, cheesy crust that’s just irresistible once baked.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet in the hot oven and bake for 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the edges just turn a gorgeous golden brown—that’s your cue that they’re perfectly cooked through. The scent of baked cheddar filling your kitchen is one of life’s simple joys!

Step 9: Cool Slightly and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then serve them warm or at room temperature, ideally with a pat of butter, clotted cream, or your favorite savory spread. These cheddar cheese scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a couple of days—just reheat them gently before serving.

Top Tip

Mastering these cheddar cheese scones comes down to a few key little tricks that ensure perfect flakiness and rich flavor every single time.

Keep Ingredients Cold: I always keep my butter and heavy cream chilled right up until mixing. This cold helps create those beautiful flaky layers the scones are known for.
Gentle Folding: Instead of kneading, folding the dough 5 times creates delicate layers without overworking it—something I learned after too many tough scones in the past.
Sharp Cutting: Using a sharp knife and pressing straight down prevents the edges from crumbling and keeps the scone shape neat and tidy.
Don’t Overhandle: I avoid squishing or warming the dough with my hands. Handling it as little as possible keeps the texture light and flaky instead of dense.

How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

A basket lined with a black and white checkered cloth holds several golden brown scones that have a layered, flaky texture with slightly crispy edges and melted cheese spots on top. One scone is separated and standing on its side in the basket, showing its soft, light inside. The basket is on a wooden board with a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese nearby, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are two wooden pepper mills and part of a baking tray with more scones. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These scones are scrumptious on their own, but you can elevate them with fresh toppings like a pat of herb butter, a dollop of tangy crème fraîche, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or cracked black pepper. For a richer touch, a smear of spicy tomato chutney or a dab of whole-grain mustard pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar.

Side Dishes

Cheddar cheese scones shine alongside classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon. For a savory teatime, serve them with a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a platter of cold cuts and pickles for light lunch or snack options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any scones left after your first round (rare, I know!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, ready for quick snacking or breakfast the next day.

Freezing

To freeze cheddar cheese scones, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Warm your scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and just crisp on the outside. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for convenience, but be mindful the texture is best when warmed gently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives these scones their classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked cheese for a different twist. Just be mindful of saltiness and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No worries! You can make the dough by hand using a box grater for the cold butter, mixing with the dry ingredients, cheese, and then adding cream. Just be careful not to overwork the dough and consider chilling it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Can I add herbs or spices to the scones?

Definitely! Adding dried garlic powder, chives, or even a little paprika can boost flavor wonderfully. For instance, ¾ teaspoon dried garlic powder mixed with the dry ingredients makes delicious garlic cheddar scones.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

Your scones are perfectly baked when they’ve turned a lovely golden brown around the edges—usually about 12 minutes at 425°F (220°C). They should feel firm to the touch but still soft inside.

Final Thoughts

These cheddar cheese scones are one of those comforting, easy-to-make treats that bring joy with every flaky bite. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack with tea, they never fail to impress. I hope as you bake your batch, you find the same warmth and satisfaction I do every time they come out of the oven golden and cheesy. Happy baking!